When this award-winning criminal attorney isn’t working tirelessly for his clients, you can find him volunteering at the El Dorado County Teen Court Program or skydiving with his wife and friends. Since Adam Spicer moved to South Lake Tahoe to open his own practice in 2011, he has been an important asset to the community.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Adam Spicer!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
I started my own practice Jan 1, 2011 and have been here in SLT practicing criminal law in CA and NV ever since. I handle all matters from simple traffic tickets to DUIs and all the way to serious felonies. Although I do have administrative help in my office, I handle all legal work on every case in my office. That means I go through the evidence, share it with my clients, perform investigations, write motions, and go to court for all hearings in a case.
More on http://adamspicerlaw.com/biography/
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Well, it was over a year ago, but I moved into a new office in November 2017. Bill Cherry retired and I moved into that building, which has been a law office here in SLT since the 1980s. Together with Lacey Van Etten, we remodeled the office and hired an assistant.
Last year I did win Best of Tahoe in the first year that there has been an attorney category and I was quite proud of that.
Winning trials goes to my competitive spirit, and I have had a few wins in the last year. But anytime I get a good outcome for a client I am happy. Compliments and positive feedback from law enforcement are always nice to hear as well.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
I know this sounds cheesy, but just try to be more positive. I see so much negativity in my day to day and I have to try not to let that get me down. I also can’t let the outcome of one case affect me in any other case.
Who is your role model?
As far as legal role models, I learned a lot from Omar Figueroa when I was in law school and as a new lawyer. He taught me a lot about running a private law practice and about criminal defense practice in general.
Returning to the previous question, I admire my wife Erin and her ability to always remain happy and positive. I really do look up to that and strive to have the same attitude and outlook.
Last, I admire anyone here in Tahoe doing what they love and making it in this beautiful place we call home.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
My wife Erin and I have always loved coming to Tahoe for skiing and the mountains. I thought this community was the perfect place and perfect size for me to start a business and I was right. I am so glad that we chose to come here, and like the saying goes, we came for the winters and we stayed for the summers.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I have been a volunteer mentor attorney with the El Dorado County Teen Court Program. This program works to get through real juvenile cases out of South Lake Tahoe High School with students filling each role in the courtroom including the attorney roles. I also serve as a trustee for the El Dorado County Law Library.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Skydive. (That was an easy question to answer) I started skydiving when I was in law school and now have about 1700 jumps. In addition to the fun jumps I make with my wife and friends, I work on the weekends as a tandem skydiving instructor and take people on tandem skydives at Skydive Truckee Tahoe and Skydance Skydiving in Davis, CA. I also serve in the volunteer position of Safety & Training Advisor at Skydive Truckee Tahoe.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds
Erin and I are often on the west shore beaches and Fallen Leaf lake with our dog (and office mascot) Devin. If we have time, we love to paddle board and road cycle around the south and west shore.
In terms of our favorite places to eat and hang around town, we can be found at the Bistro at Edgewood, Off the Hook, The Loft, The Lakehouse, and Aleworx.
Do you know a deserving young professional? Nominate them here.