Shea Backus is a shareholder with Backus | Burden.
Ms. Backus was born and raised in Las Vegas and graduated from Clark High School as a distinguished scholar. She attended the University of California, San Diego where she received her degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Management Science. She received Provost Honors and actively participated as a leader in her sorority Delta Delta Delta and Panhellenic.
Ms. Backus received her Juris Doctor from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University where she was awarded High Pro Bono Distinction and the Dean’s Award. Ms. Backus was a William Pedrick Scholar and an intern for the Department of Justice, Office of Tribal Justice. In addition, she was recognized for receiving the highest grade in Environmental Law and Indian Gaming. Ms. Backus received a Certificate in Indian Law from Arizona State University for successful completion of over 21 hours of course studies focusing on Indian law, writing a substantial paper titled, “The Legal Boundary Between Class II and Class III Gaming in Indian Country,” and completing work experience with a federal agency practicing Indian law.
Ms. Backus represents individuals and business entities in a variety of areas, including both transactional and litigation. Ms. Backus enjoys discussing hot legal issues and has participated as a speaker for the National Business Institute on Construction Defect Litigation: From A to Z, “Ethical Considerations,” and Building Your Civil Trial Skills, “The Mechanics of Nevada Civil Procedure” and “How to Handle Post-Trial Issues.” Ms. Backus has also presented for Lorman Education Services on “Indemnity Issues Between Contracting Parties” in the construction industry.
Ms. Backus was admitted to the State Bar of Nevada in 2003. Ms. Backus is admitted to practice before all Nevada state courts and the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. Ms. Backus has also had the privilege to appear in matters before the tribal courts of Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Moapa River Indian Reservation, and Las Vegas Paiute Indian Reservation. As part of Ms. Backus’ experience, she has had the opportunity to participate in the following reported cases: Rolf Jensen & Associates v. Eighth Judicial Dist. Ct., 128 Nev. Adv. Op. 42, 282 P.3d 743 (Aug. 9, 2012); and Halcrow, Inc. v. Eighth Judicial Dist. Ct., 129 Nev. Adv. Op. 42, 302 P.3d 1148 (June 27, 2013).
Ms. Backus made history by serving in the first female majority state legislature as Assemblywoman for District 37.
Ms. Backus has been recognized for serving foster children in abuse and neglect cases by the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada for contributing more than 100 hours of her time. Ms. Backus has also been recognized by Mountain West Super Lawyers as a Rising Star from 2009 through 2013 and by Nevada Business Magazine as a Legal Elite for 2013.
