Fred Leroy Oats

Fred Leroy Oats was a respected Nevada attorney who built his career in Reno over more than four decades. Born in Reno on December 7, 1947, he grew up on the family dairy farm in Fallon and graduated from Churchill County High School in 1965. He earned a B.S. with distinction from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1969, and a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, in 1972. Upon graduation he fulfilled his obligation to the U.S. Army ROTC, followed by a short term of service in the Reserves.

After law school Fred settled in Reno and worked two years for Kafoury Armstrong & Co. to complete his CPA requirements. He then joined the law firm of Walther, Key, Maupin and Oats - later Maupin, Cox and LeGoy - as an attorney partner, specializing in tax law, estate planning, and business matters. Regarded as one of the most respected practitioners in one of Nevada's leading firms, he retired from full-time practice in 2009 but continued as an important member of the firm, working part-time up until his death.

Fred's law partner of 33 years, Procter Hug, described him as "a lawyer's lawyer, a wonderful friend, and a great partner," praising his mastery of the intricacies of tax law and his wise counsel to clients. Colleagues remembered him as a gifted attorney and a model of dedication to those he served. He died at his home in Spring Creek, Nevada, on November 22, 2016, at the age of 68.