Lifestyle

In Conversation with Legal Expert Aviva Gordon

Published

4 years ago

July 28, 2021

Gordon Law is one of the few boutique firms to practice business law for small-to-medium sized businesses and their owners in Las Vegas, and one of the only law firms of any size to deliver the right balance of personal attention, aggressive representation, and business expertise.

Beyond helping clients with litigation, guidance, planning, advocacy and other legal needs, Gordon Law helps clients anticipate problems before they occur, and solve small problems before they become big problems. We had a chance to interview Aviva Gordon and this is what she shared up with us.

Talk to us about your law practice. How did it all get started for you and what is the inspiration that drives you the most when it comes to helping small business owners be successful?

As a young lawyer, I learned that the area I could affect the most change was in helping businesses and their owners navigate the legal system to better protect and grow their business. My first mentors encouraged me to try all areas of law. I did a few divorces…I managed a few personal injury cases…but I really found my strength in business law. I am perpetually inspired by the innovation, imagination, drive and outright moxie of business owners. Anytime that I can nurture and encourage that, I will.

If you find one moment in your career that stood out the most to you, perhaps a trial or someone who walked into your office, without mentioning names of course, what would it be and why?

There are many such moments and experiences. However, one that stands out is a case that I litigated for a business in Henderson. I had filed a lawsuit on behalf of the current business owners in relation to a dispute with some of their former partners. The case was very strong, however, it would have taken years and hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorneys’ fees to litigate to conclusion. There was a settlement conference early in the process and we were able to settle it. Although there are many cases in which this occurs for me, this one was memorable in that I knew I stood to gain significantly personally and financially by discouraging the settlement, but it never even crossed my mind. Even though it would have meant years of attorneys’ fees coming my way, I encouraged the client to settle the case early so that the business could put the dispute behind it. The business has since grown exponentially.

What is one of the key milestones for you personally that you have achieved and why is that important to you?

There are so many of these. It may sound trite or cliche, but each time a business has benefited from my efforts is a key milestone for me. It’s a tremendous honor for me to earn and keep the trust of my clients — and I strive to do everything within my expertise and experience to represent them and their interests vigorously.

We notice you’re very involved in the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and also work hard to provide helpful workshops to business owners. What motivates you to give back? What do you hope to accomplish? What do you hope others take from your service?

I live in this community and have raised a family here. Giving back to ensure that our business community thrives; thereby ensuring all aspects of our community thrive, is my obligation as a good citizen. I have certain skills and talents as a lawyer and want to be able to contribute those to my community. I think the workshops are helpful for people considering becoming business owners or are new business owners. There are so many things that a new business needs and often owners don’t know what they don’t know. Helping them to form a strong foundation benefits them and our community as a whole.

Bonus Question:

When you’re not in full on attorney mode, what do you enjoy doing most? What makes you smile? What brings you joy?

I have an amazing husband and three fantastic children. Any moment I am not in attorney mode is dedicated to them. There are a few other things I do that fill my cup of joy up. I love hiking and taking in all of the natural beauty that Southern Nevada has to offer. I am an avid reader – typically fiction. I also find myself enjoying cooking for my family more and more.

Visit Gordon Law: http://gordonlawlv.com

Lifestyle

Why Derik Fay Is Becoming a Case Study in Long-Haul Entrepreneurship

Published

1 week ago

July 2, 2025

Michelle Langton

Entrepreneurship today is often framed in extremes — overnight exits or public flameouts. But a small cohort of operators is being studied for something far less viral: consistency. Among them, Derik Fay has quietly surfaced as a long-term figure whose name appears frequently across sectors, interviews, and editorial mentions — yet whose personal visibility remains relatively limited.

Fay’s career spans more than 20 years and includes work in private investment, business operations, and emerging entertainment ventures. Though many of his companies are not household names, the volume and duration of his activity have made him a subject of interest among business media outlets and founders who study entrepreneurial longevity over fame.

He was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1978, and while much of his early career remains undocumented publicly, recent profiles including recurring features in Forbes — have chronicled his current portfolio and leadership methods. These accounts often emphasize his pattern of working behind the scenes, embedding within businesses rather than leading from a distance. His style is often described by peers as “operational first, media last.”

Fay has also become recognizable for his consistency in leadership approach: focus on internal systems, low public profile, and long-term strategy over short-term visibility. At 46 years old, his posture in business remains one of longevity rather than disruption a contrast to many of the more heavily publicized entrepreneurs of the post-2010 era.

While Fay has never publicly confirmed his net worth, independent analysis based on documented real estate holdings, corporate exits, and investment activity suggests a conservative floor of $100 million, with several credible indicators placing the figure at well over $250 million. The exact number may remain private but the scale is increasingly difficult to overlook.

He is also involved in creative sectors, including film and media, and maintains a presence on social platforms, though not at the scale or tone of many personal-brand-driven CEOs. He lives with his long-term partner, Shandra Phillips, and is the father of two daughters — both occasionally referenced in interviews, though rarely centered.

While not an outspoken figure, Fay’s work continues to gain media attention. The reason may lie in the contrast he presents: in a climate of rapid rises and equally rapid burnout, his profile reflects something less dramatic but increasingly valuable — steadiness.

There are no viral speeches. No Twitter threads drawing blueprints. Just a track record that’s building its own momentum over time.

Whether that style becomes the norm for the next wave of founders is unknown. But it does offer something more enduring than buzz: a model of entrepreneurship where attention isn’t the currency — results are.