Sandy Van

Sandy Van’s journey from a college manicurist to the founder of a successful personal injury law firm is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to justice. As the managing attorney of Van Law Firm, established in 2012, she has built a reputation for securing substantial settlements for victims of motor vehicle accidents, defective medical devices, dangerous drugs, institutional sexual abuse, water contamination, and slip-and-fall incidents across Las Vegas, Henderson, and Washington. Her firm stands out not only for its legal expertise but also for its compassionate approach, ensuring clients are treated with dignity and respect throughout their legal battles. Sandy’s academic background—a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, followed by a law degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law—laid the foundation for her legal career. Early clerkships under distinguished judges like the Honorable Nancy Saitta and the Honorable David Barker honed her litigation skills, but it was her entrepreneurial spirit that led her to establish her own practice.

The turning point in Sandy’s career came during the economic downturn following the 9/11 attacks. With the job market in turmoil, a chance suggestion from a client—a district court judge—led her to pursue law, a field she was told was recession-proof. After passing the bar, she initially worked in civil litigation and real estate before pivoting to personal injury law when the market shifted. This ability to adapt has been a hallmark of her success. Today, Van Law Firm handles a diverse range of personal injury cases, ensuring that no victim is left without representation due to the specifics of their situation. Sandy’s forward-thinking approach includes staying abreast of evolving laws and attending legal conferences to keep her team at the forefront of the industry.

Leadership, for Sandy, is about trust, delegation, and continuous learning. She emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people and empowering them to take ownership of their roles. Inspired by Sam Walton’s philosophy, she believes in delegating tasks while maintaining oversight—a skill she acknowledges requires practice. Her leadership style is collaborative, with managers overseeing their respective teams while she provides strategic direction. Sandy’s commitment to growth extends beyond her firm; she is an avid consumer of knowledge, drawing insights from biographies, industry conferences, and even YouTube lectures to refine her business strategies.

Her professional journey has not been without challenges. Sandy openly discusses her struggles with ADHD, which initially made her impatient and easily frustrated. Over time, she has learned to channel this into a strength, developing greater patience and a more measured approach to leadership. Economic hurdles, from the 2008 housing crash to the COVID-19 pandemic, have also tested her resilience. Yet, her proactive mindset—securing financial safeguards, diversifying services, and remaining adaptable—has allowed her firm to thrive even in uncertain times.

For Sandy, success is measured not in personal accolades but in the impact she creates. One of her proudest achievements is enabling her mother to retire comfortably, a goal she set early in her career. Beyond financial victories, she aspires to contribute to larger causes, such as funding medical research, combating climate change, and improving education. She rejects the notion of legacy-building, focusing instead on leaving the world a better place.

Looking ahead, Sandy is exploring ways to expand her firm’s capabilities through vertical integration, developing complementary businesses that align with its core legal services. This innovative approach ensures the firm remains agile and prepared for future industry shifts. Colleagues describe her as a leader who trusts her team to execute while providing visionary guidance when needed. She fosters a culture where new ideas are welcomed, and every team member’s input is valued.

At the heart of Sandy’s leadership philosophy is a simple yet powerful principle: be a good person. In an industry often driven by ego, she champions the idea that long-term success comes from giving rather than taking. Her mission—to accumulate the resources needed to make a meaningful difference—fuels her every endeavor. Sandy Van’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and compassion. From humble beginnings to leading a multi-million-dollar firm, she proves that true success lies in uplifting others. As Van Law Firm continues to grow, Sandy’s dedication to justice ensures that countless more victims will find the representation and support they deserve.