Charles L. Finlayson

Charlie, a partner at Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers, focuses on appellate law. His legal journey began as a staff attorney in the criminal division of the Supreme Court of Nevada, where he handled appeals and writ petitions in death penalty cases. After seven years, he transitioned to the Office of the Nevada Attorney General, defending numerous criminal convictions across federal and state courts.

At Claggett & Sykes, Charlie has worked on pivotal cases involving sexual assault, gun violence, and racial discrimination in jury selection. He's argued cases in the Nevada Supreme Court, Arizona Supreme Court, federal district court, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Chief Justice James W. Hardesty has described Charlie as “one of the most skilled legal writers in the appellate system” and said that “Charlie’s passion for the law, thoughtful and caring demeanor, and civility in all his affairs make him a model for the legal profession.”

Beyond his casework, Charlie served on the Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure Commission, where he worked with Nevada’s top appellate attorneys to revise Nevada’s appellate rules. Additionally, he holds the role of Vice Chair at Nevada Lawyer magazine, overseeing the summary of appellate court decisions for the state bar. In 2024, Charlie was nominated to the board of Northern Nevada Legal Aid.

In his personal life, Charlie finds joy in tending to his Reno hobby farm with his partner, where they care for ducks, chickens, turkeys, goats, and bees. He eagerly anticipates expanding the farm and venturing into mead brewing next year.