Michael Gianelloni, the assistant director of the academic success program at UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law, provides assistance with academic and bar exam matters such as reviewing papers, drafting outlines, and writing practice exams. Additionally, he presents workshops on topics critical to law school and bar exam success.
Why UNLV?
I chose to work at UNLV because I really do love this place. I had a very positive experience here as a student (’12 JD). I feel honored to be able to contribute to the development and success of current and future students.
You previously worked at a local law firm where you were known as “the writing guy.” What’s the story behind the nickname?
I have always loved writing. Through years of study and practice, putting pen to paper has never gotten any easier, but it has always maintained the same rewarding feeling of accomplishment. Believing a future as an English professor would suit me perfectly, I received a master of arts degree in English from the University of Maryland-College Park. But I was unhappy with English as a profession because I felt I needed a more concrete application to my writing and analytical skills. Instead of pursuing a Ph.D. in English, I decided to pursue law and graduated from the William S. Boyd School of Law here at UNLV in 2012.
Upon entering practice I was almost immediately given tasks that included a significant amount of motion writing. I performed well in those tasks, winning several hotly contested issues. I became known as the "writing guy," and over the next two years I helped in drafting pretrial motion work for nearly every case my firm took to the eve of trial.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in New Orleans. I lived in Memphis, Tennessee, and the D.C. area before moving to Las Vegas. I seem to be attracted to culturally unique cities.
What’s the biggest misconception about your field?
There are too many lawyers. The real issue is, there are not enough good lawyers.
What’s the biggest challenge in your field?
Our law students will make excellent lawyers. It is challenging to keep them attentive to their career and long-term plans when the daily stresses of law school dominate their attention.
What inspired you to get into your field?
Years ago as an undergraduate I had a professor who taught with such passion that one couldn't help but become interested and engaged. I thought of how lucky she was to have found such happiness in her work. I'm beginning to understand how she feels. Roslyn Foy, I'm talking about you.
You attended law school with your brother. What was that experience like?
Attending law school with my brother (Charles Gianelloni ’12 JD) was a terrific experience. My brother and I have very different opinions on most issues and we have different ways of thinking about and analyzing problems. We spent our mornings and evenings arguing the legal issues we learned about during the day. Through this we naturally practiced skills critical to good lawyering. We learned how to see multiple sides to an issue and how to best argue and defend positions. Who would have thought sibling rivalry could be so productive?
Proudest moment in your life?
Being sworn in as a member of the Nevada Bar. My mentor, Judge Susan Johnson, performed the ceremony for my brother and me at the same time. My father was there, looking proud of both his sons. I'll never forget that moment because it was such a special thing, and because I have it on video.
One tip for success?
Always show up.
If you could fix one thing in the world, what would it be?
Humankind's tendency to focus on short-term fixes rather than long-term resolutions.
What can’t you live without?
Audiobooks. I'm pretty sure I couldn't live without audiobooks. I read all day long and I find it difficult to come home after a long day and read for pleasure. I mostly listen to light fiction because it's impossible for me to adequately concentrate on history and serious fiction in audio format. If you're looking for gift ideas, get me Audible credits. My birthday is just around the corner.
Who is your hero?
A physicist named Richard Feynman. He was known for applying common sense to complex and difficult problems. For example, while on the commission to investigate the Challenger space shuttle disaster, he placed an o-ring in a glass of ice water to show that it can fail under cold conditions. Much of law and of teaching involves explaining complex thoughts in the simplest of terms. He was the best at this.
