Team
We operate in a zealous, thorough, strategic, ethical, accessible, and knowledgeable manner for all our clients. We’re local, and are actively involved in our local community, which nurtures the understanding of the unique needs of our clients.
Raji
Lawyer
With over 20 years of legal experience, Rajinder K. Rai-Nielsen is the Principal of her own law firm, where she and her team provide both litigation and mediation/alternative dispute resolution services.
Highly dedicated and conscientious, Raji values public service, community, and respect for the law. It’s why she pursued the study of law, earning scholarships along the way and finishing with honors from the McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific. Raji holds a Juris Doctorate with an Intellectual Property Certificate, and is currently pursuing a Certificate of Judicial Development in Dispute Resolution from the National Judicial College.
At 34, she was appointed to serve as an administrative law judge (ALJ) for the state of Nevada – the youngest ALJ to do so. Raji spent over ten years as an adjudicator, overseeing a caseload largely composed of worker’s compensation, and the experience she gained continues to serve her immeasurably today. Raji understands what an amazing responsibility it is to serve with humility and empathy, to make difficult decisions based on facts and applicable law. Today, it informs how she represents her clients.
Raji has in-depth knowledge and understanding of state procurement, teacher licensing, personnel, state contracts, and workers' compensation matters, as well as strong comprehension and management of discovery, evidence, and motion practice. Rajinder is passionate about resolving conflicts, protecting rights, and promoting justice, and is committed to applying their expertise and skills to serve the diverse needs and interests of their clients and the public.
Raji’s practice is primarily focused on workers’ compensation. She works selectively with TPAs/Insurers/Employers that focus in on good practices ensuring thorough and effective case management for all involved. I also handle some claimant work, on a case by case basis. We take pride in the quality of work we provide our clients and the integrity with which our team delivers.
Raji has served on either side of the bench, as both advocate and adjudicator. At her firm, with her incredibly qualified team, Raji takes that responsibility seriously. It’s why she emphasizes empathy and compassion as much as she does experience and expertise. It’s why her goal isn’t just to settle your case, but to work toward a solution that sets you up for long-term success.
Trust is an important part of a successful attorney-client relationship, and inevitably, it comes down to a leap of faith. For legal matters relating to workers’ compensation, mediation, family law, and business law or litigation, Raji and her team not only offer the deep experience and expertise required for success, but a level of compassion and empathy so often overlooked in this field.
Education & Experience
Nevada Department of Administration, Carson City, Nevada
Administrative Law Judge, April 2009 to September 2019
Nevada Secretary of State’s Office Carson City, Nevada
Election Law Attorney/Federal H.A.V.A Coordinator/Management Analyst
The Mann Law Firm San Jose, California
Associate Attorney
McGeorge School of Law
National Judicial College
Affiliations
State Bar of Nevada, admitted 2007
California State Bar Association, admitted 2002
Northern Nevada Women Lawyers Association, Board member 019/2020, ongoing membership
McGeorge Alumni Board of Directors, Board member 2019/2020, ongoing membership
Washoe County Bar Association, admitted 2020, ongoing
Awards & Honors
Professional & Community Activities
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Connie
Certified Paralegal
Connie Wharton has worked in Nevada law for over 35 years, and she has the credentials and résumé you’d expect from that sort of record. She specializes in worker’s compensation law, construction law, and general litigation. She’s a long-standing member of both the National Association of Legal Assistants and the Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals, and she holds a worker’s compensation license through the Department of Administration. As Raji’s paralegal, Connie taps into her extensive experience and expertise to assist with the preparation of evidence, hearing statements, litigation documents, and other case management duties.
When she’s not expertly preparing cases for hearing, you might find Connie on the green or in the river – she’s an avid golfer and fly fisherman. She also dabbles in watercolors and loves spending time with her sons and grandchildren.
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Sue
Legal Assistant
Sue Klino has spent over 40 years providing legal support services to attorneys in Reno. All of that time has been spent in small law firms, which gives her a deep understanding of the inner workings in law offices. She has direct experience in family law, juvenile law, criminal law, and worker’s compensation law.
At Raji’s firm, Sue serves in administrative, legal assistant, and bookkeeper capacities. In addition to running reception and basic office functions, she’s also involved with formulating and assisting on legal documents.
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Rick
Legal Assistant
Rick Bowen is a legal assistant at the firm specializing in workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. With an extensive background as an insurance adjuster and legal assistant in the Reno community spanning more than three decades, Rick has the benefit of both experience and perspective. He serves as a liaison between clients and insurance companies to keep claims moving forward. As Raji’s legal assistant, Rick also prepares settlement demands, tracks court hearings, and seamlessly handles an assortment of additional tasks as needed.
Outside of work, Rick channels his admirable attention to detail into hobbies like restoring and riding vintage motorcycles, competing in long-distance runs, and coaching track and field. If you’re lucky, you might also catch him playing guitar and singing in a classic rock ‘n’ roll band.
