W. Owen Nitz

W. Owen Nitz was born September 3, 1932, in Brookings, South Dakota, to William and Elizabeth Nitz. After first coming to Las Vegas in 1952 to serve in the U.S. Air Force at Nellis Air Force Base until 1956, he returned to his studies, earning his undergraduate degree from South Dakota State and his Juris Doctor in 1959 from Denver University Law School. In 1960 he and his wife, Janet, settled in Las Vegas, where he would build his professional life.

Owen went on to run an extremely successful law practice in Las Vegas for more than 55 years. His work centered on gaming law, and over the course of his career he represented many of the city's most influential figures, including Ralph Engelstad, William Bennett, and Mayme Stocker - one of the holders of the first gaming license issued in the State of Nevada.

Through decades of practice spanning the growth of Las Vegas and its gaming industry, Owen earned a reputation as a dedicated and respected attorney. He remained active in the profession for over half a century, and is remembered for the counsel he provided to a remarkable roster of Nevada clients.