Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 | 6 a.m.

Patricia Lee is all about commitment to her job.

She recently accomplished a major milestone in her legal career, earning partner at the law firm of Hutchison & Steffen. Lee is the first woman to become a partner at the firm, which has offices in Las Vegas, Reno, Phoenix and Salt Lake City.

“As a newly promoted partner in a highly visible law firm, 2010 will be my first opportunity to influence firm policy and implement certain business models and outreach programs that promote access to justice,” Lee said.

Lee’s passion for her work shines through when she retells the adage of the chicken and pig watching a family sit down to a breakfast of ham and eggs:

The chicken comments on how she contributed to the meal by providing eggs for the family. The pig responds that while the chicken was “involved,” the pig was totally committed.

“That fable represents the level of commitment that everyone should have for their chosen profession,” Lee said. “Without commitment, it’s just another job. With it, arm yourself with the passion and competence to bring about widespread changes while also getting the results your clients expect.”

Lee earned degrees in psychology and communications from the University of Southern California and graduated from George Washington University Law School.

She is active with the Clark County Bar Association and has been honored for her many pro bono contributions. But she has her eyes on the future as the calendar turns.

“This will be an instrumental year for the firm overall, as our existing clients start to rebound and the spirit of ingenuity begins to encourage the start-up of new companies,” Lee said.

By Rob Langrell, Special publications editor