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“Info about the Eighth Judicial District Court.”

Monthly Archives: January 2017

25/01/17 Joint Guardianship / Probate / Trust / Elder Law Bench/Bar offers attorneys info to stay abreast of new changes

There have been changes in Guardianship, Probate, Trust and Elder Law. A Feb. 6 noon Joint Guardianship / Probate /Trust / Elder Law Bench/Bar at the Regional Justice Center in Courtroom 10D, will offer attorneys info to stay abreast of the new changes. Recent moves at the court have included two groups of judges who hear common cases: business, probate and guardianship, to be in closer proximity to each other. This new arrangement should facilitate workflow and improve efficiency for all those involved with these case types.

 There will be an update of case transfers and introduction of staff and overview of department procedures. News you can use will be presented including: announcements and appointed counsel/pro bono update from the Legal aid Center of Southern Nevada. Updates will be provided on probate, elder law and guardianship. The meeting will wrap up with a question and answer session. The next Bench Bar probate section meeting is Feb. 22.

24/01/17 The return of Med/Mal Sweeps – Coming soon

The Medical/Dental Malpractice Status Check Calendar (a.k.a. Med/Mal sweeps) will be held on Monday, Feb. 6 at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave., in courtroom 14A on the 14th floor.

The calendar will be heard in numerical case number order with the oldest case being heard first, as follows:

Case No. A-10-610616-C through A-15-725511-C: 2/6/17 at 8:30 a.m.

Case No. A-15-725552-C through A-16-747569-C: 2/6/17 at 1:00 p.m.

The Discovery Commissioner, Bonnie Bulla, will be available to address any discovery issues.

The court will work to enforce Nevada Revised Statute 41A.061.1, and will attempt to set all Chapter 41A Professional Negligence trials (not already scheduled) within three years of the date that the Complaint was filed.

If you have any questions regarding the status check calendar, please contact Tatyana Ristic at 702-671-3633. Please bring a list of the cases on which you will appear on to the hearing.

Judge Jerry A. Wiese II will preside over the med/mal status checks. “The med/mal sweeps are an efficient way to ensure that everyone is doing their part to comply with the statute regarding these cases. It’s a significant undertaking with a significant impact. I want to thank the judges, attorneys and staff for their work to make the sweeps successful,” said Judge Wiese.

NRS 41A.061  Dismissal of action for failure to bring to trial; effect of dismissal; adoption of court rules to expedite resolution of actions.

1.  Upon the motion of any party or upon its own motion, unless good cause is shown for the delay, the court shall, after due notice to the parties, dismiss an action involving professional negligence if the action is not brought to trial within 3 years after the date on which the action is filed.

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24/01/17 New Year – new rules – Family Bench Bar to cover the impact for those practicing family law at EJDC

You can never be too prepared when it comes to court. Eighth Judicial District Court Rules have undergone some revisions. The impact of those revisions on the Family Division will be covered by Marshal Willick, Esq. and Michael Carman, Esq. with a discussion at the Jan. 26, noon Family Bench Bar Meeting in Courtroom 9 at Family Court, 601 N. Pecos Road. Judge Bill Henderson and Brian Blackham, Esq. will cover announcements and updates. Presiding Judge Charles J. Hoskin will provide administrative announcements. Judge Rena Hughes will make a presentation to the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. The meeting will wrap-up with an open forum. The next family Bench Bar meeting is scheduled for March 23 at noon.

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23/01/17 The Legal Aid Center and six judges team up to offer free CLE on recent Nevada Supreme Court Rulings

Eighth Judicial District Court judges have teamed up with the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada to offer insight on recent Nevada Supreme Court decisions with a free Continuing Legal Education (CLE) session on Jan. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave., courtroom 3A

The distinguished panel will include Judge Nancy Allf (moderator), Chief Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez, Judge Susan Johnson, Judge Gloria Sturman, Judge Timothy Williams
and Judge Michael Villani.

The cost for this one-credit CLE is free, contingent on acceptance of one new pro bono case or participation in two Ask-A-Lawyer sessions. Those who wish to participate can view case summaries and Ask-A-Lawyer opportunities. Register online to attend the CLE seminar. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.   

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12/01/17 Judge David Barker retires after 32 years of public service

After 10 years on the District Court bench and 32 exceptional years in public service, Judge David Barker retired on Jan. 6. Judge Barker has been a steadfast figure in the court. He served  the past two years as chief judge and on the court executive committee since 2011.

During his term as Chief Judge, Judge Barker was known for his commitment to serving the public, for being an excellent steward of public funds, and making the most of technology to improve efficiency. He conceived and worked to develop the Courtfinder “app” that puts court dockets in the palm of users’ hands. Additionally, the court made the list of the Top-10 Court Technology Solutions, as named by the National Association for Court Management.

Judge Barker’s leadership and ability to promote collaboration can been seen in Project 48, which reduced criminal bind-overs from 10-15 days to 48 hours. The project had a direct impact on reducing the average number of days in jail and generated significant financial savings. Project 48 demonstrated an impressive cooperative effort that included the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept., District Attorney’s and Public Defender’s offices, Justice Court, District Court, and the Nevada Criminal Defense Lawyers. Project 48 was selected by the National Association of Counties for their 2016 Achievement Award in the category of Court Administration and Management.

Judge Barker began his public service career in 1984, when he was sworn in as a Clark County Deputy District Attorney and promoted in 1989 to Chief Deputy District Attorney supervising the Major Fraud Division. In that role, he worked in numerous divisions including, criminal track team chief, screening, and Grand Jury/financial crimes. In 1991, he left the District Attorney’s Office for private practice with the law firm of Bell and Davidson. He returned to the District Attorney’s Office in 1992.

In March 2007, Judge Barker was appointed to Department 18 of the Eighth Judicial District Court by Governor Jim Gibbons and ran unopposed in both 2008 and 2014. He has served impeccably as jurist in Department 18 and his regard for the Constitution and the justice system has been exemplary. He is highly respected, regarded as fair, balanced, ethical and committed. During his time on the bench, he valued respectful courtroom decorum, efficiency and courtesy.

Judge Barker has donated countless hours to the Bar and community as a member of the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board and as a coach with Nevada State Bar sponsored High School Mock Trial program. His efforts have served to open doors for many young people interested in law careers. Judge Barker’s unwavering commitment to his family, career and his country are an example for all. Through his honor, virtue, and compassion, he has been an exemplary inspiration to the justice community. His consistent presence and steadfast leadership will be greatly missed.

 

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12/01/17 Celebration of Life planned for Discovery Commissioner Chris Beecroft

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District Court Discovery Commissioner Chris Beecroft Jr. passed away on Dec. 26. A celebration of life will be held on Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the UNLV Richard Tam Alumni Center. The family requests that donations of memoriam be made to the UNLV Boyd School of Law or in Chris’ name to a favorite charity of one’s own choice. In addition to his work in Discovery, Commissioner Beecroft oversaw the Alternative Dispute Resolution and the Short Trial programs.

Link to Las Vegas Review Journal story written by David Ferrara:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/clark-county/county-s-alternative-dispute-resolution-commissioner-dies

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12/01/17 Jack And Lulu Lehman Scholarship Established To Help Fund Education Awarded To Outstanding Juvenile Drug Court Graduate

The first of the newly established Jack and Lulu Lehman scholarships has been awarded to help fund the education of an outstanding juvenile drug court graduate. The recipient was recently accepted to the College of Southern Nevada to study psychology. Each year, grants in the amount of $1,500 will be awarded to 10 qualified students who are graduates of the juvenile drug court program. The scholarships are intended to assist applicants with school tuition and educational fees during college, trade and/or vocational school attendance. Students who maintain a 2.5 GPA will have the opportunity to apply for a renewal of their grant each semester/term.

The Lehman Scholarship Fund has been set up by Steve Lehman and Jessica Lehman Hirsch to the honor their father, Judge Jack Lehman, who established the first drug court in Nevada in 1992. Scholarships will be awarded to graduates of the Eighth Judicial District juvenile drug court program who demonstrate an interest in furthering their education as part of their path to a better life in recovery. The Lehman Scholarship Committee members, including Nevada State Senator Michael Roberson, Clark County Commissioner Susan Brager, Jessica Lehman Hirsch, Steve Lehman, and a member of the California Community Foundation, made the award based on the youth’s demonstrated ability to overcome challenges in her life and willingness to obtain an education to enhance her opportunities in the future.

“Judge Jack Lehman was ahead of his time when he established the first adult drug court in Nevada. His legacy of investing in the hope and promise of recovery for people in this community will live on through these scholarships,” said District Court Chief Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez.

For those who would like more information on the Jack and Lulu Lehman Scholarship Fund, visit www.calfund.org or contact Marilu Guzman with the California Community Foundation at (213) 452-6260.

“By establishing the first drug court in our state, Judge Jack Lehman took an important step that has turned so many lives around,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin. “This scholarship, which helps to educate young people who excel in drug court and want to better their lives, is a commendable way to honor the legacy of Judge Lehman.”

Under the direction of Judge William Voy, hearing master Margaret Pickard presides over the juvenile drug court.

“This scholarship offers reinforcement and a hand to the juvenile drug court participants who are getting their lives on the right track,” said Judge Voy. “It provides much needed educational funding, which greatly improves the odds for success for drug court participants.”

Nevada state Senator Michael Roberson and Clark County Commissioner Susan Brager will be joining Jessica Lehman Hirsch, Steve Lehman, and a staff member of the California Community Foundation, as members of the selection committee.

Specialty courts solve issues through a rigorous and coordinated approach between judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Parole and Probation, law enforcement and mental health/social service/treatment professionals who work together to help participants recover, live crime-free and become productive citizens.

 

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11/01/17 Local students face-off in mock-trials before Family Court Judges in lead-up to regional competition

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EJDC Judges Rebecca Burton, Frank Sullivan and Cynthia Giuliani volunteered their time and experience to preside over mock trial competition.

Local high school students faced-off in an intense mock trial competition before actual District Court Judges Rebecca Burton, Cynthia Giuliani and Frank Sullivan. The judges volunteered their time and experience to preside over the competition. They gave the young legal eagles some valuable, real-world insight in round-one of mock trial competitions that lead up to a regional challenge.

The District Court Family Division hosted the Fourth Annual Faith Lutheran Mock Trial Competition on Jan. 7.  Six teams totaling almost 50 students participated. The 27 students that earned highest scores will make up the Faith Lutheran Mock Trial teams that will move on to the regional competition on Feb. 11 at the Regional Justice Center.

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05/01/17 Cue the music – It’s moving time in the Civil/Criminal division of District Court

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As we begin 2017, we bid a fond farewell to Judge David Barker, who retired at the end of 2016 after 32 years of public service. We remember the sad passing of Judge Susan Scann, while we extend a warm welcome to Judge David Jones, who has since been appointed to Department 29. We also look to replace Judge Jessie Walsh, who retires this month after 13 years on the bench. So, it’s moving season for District Court. As part of the moving process we are relocating two groups of judges who hear common cases: business, probate and guardianship, to be in closer proximity to each other. This new arrangement should facilitate workflow and improve efficiency for all those involved with these case types.

There will be a total of nine court location changes including:

Dept. 7 Judge Linda Marie Bell will move to Courtroom 15A

Dept. 11 Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez will move to Courtroom TBA case-by-case

Dept. 13 Judge Mark R. Denton will move to Courtroom 3D

Dept. 14 Judge Adriana Escobar will move to Courtroom 14C

Dept. 15 Judge Joseph “Joe” Hardy Jr. will move to Courtroom 3H

Dept. 18 Sr. Judge Courtroom will move to Phoenix Bldg. 11th Floor

Dept. 20 Judge Louis Eric Johnson will move to 12A

Dept. 25 Judge Kathleen Delaney will move to Courtroom 3F

Dept. 26 Judge J. Sturman will move to Courtroom 10D

Below is a complete list of all the District Court courtrooms at the Regional Justice Center and the Phoenix building.

Eighth Judicial District Court at the Regional Justice Center

Dept. 1 Judge Kenneth C. Cory Courtroom 16A

Dept. 2 Judge Richard Scotti Courtroom 11D

Dept. 3 Judge Douglas W. Herndon Courtroom 16C

Dept. 4 Judge Kerry Earley Courtroom 16B

Dept. 5 Judge Carolyn Ellsworth Courtroom 16D

Dept. 6 Judge Elissa Cadish Courtroom 15B

Dept. 7 Judge Linda Marie Bell Courtroom 15A

Dept. 8 Judge Douglas E. Smith Courtroom 11B

Dept. 9 Judge Jennifer Togliatti Courtroom 10C

Dept. 10 Vacant Courtroom 14B

Dept. 11 Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez Courtroom TBA case-by-case

Dept. 12 Judge Michelle Leavitt Courtroom 14D

Dept. 13 Judge Mark R. Denton Courtroom 3D

Dept. 14 Judge Adriana Escobar Courtroom 14C

Dept. 15 Judge Joseph “Joe” Hardy Jr. Courtroom 3H

Dept. 16 Judge Timothy Williams Courtroom 12D

Dept. 17 Judge Michael Villani Courtroom 11A

Dept. 18 Vacant Courtroom Phoenix Bldg. 11th Floor

Dept. 19 Judge William “Bill” Kephart Courtroom 3E

Dept. 20 Judge Eric Johnson 12A

Dept. 21 Judge Valerie Adair Courtroom 11C

Dept. 22 Judge Susan Johnson Courtroom 15D

Dept. 23 Judge Stefany Miley Courtroom 12C

Dept. 24 Judge Jim Crockett Courtroom Phoenix Bldg. 11th Floor

Dept. 25 Judge Kathleen Delaney Courtroom 3F

Dept. 26 Judge J. Sturman Courtroom 10D

Dept. 27 Judge Nancy L. Allf Courtroom 3A

Dept. 28 Judge Ronald J. Israel Courtroom 15C

Dept. 29 Judge David Jones Courtroom 3B

Dept. 30 Judge Jerry A. Wiese II Courtroom 14A

Dept. 31 Judge Joanna S. Kishner Courtroom 12B

Dept. 32 Judge Rob Bare Courtroom 3C

Dept. H Judge T. Arthur Ritchie, Jr. Courtroom 3G

Dept. M Judge Bill Potter Courtroom 10B

Dept. S Judge Vincent Ochoa Courtroom 10A

If you need help finding courts, download the free Courtfinder app. Courtfinder, developed by the District Court Information Technology division with Judge David Barker, displays updated dockets in real-timefor the courts located at the Regional Justice Center. The application is easy to use and free to download from the Google Play and iphone app stores.

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05/01/17 Bita Yeager To Fill Hearing Master Post For Eighth Judicial District Court

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Bita Yeager has been named to fill the hearing master position for the Eighth Judicial District specialty courts. She was selected through a three-tiered recruitment process, established in an administrative directive for selecting District Court hearing masters and commissioners, that includes public input.

“Bita Yeager brings a diverse wealth of experience to the position of hearing master for the specialty courts,” said Eighth Judicial District Court Chief Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez. “Her qualifications are well-suited to the rigorous nature of the specialty courts and I anticipate that she will be a strong asset to the program that has great success turning lives around.”

Bita Yeager just finished her term as Justice of the Peace after becoming the first Asian-American to be appointed to the Las Vegas Justice Court. She specialized in indigent criminal defense for more than18 years with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office where, for a number of years, she handled the specialty courts dealing with the mentally ill. She has taught classes regarding the mentally ill in the justice system to both attorneys and Metro Officers (as part of their Crisis Intervention Team training).

In an effort to prevent recidivism, as a team chief at the Public Defender’s office, Bita spearheaded the creation of the North Las Vegas Community Court, a diversionary court providing counseling and employment training to young non-violent offenders. She also established a partnership between the Clark County Public Defender’s Office, Legal Aid of Southern Nevada, and UNLV’s Boyd School of Law to create a pro bono record-sealing project, called “Clean Slate.” She created a partnership with the Immigration Clinic at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law, to help the attorneys in her office better advise non-citizen clients of the immigration consequences of their cases. In 2014, as a result of her efforts, Bita was awarded the Pro Bono Project Award of Excellence from Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, and the President’s Award from the Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

Bita earned her undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and her Juris Doctorate from the  J. Reuben Clark School of Law.

Specialty courts solve issues through a rigorous and coordinated approach between judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Parole and Probation, law enforcement and mental health/social service/treatment professionals. All work together to help participants recover, live crime-free and become productive citizens. The National Association of Drug Court Professionals reports: “nationwide, 75 percent of drug court graduates remain arrest-free at least two years after leaving the program. Drug courts reduce crime as much as 35 percent more than other sentencing options.”

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