George F. Ogilvie III earned his J.D. from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1988. He has over three decades of leadership in his law firm, prestigious awards, handling complex construction litigation cases, and a strong commitment to public service.

As the Firm Managing Partner of McDonald Carano LLP, George leads a Nevada law firm with offices in Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City, serving clients across Nevada and beyond. Under his leadership, McDonald Carano has remained a prominent independent firm, successfully navigating market pressures. In 2023, the firm received the “Battle Born” award at the Nevada Business Awards, and in 2024, it will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. George is one of only four Managing Partners in the firm’s history.

George F. Ogilvie III, is the managing partner of McDonald Carano LLP.

After joining the Clark County Public Defender’s Office in 1988 and handling high-profile capital murder cases, George joined McDonald Carano in 1992. He was promoted to Partner and Managing Partner of the Las Vegas office in 1994 and elected the Firm’s Managing Partner in 2019. He continues to serve in these executive roles, demonstrating strong leadership.

McDonald Carano has received notable awards under George’s leadership, including the “Partner in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” medallion from the State Bar of Nevada in 2023 and first-place recognitions in “Best Law Firm” and “Most Philanthropic Company” in the Best in Business Awards in 2023 and 2024.

George is highly ranked in Construction Litigation by Chambers USA, maintaining a Band 1 ranking for 12 consecutive years. His accolades include three “Lawyer of the Year” awards from The Best Lawyers in America and recognition in Vegas Inc. magazine and Mountain States Super Lawyers.

His legal expertise is evidenced by his successful handling of high-profile cases such as Project CityCenter, Planet Hollywood Towers, and the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility. He is a Charter Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America.

George has also demonstrated a strong commitment to public service. He served as Chairman of the Colorado River Commission from 2009 to 2016 and is involved in several judicial and community service roles. His volunteer work includes serving on Eighth Judicial District Court committees, the Government Affairs Committee of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the Nevada Museum of Art’s Board of Trustees. He has also supported pro bono legal work and financial support for the Public Interest Law Association at UNLV Boyd School of Law.


Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law will celebrate members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni.   

Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary.