Steven M. Silva

Steve Silva focuses his practice on problem solving. He regularly practices in civil litigation in Nevada and California, including eminent domain and real estate litigation, with a heavy emphasis on appellate litigation, trial practice, governmental interface and law and motion. Steve has a strong alternative dispute resolution focus in disputed cases. He also provides advice and guidance to government entities, regulated entities and businesses.

Prior to entering private practice, Steve served as a Staff Attorney for the Supreme Court of the State of Nevada. He also was a Judicial Law Clerk for The Honorable Patrick Flanagan, Second Judicial District Court for the State of Nevada, Reno, Nevada. During law school, Steve was a Judicial Extern for The Honorable John A. Houston, United States District Court, Southern District of California, San Diego, California.

Experience

• Represented public entity in mediation and arbitration over valuation of exercise of purchase option of multiple-building campus where range of value was $167M to $305M.
• First chair as trial counsel in jury trial to acquire property for public improvement project.
• Assisted Southern California transportation agency in acquiring right of way with disputed severance damages resulting in a favorable settlement to the agency.
• Represented national retail corporation in negotiating revisions to road design to avoid significant impact to retail operations.
• Drafted successful petition for writ of mandamus to Nevada Supreme Court to determine number of properties at issues in an eminent domain action.
• Represented public entity in appellate court in action concerning public liability arising from the planning of a public improvement project.
• Represented utility company in contested transfer of abandoned facilities to underlying landowner.
• Served as general counsel for water company.

Publications

Blog Posts

Speaking Engagements

News

Community & Professional

State Bar of Nevada, Appellate Litigation Section Chair

State Bar of Nevada, Bench-Bar Committee Member

State Bar of Nevada, Member, Commission on Revisions to Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure

Reno Municipal Court, Judge Pro Tem

Reno Young Business Professionals, Member

Washoe County Bar Association, Member

Clark County Bar Association, Member

Truckee Meadows Community College, ABA Paralegal Program, Instructor of Property Law and Civil Procedure

Honors & Recognitions

International Municipal Lawyers Association, Amicus Award, 2023

Included in The Best Lawyers in America^© for Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate, 2023-2024

Included in The Best Lawyers in America^© for Appellate Practice, 2020-2024

Recognized as a Top Rank Attorney, Northern Nevada, Nevada Business Magazine, 2022 and 2023

Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Industry Focus - Real Estate - Land Use/Zoning, 2022

Recognized as one of the San Diego Top Lawyers, Real Estate, San Diego magazine, 2021

Recognized as Legal Elite, Northern Nevada, Nevada Business Magazine, 2014-2016, 2018, 2020-2021

Selected to the Top Up-and-Coming Attorneys, Northern Nevada, Nevada Business Magazine, 2018

Selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Star list in Mountain West States, 2017-2021

AV Preeminent^® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell