Jordan Flake is managing partner of Clear Counsel Law Group, which he founded with Jared Richards and Jonathan Barlow. The firm, which focuses on personal injury, probate, estate planning and bankruptcy, formed in 2013 when attorneys at Barlow Flake and Richards & Associates joined forces. For Flake, it was “a way to make a positive impact for my family and my community.”
Do you have any recent news you’d like to share?
Clear Counsel provides pro bono legal services to the retirement-aged community in Henderson and Las Vegas. We dedicate no fewer than six hours a month to drafting free estate planning documents through an alliance with Henderson’s Senior Center, and plan to develop additional programs at other senior centers throughout the valley.
How has your past experience as a marketer assisted you in your law career?
I have been a marketer, a teacher and a lawyer. The further I get along in my career, the more I realize that all of these roles require a high degree of communication and genuine concern for the people you hope to serve. All of these roles have helped me learn how to make persuasive, effective and often entertaining presentations on complex legal subjects.
What kind of culture exists at Clear Counsel?
We strive to create an environment of genuine concern for our clientele, for each other and for the community at large, while not compromising our high standards.
Describe your work ethic.
It is said that work without vision is drudgery. Although I consider myself a hard worker and I’m capable of completing my responsibilities, I also strive to focus on professional objectives that inspire me. I am inspired by the idea of a law firm that seeks to be a force for good in the world.
What has been your most exciting professional project?
Starting my own law firm, with my two partners, has been the most exciting professional endeavor of my life. We had to summon all of our skill, ambition and risk-tolerance to launch Clear Counsel, but we are grateful we did, because it allows us to make a positive impact.
What’s the biggest issue facing Southern Nevada?
Combatting the notion that we are merely an entertainment capital, that we are all transient and that we do not have pride in where we live. Southern Nevada can do a lot more to develop a strong sense of self-identity that will encourage long-term growth across a variety of industries to create a brighter future for everyone.
If you could change one thing about Southern Nevada, what would it be?
I would love for Southern Nevada to have a well-developed sense of self that exists independently of the gaming and entertainment sectors. Don’t get me wrong: I’m just as appreciative of those industries as anyone else; we wouldn’t be here without them. But I long for the day when someone says, “Oh, you’re from Southern Nevada? That’s cool. I know that area of the country has some seriously amazing biomedical research facilities.”
What are the challenges and rewards serving on Henderson’s Senior Citizens Advisory Council?
The main challenge is connecting seniors with the community resources which are available. There are a lot of good resources for seniors. Unfortunately, they often go unused. That’s not to say we shouldn’t do more—that’s definitely the other half. The reward of serving on the council is just the great fun of interacting with seniors. My grandparents passed away when I was much younger, so I didn’t really fully understand how wise, comedic, savvy and fun so many seniors are.
What is your dream job outside of your current field?
I was actually studying to be a fulltime teacher. I had started teaching when I took the law school admission test and got accepted to law school. I could not resist getting more education, but teaching is still a love of mine.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
I grew up near Missoula, Mont., and it still holds a special place for me. However, it is unlikely that I’ll leave Southern Nevada since building up Clear Counsel here.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Contention in the legal world. Just because, as attorneys, we take opposing positions in a given case, doesn’t mean we can’t get along and be friends.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would probably tell myself to take more business classes. Running a business while practicing law is one of the unexpected challenges of my career.
What is something people might not know about you?
I grew up on a ranch with horses and that I trained wild mustangs to earn money in high school.