Category Archives: Clark County investitures
February 24, 2022 New judge shares family history that inspires her reverence for justice
Recently appointed Judge Ellie Roohani graciously thanked many people in her investiture speech. She thanked her Nana who Judge Roohani said, “Raised her and her brother while her parents worked hard to put food on the table.” She then thanked her parents “for having the fortitude to leave behind everything so that she could have a chance to go to school and achieve her dreams.” She thanked her Uncle Kay, who as a young bachelor invited them into his apartment and gave up his room for them stay. She thanked her husband Nima for all his support, other family members, Governor Sisolak, her colleagues, mentors and others.
After all the thanks, Judge Roohani said, “So let me tell you who I am and how I see myself. My name is Ellie. I was a young immigrant kid, who was raised by two people who sacrificed everything so that I could have a chance at an education. My mom and dad left Iran as religious refugees. My family practices the Baha’I faith; and our religion is not recognize by the Iran government. In Iran, Baha’Is can’t go to school; they can’t own businesses; their marriages aren’t recognized; and they are actively persecuted, imprisoned, and killed simply for being Baha’i. My parents could see what the fate of their future children would be; and that’s why we came here to the U.S. before I was even two years old. Growing up, I never realized that I was any different than any other kid that I went to school with; and it’s because my parents never, never broadcast their struggles.”
Judge Roohani got emotional as he elaborated on the sacrifices her parents made and the gratitude for the community that was their refuge, “Their story is a story of terrible, terrible injustice. But, I tell it to you so you know how I was raised and how I think. My parents always demanded excellence. They demanded hard work. And every day they fostered a spirit of service in our family so that I would give back to the community that embraced us.”
Judges garner a lot of respect. Judge Roohani made it a point to note her education was local. “I am proud to tell you that I am a product of the Clark County Public School system here in Las Vegas. I am a graduate of Clark High School. Go Chargers! Go Chargers! I graduated from UNLV undergrad and UNLV Law School.” She summarized her pride and appreciation for this community. “It means the world to me to be able achieve my dreams in the city that raised me.”
Judge Roohani’s investiture and speech can be viewed at
https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts/videos/288853553338179
Tags: Clark County Courts, Ehsan Roohani, Eighth Judicial District Court, Judge Ellie Roohani, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court
February 4, 2022 Judge Ellie Roohani To Swear Oath At Investiture To Uphold Justice
Judge Ellie Roohani, who serves on the Eighth Judicial District Court in Department 11, will be ceremonially sworn in at an investiture on Feb. 23. Judge Roohani was appointed to replace retiring Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez in December 2020 by Gov. Steve Sisolak. The investiture, which will take place at 3 p.m., will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts.
Judge Roohani is the first judge in Nevada to practice the Baha’i faith. Judge Roohani’s family left Iran for the United States shortly after her birth in order to flee religious persecution in the wake of the Iranian Revolution. Baha’is were actively persecuted, killed and prohibited from obtaining higher education in Iran.
“My parents left everything they knew and loved to escape religious oppression solely because the laws of their country did not protect them or recognize them as equal citizens. They were stripped of all their rights and possessions because of their religion,” said Judge Roohani. “They left so that I might have a chance to attend school and achieve my dreams. I don’t take lightly their sacrifice and hard-work that enabled me to pursue my career in the law. Respect for the law was not just a platitude in our home; it permeated every lesson my parents taught me.”
Prior to her appointment, Judge Roohani worked for the Department of Justice, where she held a top-secret security clearance and served for more than five years as an Assistant United States Attorney. She prosecuted violent crime and child sexual exploitation cases in the trial and appellate units. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals routinely affirmed the cases Judge Roohani prosecuted. In addition to her regular duties, Judge Roohani took on additional roles reviewing clemency applications for the United States Attorney General and served as the Black Affairs Special Emphasis Coordinator, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator, U.S. Attorney’s Office Anti-Harassment Coordinator, and as a Law Enforcement Officer Mentor and Training Officer. The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department have recognized Judge Roohani for her commendable performance in prosecuting large-scale multi-defendant child exploitation cases.
Judge Roohani received all of her education through Nevada institutions: she graduated with honors from Clark High School’s AMSAT magnet program; graduated with honors with her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and received her Juris Doctorate from the William S. Boyd School of Law as a dean’s award recipient. While in law school, she served as the editor-in-chief of the Nevada Law Journal.
Judge Roohani taught advanced legal analysis and judicial writing at the Boyd School of Law and assisted students with bar exam preparation. She served as a law clerk to federal judges Roger Hunt (District of Nevada) and Johnnie Rawlinson (Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals).
Judge Roohani is actively involved in the community and serves as a member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Leadership Las Vegas program, Kiwanis Club of Southwest Las Vegas, Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada, Latino Bar Association and Howard D. McKibben American Inn of Court.
“We welcome Judge Ellie Roohani to the District Court Bench,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “Judge Roohani’s knowledge and experience are assets that will serve her well, particularly during this crucial period for the court, as we work vigorously to address the backlog created by the pandemic.”
Tags: Baha’i, Baha’i faith, Clark County Courts, Eighth Judicial District Court, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court
September 27, 2021 Ceremonial Robing And Oath Will Take Place Sept. 30 For Four Judges Who Are Part Of The Largest Group Of Women To Ever Join Bench In Nevada
In the recent election, 22 new judges were voted in to serve on the bench of the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court; all were women. Some investitures were delayed due to the pandemic. The second of the two delayed investitures will be held September 30 at 3 p.m. The investitures for Judge Tara Clark Newberry, department 21; Judge Christy Craig, department 32, Judge Margaret Pickard, department V, and Judge Bita Yeager, department 1 will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts. Investitures are formal ceremonies with significant symbolism, as new judges publicly swear an oath to uphold justice prior to being ceremonially robed in front of family, friends and colleagues.
“Our new judges have hit the ground running during unprecedented times. They are the largest and most diverse group of judges to join the court at one time,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “They bring new energy to the court during a time that necessitates innovation and resilience to address the backlog created by the pandemic.”
Prior to her election to department 21, Judge Tara Clark Newberry worked in private practice as a managing partner at the Clark Newberry Law Firm. She also served as a mediator for District Court, and as a mediator for the US Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada. She worked as an associate attorney for Deaner Scann Malan & Larsen, as an associate attorney for Alverson Taylor Mortensen & Sanders, as a mediator for the Nevada Supreme Court Foreclosure Mediation Program, as a police officer for the Cincinnati Police Department, and as an office manager for the University Cincinnati’s Disability Services Office. She also worked as a trained investigator for the Cincinnati Police Department. She has dedicated significant time to pro-bono work with the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and Nevada Legal Services. Judge Tara Clark Newberry received her undergraduate degree from University of Cincinnati and her juris doctor from California Western School of Law.
Prior to her election to department 32, Judge Christy Craig began her legal career in Las Vegas in the civil world at a local casino. In 1998, she began working at the Clark County Public Defender’s Office. She was a founding member of Lake’s Crossing task force and led action to identify solutions to various problems associated with the treatment of mentally-ill, incompetent defendants in Clark County. A case she brought resulted in a consent decree in which the state agreed to speedy transport of incompetent defendants and construction of a forensic treatment facility in Southern Nevada. As part of the Burnside consent decree, Stein Hospital opened in November, 2015 in Las Vegas. Judge Craig was a co-creator of the Clark County competency court. She developed a program to divert mentally-ill defendants charged with misdemeanors to Southern Nevada adult mental health. She participated in the development of Clark County’s mental health court program, a diversionary alternative to criminal sentences for mentally-ill offenders which helps ensure continued treatment of program participants and reduces recidivism. In collaboration with UNLV School of Social Work, she created and managed an intern program for master of social work students. Interns assisted in coordinating social services for persons charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses. She worked in medical laboratories as a medical technician for more than a decade prior to her law career. Judge Craig received her undergraduate degree from University of Nevada Las Vegas and her juris doctor from California Western school of Law.
Judge Margaret Pickard currently presides over dependency cases in department V. Prior to taking the bench as a district court judge, Judge Pickard served as a hearing master for five years for the Family Division, hearing cases in child abuse and neglect and juvenile delinquency. She also worked as a family law mediator and parenting coordinator, assisting parents involved in high conflict custody cases to work cooperatively to resolve timeshare disputes.
Judge Pickard brought the Cooperative Parenting program to UNLV, teaching separating and divorcing parents involved in Family Court cases how to remove their children from parental conflict. In 2011, she was awarded the Peacemaker of the Year by the Mediators of Southern Nevada, for her work in this program. From 2014-2018, Judge Pickard served on the Executive Council of the Nevada State Bar’s Family Law Section. During this time, she was the co-editor of the Nevada Family Law Report and co-chair of the Child Witness Committee, developing standardized protocols for conducting child interviews in the Family Court system. Judge Pickard has authored several articles for the Nevada Family Law Report and regularly trained Family Court judges and attorneys throughout Nevada to develop best practices in creating parenting plans and holiday schedules for separating and divorcing families. Judge Pickard is the author of several books, including The Parenting Guidebook. In 2012, she was a co-host of the radio show, Divorce War Radio. Since 2012, Judge Pickard has actively worked in the Las Vegas recovery community, helping youth who are struggling with addiction. She graduated from the University of California, Davis, magna cum laude, with a B.A. in sociology. She received her juris doctorate from the King Hall School of Law, at UC Davis, where she served as the managing editor of the UC Davis Law Review.
Prior to her election to department 1, Judge Bita Yeager had a 25-year legal career in public service in both civil and criminal law. In 2017, she was selected to be the first specialty court hearing master for the Eighth Judicial District Court. As a hearing master, she created the co-occuring disorders treatment court, and presided over 200 hearings every week in the mental health court, co-occurring disorders court, Assisted outpatient treatment court, and civil commitment court. She is an instructor at Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team training, is a member of Nevada’s Statewide Mental Health Crisis Hold Workgroup, and has served as an adjunct professor at the UNLV Boyd School of Law. Prior to her selection as a hearing master, she served on the bench as a Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, hearing civil matters. She spearheaded the creation of the Las Vegas Community Court and the North Las Vegas Community Court, and established a partnership between the Clark County Public Defender’s Office, Legal Aid of Southern Nevada and Boyd Law School to create a pro bono record sealing project. Before her service as a judicial officer, she was a trial litigator and team chief in the Clark County Public Defender’s Office for over 18 years. She received her undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and her juris doctor from Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School.
Tags: Bita Yeager, Christy Craig, Clark County Courts, Eighth Judicial District Court, Investitures Clark County, Judge Bita Yeager, Judge Christy Craig, Judge Linda Bell, Judge Margaret Pickard, Judge Tara Clark Newberry, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Margaret Pickard, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Tara Clark Newberry
March 26, 2021 District Court marks Women’s History Month after shattering records making women’s history
In the recent election, 22 new judges were elected by voters to serve in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada. All 22 were women from diverse backgrounds and each with their own interesting story on how they became a judge. It is the biggest and most diverse class of judges elected at one time to the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada.
Women now comprise just over two-thirds of the 58 judges on the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada bench. Women sit on three-fourths of the 32 seats in the Civil Criminal Division and just under two-thirds of the 26 seats in the Family Division. Judge Linda Marie Bell is the chief judge. Judge Tierra Jones is the presiding judge over the Criminal Division; Judge Nancy Allf presides over the Civil Division, and Judge Rebecca Burton is the presiding judge over the Family Division.
During normal times, when the world is not dealing with a pandemic, loved one would gather so see these newly elected judges take their formal oath of office at an investiture. Instead, there were several special COVID-safe investitures with just a few observers to reduce the potential for spread of the coronavirus. The ceremonies were live-streamed to enable the new judges’ loved ones to see the formal judicial oath. Chief Judge Bell was one of a small group of people who attended the ceremonies. “This has been a tremendous time of change for the District Court,” said Judge Bell. “We have some incredible diversity and energy and it is really a very exciting time for the court.”
Each new judge thanked those who paved the way for them and they shared the family history and most spoke of the women in their lives who got them to this point. It was clear from their speeches that each of them who achieved this pinnacle, had done so through a path laid down before them by positive role models, and the help and support of others.
Judge Soonhee ‘Sunny’ Bailey, Department I
Judge Soonhee ‘Sunny’ Bailey, Department I was the first of the newly minted judges to have her investiture live-streamed. She is also the first Korean judge in the District Court. “I am in awe of the fact that I am standing here before you today, because, as I child I never imagined that becoming a judge was even possible,” said Judge Bailey. “My great granny and great grandfather escaped the Ukraine after being sent to Siberia for the second time. My grandmother, mother and aunt walked from Pyongyang to Seoul.” She went onto describe how despite the fact that her mother was financially unable to attain higher education, her mother worked incredibly hard to make higher education an option for her. When a younger Sunny was getting her education, tragedy struck, leaving her mother debilitated after an accident. The accident left the family financially and emotionally devastated and derailed Soonhee’s plans for a time, as she stepped in to care for her mother. Ultimately, perseverance and her family values brought her through.
She also shared, “When I filed to run in department I, I was overwhelmed by the support. Unfortunately, due to the time, the racism I experienced in my youth reared its ugly head again. With names I had quite honestly heard since grade school.” She thanked Judge Bell, Justice Nancy Saitta and others for “helping her to look past the limitations that short-sighted people try to place on others.” She thanked many others including the autism community involved with Detention Alternative for Autistic Youth (D.A.A.Y. Court), a specialty court she started as a delinquency court hearing master to address youth with autism who find themselves in the justice system. She thanked her husband and family and said, “Thanks to my daughters who made me. And to my youngest daughter, I hope you remember the path that your grandmothers, great grandmother and great-great grandmothers forged and that you always appreciate where you come from.”
Judge Dedree ‘Dee’ Butler in Department J
Judge Dedree ‘Dee’ Butler in Department J was also in the first round of investitures. She is the first African American elected to family court. Presiding Criminal Division Judge Tierra Jones, who is the first African American female judge in District Court, took Judge Butler’s oath of office.Judge Linda Harris gave the introduction speech for Judge Butler. “Judge Butler is history now,” said Judge Harris. “#Howardgirls!”
“I never grew up seeing judges who looked like me,” said Judge Butler. “My grandmother was a descendent of slaves. So, it is very emotional to stand here right now with my grandmother looking down to see me in this robe. Knowing that her parents were slaves. Knowing this was the same year that we have the first African American vice president in this county. She contrasted that with the fact that her father’s mother is first African-American woman to receive her doctorate in her community and said, “My mother always told me: Remember where you come from; remember your legacy. Shoot for the moon and you will land among the stars.”
Judge Michele ‘Shell’ Mercer, Department Z
Judge Michele ‘Shell’ Mercer, Department Z was also in the February 5, first round of investitures. She shared that she had a successful career in broadcasting but realized something was missing. “I wanted to do something to make a difference, said Judge Mercer.” A friend convinced her to go to law school and become a judge. “It’s the most important work I’ve ever done.”
To view the Feb. 5 Judge Soonhee ‘Sunny’ Bailey, Department I, Judge Dedree ‘Dee’ Butler in Department J, Judge Michele ‘Shell’ Mercer, Department Z investiture ceremony in its entirety please visit https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts/videos/10222622227738862
February 17 investitures for Judge Erika Ballou, Department 24; Judge Mary Perry, Department P and Judge Stacy Rocheleau, Department W https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts/videos/10222706114515979
Judge Erika Ballou, Department 24
“This is an honor that I don’t even know how to explain,” said Shana Browers the introductory speaker for Judge Erika Ballou who she described as a mentor.
“Speak your truth even if you’re voice shakes.” Maggie Kuhn
Judge Ballou cited that quote and she spoke about her role as a public defender for 15 and a half years work she enjoyed and called important. “Kamala Harris said, she may be the first to do lots of things but she needed to make sure she was not the last,” said Judge Ballou who is African American. “This is for everyone to see-You don’t have to be like everyone else to be successful. Because I certainly am not.” She added, “This is certainly not the path that everyone takes to be District Court judge. You don’t have to be like everyone else to be successful.”
Judge Mary Perry, Department P
Judge Mary Perry said she “grew up in the middle of nowhere” and called herself “lucky.” “I learned how to read using a Sears catalogue.” She described the defining moment of the type of women she would become as when her parents offered to pay for her college and law school. “I knew I wouldn’t appreciate that education if I didn’t do it myself,” said Judge Perry. Instead, she joined the Air Force where she spent eight and half years “wonderful years.” Judge Perry said one of her hardest battles was surviving breast cancer.
Judge Stacy Rocheleau, Department W
Judge Stacy Rocheleau’s husbandgave her introductory speech. He shared a story that conveyed her desire defending a system that protects the innocent person. “Judges play an important role in our community, they are the umpires that call legal balls and strikes to ensure justice is impartially served,” said Perry Rocheleau. Judge Rocheleau shared that she was hesitant to do an investiture because she didn’t want to be in the spotlight. She decided to go ahead to thank those who supported her for their trust and to express gratitude for the time, effort and resources. She thanked her parents for the opportunity and guidance they provided her, she thanked her husband Rock who she said was her rock. She thanked her colleagues and family and she thanked her three beautiful daughters who she credited for sacrificed during her career.
February 24 investitures for Judge Crystal Eller, Department 19 Judge Nadin Cutter, Department T; Judge Dawn Throne, Department U and Judge Heidi Almase, Department X https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts/videos/10222753517901034
Judge Crystal Eller, Department 19
Judge Crystal Eller’s Justice Ranch hosts veterans and disadvantaged communities access to horses and school field trips for students to learn about composting and other ranch skills, said that her brother Terry taught her to be brave, strong and independent. Her strength serves as a model for her daughter who gave her investiture speech and said, “Mom, I’ve never been more proud of you than I am at this moment.”
“I need to definitely thank my mom and dad. They taught me patience, integrity and a work ethic,” said Judge Eller who also thanked her children and stepson to who challenged her to be a better person. She credited her husband for his support and incredible patience.
Judge Eller concluded her speech talking about serving others, “The most important life we can live is to serve others,” said Judge Eller. “I cannot think of a better way at this time in my career than to serve as the Eighth Judicial District Court judge in department 19.”
Judge Nadin Cutter, Department T
Judge Nadin Cutter was sworn in by Judge Susan Johnson. Prior to her election to Department T in the Family Division, Judge Nadin Cutter worked in private practice and among other jobs, for a time, was Judge Susan Johnson’s judicial law clerk. She was also a judicial extern for both District Judges Charles J. Thompson and Cheryl Moss. She said that she was inspired by and learned a lot from Judge Johnson and the others she worked with. “I appreciate all you guys, I’ve learned so much from you,” said Judge Cutter.
Judge Dawn Throne, Department U
“The last 24 years, I’ve loved the challenge of helping my clients. Now, I love the challenges of this new position and the new opportunities I have to help others,” Said Judge Throne.
She thanked colleagues and others who supported her campaign. “You can get through life’s trials with great friends to lean on like I have.” She thanked her supportive husband and daughter for all they are and all they do for her. She credited her husband with enabling her to pursue her career.
Judge Heidi Almase, Department X
After her daughter gave prideful introductory speech, Judge Heidi Almase, Department X gave this unlikely opener: “It isn’t often that a high school dropout gets to stand before you not once, but twice, as an elected officer of this great state.” She followed up with, “I like to tell that for two reasons: one, because I believe in perseverance; I firmly believe that it’s never too late, it’s never too anything.”
Judge Almase went on to say, “My mother has always been my role model; and this is because I’ve watch her excel at what she puts her mind to, this is while showing grace and patience. I know this because I’ve tried her patience in the past. I thank her for teaching me to always get up when I’ve been knocked down.”
February 26 investitures for Judge Carli Kierny, department 2; Judge Monica Trujillo, department 3; Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells, department 23 and Judge Stephanie Charter, Department Y https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts/videos/10222767088240284
Judge Carli Kierny, department 2
“I realize that I didn’t get here alone,” said Judge Carli Kierny. “I know when I was born, there were zero district court judges that were female. And I know that there was a lot of work from women who were in this community and some women who were in this room. To get me to this point. I also know that it took a lot of work from my family to get m to this point.”
“I think of my oma and my opa who had to flee wartime Germany to make a better life for their family. I also think of my grandma Barbara who was always in my corner, and didn’t ever let me settle for less than what I should expect. I also think of my mom and my dad.” She described her mom as the hardest working woman she knows. “My mom was unwittingly was the best role model you could ever have. She taught me that you can have it all but you just gotta work for it.” She thanked her dad for ensuring that her beliefs and what she wanted mattered. Before wrapping up, she gave a shout out “We are the judges now!”
Judge Monica Trujillo, department 3
Justice Abbi Silver said, “I knew when I saw Judge Trujillo, I knew she was something special.”
Judge Monica Trujilloopened her speech with a quote from Maya Angelou: You may encounter many defeats but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are, what you can rise from and how you can still come out of it.” “I am standing here today because this community would not let me be defeated. I did not grow up thinking I would be a judge. That being said, I would not have the courage to run if I did not have such a strong support system. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my parents and brother,” said Judge Trullio.
“Since I was a child, my mother instill the importance of having an impeccable work ethic. She always knew what she wanted and worked hard to achieve her goals.” said Judge Trujillo. She said that her father, who was from Monterrey, Mexico led by example the importance of helping others. “My dad developed the desire to speak up for those who couldn’t speak up for themselves.” JudgeTrujillopaid homage to Justice Abbi Silver and credited her, “So many people who came before me like Justice Silver have paved the way for me to be here before you.”
Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells, department 23
“I thank Judge Tierra Jones for being the first black African American woman on the District Court Bench and setting the bar so high for those of us who would follow behind her,” said Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells as she got underway with her investiture speech. “When I was in pre-school or kindergarten a teacher told my father that I would never amount to anything, and told my father I wouldn’t be able to read. That is when he required that I read 20 minutes a day.” She continued, “Then again. when I was in law school there were some who thought I should drop out when I had my son. How could you be a mother while in law school?”
Judge Lilly-Spells described the reason she shared those less than positive memories. “ I want people to know. Quite frankly, if I would have listened to the naysayers, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Judge Lilly-Spells. “Each person in the room has the ability to be a positive role model in someone ‘s life.”
Judge Stephanie Charter, Department Y
Barbara Buckley of Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada gave the introductory speech for Judge Stephanie Charter, Department Y. She revealed that after 10 years in insurance defense litigation Judge Charter took her first pro bono case. “She found her calling and she became a children defense lawyer,” said Barbara. “For the first time in 10 years, Judge Charter liked being a lawyer.” She added that for 20 years, children’s law was her focus. “When new family seats were added, she knew that she could bring a unique perspective to bench.” The head of the Legal Aid center known for helping so man reminded, “She will never forget the child.”
Judge Charter shared that when she decided to run for one of the new seats, the stories of children she represented stayed with her and gave her the impetuous to take a giant leap of faith to run for the position.
She thanked her family, her husband Scott, and her children. She said, “I am so proud of each of you.” She thanked her parents and said, “From my dad I learned the importance of doing what you say you are going to do. Sometimes the most important thing is showing up and the value of education.” From her step-mom, she learned to stand up for what you believe. She learned to giveback from her mother. “I learned the great value in giving back to others.”
She quoted Ruth Bader Ginsberg: “So often in life, things you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune.”
These are all high-achieving women with impressive credentials and work histories. They had the great, good fortune of having positive role models in their lives, many of them women. There are more investitures to come. They will include more stories about the exceptional women who have achieved their goal of becoming a judge and those who helped them along the way. Their stories are also sure to inspire.
Tags: Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, Judge Carli Kierny, Judge Crystal Eller, Judge Dawn Throne, Judge Dedree ‘Dee’ Butler, Judge Erika Ballou, Judge Heidi Almase, Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells, Judge Linda Bell, Judge Mary Perry, Judge Michele ‘Shell’ Mercer, Judge Monica Trujillo, Judge Nadin Cutter, Judge Rebecca Burton, Judge Soonhee ‘Sunny’ Bailey, Judge Stacy Rocheleau, Judge Stephanie Charter, Judge Tierra Jones
February 25, 2021 Four new District Court judges to take oath to uphold justice at investiture on February 26
Ceremonial Robing And Oath To Take Place With Covid-19 Safety Measures In Place
In the recent election, 22 new judges were elected to serve in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada. The fourth of several specially coordinated investitures is scheduled for February 26 at 3 p.m. The investitures for Judge Carli Kierny, department 2; Judge Monica Trujillo, department 3; Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells, department 23 and Judge Stephanie Charter, Department Y will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts.
Investitures are formal ceremonies with significant symbolism. The judges will publicly swear an oath to uphold justice, prior to being ceremonially robed. The ceremonies are usually done before a big gathering of family, friends and supporters. This year, the investitures will include coronavirus safety measures with just a few observers to reduce the potential for spread of the coronavirus.
“The District Court bench is welcoming 22 new judges during a time of unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus. The investitures celebrate the arrival of the biggest and most diverse group of new judges to join the court at one time,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “We look forward to the contributions that each of these new judges will bring to the court.”
Prior to taking the bench in department 2 of District Court, Judge Carli Kierny spent the last 10 years with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office, including five years on the sexual assault team. She served as the public defender representative on the countywide Criminal Justice Coordination Committee dedicated to improving probation outcomes. She began her legal career as a public defender in Champaign County, trying dozens of misdemeanor and felony cases. She also served as a volunteer with the SafeNest PS 417 program to provide resources to prevent lethal domestic violence incidents. As a law student, she tried several cases as a clerk with the Cook County Homicide Task Force and worked on the exoneration of a man who was wrongfully convicted as a student with the Chicago-Kent Law Clinic. Judge Kierny received a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a juris doctor degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Prior to taking the bench in department 3 of District Court, Judge Monica Trujillo worked for the Clark County Public Defender’s Office. As a practicing attorney in that office, she represented indigent clients charged with misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors and felonies through all phases of the criminal justice process. In February of 2013, she transferred to the Clark County Special Public Defender’s Office, with a focus on capital and non-capital murder cases. She attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. After graduation, Judge Trujillo received her juris doctor from American University, Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. During law school, she participated in the Latino Law Students Association and was a member of Phi Alpha Delta, Mock Trial Honor Society and the Criminal Law Society.
Prior to taking the bench in department 23, Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells served Clark County Public Defender’s office for over a decade and was named chief deputy public defender. Judge Lilly-Spells volunteered as a court appointed special advocate (CASA) and as a mediator at the Neighborhood Justice Center. She served as a mentor to middle school girls and organized reading programs at at-risk schools. She volunteered with Nevada Legal Services handling pro bono cases. She also worked as a parking arbitrator. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine. Judge Lilly-Spells received her juris doctor from the University of Nevada Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law.
Judge Stephanie Charter, who presides over dependency cases in the Family Division, Department Y, started her career as an attorney as a civil litigator in 1991 in Orange County, California, before relocating to Las Vegas in 1994. Judge Charter took a case pro bono for the then new Children’s Attorneys Project (CAP) at Clark County Legal Services (now Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada) and went on to join CAP as one of their first staff attorneys dedicated to representing child victims of abuse and neglect. While with CAP, she founded the Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) and spoke at the NACC’s annual conventions in Las Vegas and Savannah, Georgia, on topics related to best practices for representation of youth. Judge Charter also worked as a Deputy District Attorney in dependency at the Clark County and Washoe County District Attorney’s offices. In addition, she worked as a family law practitioner in St. George, Utah, where she was on the Board for the Dove Center and also volunteered with the Erin Kimball Foundation both of which are dedicated to serving victims of domestic violence. In Clark County, Judge Charter has been a long-time volunteer judge with the Truancy Diversion Program (TDP). While in Washoe County, Judge Charter helped to co-found TDP in conjunction with the Washoe County School District. She also served as Chairperson for the Student Attendance Advisory Board. Judge Charter graduated from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska, where she was a member of the International Moot Court Board. She is admitted to the Nevada, Utah, California, and Arizona state bars.
They join the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada bench, comprised of 58 judges who preside over nearly 100,000 criminal, civil and family cases that are filed each year. District Court judges and staff continuously work to develop new ideas, maximize efficiencies and improve access to justice. For more information about the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, please visit our website at clarkcountycourts.us, Facebook facebook.com/NV8thJDCourt, Twitter at https://twitter.com/Nv8thC
or blog at https://eighthjdcourt.wordpress.com.
Tags: Carli Kierny, Jasmin Lilly-Spells, Judge Carli Kierny, Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells, Judge Monica Trujillo, Judge Stephanie Charter, Monica Trujillo, Stephanie Charter
February 25, 2021 Four newly elected District Court judges to swear oath to uphold justice at investitures on February 26
Ceremonial Robing And Oath To Take Place With Covid-19 Safety Measures In Place
In the recent election, 22 new judges were elected to serve in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada. The fourth of several specially coordinated investitures is scheduled for February 26 at 3 p.m. The investitures for Judge Carli Kierny, department 2; Judge Monica Trujillo, department 3; Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells, department 23 and Judge Stephanie Charter, Department Y will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts.
Investitures are formal ceremonies with significant symbolism. The judges will publicly swear an oath to uphold justice, prior to being ceremonially robed. The ceremonies are usually done before a big gathering of family, friends and supporters. This year, the investitures will include coronavirus safety measures with just a few observers to reduce the potential for spread of the coronavirus.
“The District Court bench is welcoming 22 new judges during a time of unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus. The investitures celebrate the arrival of the biggest and most diverse group of new judges to join the court at one time,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “We look forward to the contributions that each of these new judges will bring to the court.”
Prior to taking the bench in department 2 of District Court, Judge Carli Kierny spent the last 10 years with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office, including five years on the sexual assault team. She served as the public defender representative on the countywide Criminal Justice Coordination Committee dedicated to improving probation outcomes. She began her legal career as a public defender in Champaign County, trying dozens of misdemeanor and felony cases. She also served as a volunteer with the SafeNest PS 417 program to provide resources to prevent lethal domestic violence incidents. As a law student, she tried several cases as a clerk with the Cook County Homicide Task Force and worked on the exoneration of a man who was wrongfully convicted as a student with the Chicago-Kent Law Clinic. Judge Kierny received a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a juris doctor degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Prior to taking the bench in department 3 of District Court, Judge Monica Trujillo worked for the Clark County Public Defender’s Office. As a practicing attorney in that office, she represented indigent clients charged with misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors and felonies through all phases of the criminal justice process. In February of 2013, she transferred to the Clark County Special Public Defender’s Office, with a focus on capital and non-capital murder cases. She attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. After graduation, Judge Trujillo received her juris doctor from American University, Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. During law school, she participated in the Latino Law Students Association and was a member of Phi Alpha Delta, Mock Trial Honor Society and the Criminal Law Society.
Prior to taking the bench in department 23, Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells served Clark County Public Defender’s office for over a decade and was named chief deputy public defender. Judge Lilly-Spells volunteered as a court appointed special advocate (CASA) and as a mediator at the Neighborhood Justice Center. She served as a mentor to middle school girls and organized reading programs at at-risk schools. She volunteered with Nevada Legal Services handling pro bono cases. She also worked as a parking arbitrator. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine. Judge Lilly-Spells received her juris doctor from the University of Nevada Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law.
Judge Stephanie Charter, who presides over dependency cases in the Family Division, Department Y, started her career as an attorney as a civil litigator in 1991 in Orange County, California, before relocating to Las Vegas in 1994. Judge Charter took a case pro bono for the then new Children’s Attorneys Project (CAP) at Clark County Legal Services (now Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada) and went on to join CAP as one of their first staff attorneys dedicated to representing child victims of abuse and neglect. While with CAP, she founded the Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) and spoke at the NACC’s annual conventions in Las Vegas and Savannah, Georgia, on topics related to best practices for representation of youth. Judge Charter also worked as a Deputy District Attorney in dependency at the Clark County and Washoe County District Attorney’s offices. In addition, she worked as a family law practitioner in St. George, Utah, where she was on the Board for the Dove Center and also volunteered with the Erin Kimball Foundation both of which are dedicated to serving victims of domestic violence. In Clark County, Judge Charter has been a long-time volunteer judge with the Truancy Diversion Program (TDP). While in Washoe County, Judge Charter helped to co-found TDP in conjunction with the Washoe County School District. She also served as Chairperson for the Student Attendance Advisory Board. Judge Charter graduated from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska, where she was a member of the International Moot Court Board. She is admitted to the Nevada, Utah, California, and Arizona state bars.
They join the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada bench, comprised of 58 judges who preside over nearly 100,000 criminal, civil and family cases that are filed each year. District Court judges and staff continuously work to develop new ideas, maximize efficiencies and improve access to justice. For more information about the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, please visit our website at clarkcountycourts.us, Facebook facebook.com/NV8thJDCourt, Twitter at https://twitter.com/Nv8thC
or blog at https://eighthjdcourt.wordpress.com.
Tags: Carli Kierny, Clark County Courts, Clark County Courts investitures, Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, EJDC, Jasmin Lilly-Spells, Judge Carli Kierny, Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells, Judge Linda Bell, Judge Monica Trujillo, Judge Stephanie Charter, Las Vegas courts, Las Vegas Investitures, Linda Bell, Monica Trujillo, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Stephanie Charter
February 22, 2021 Four newly elected District Court judges to swear oath to uphold justice at investitures on February 24
Ceremonial Robing And Oath To Take Place With Covid-19 Safety Measures In Place
In the recent election, 22 new judges were elected to serve in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada. The third of several specially coordinated investitures is scheduled for February 24 at 3 p.m. The investitures for Judge Crystal Eller, Department 19 Judge Nadin Cutter, Department T; Judge Dawn Throne, Department U and Judge Heidi Almase, Department X will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts.
Investitures are formal ceremonies with significant symbolism. The judges will publicly swear an oath to uphold justice, prior to being ceremonially robed. The ceremonies are usually done before a big gathering of family, friends and supporters. This year, the investitures will include coronavirus safety measures with just a few observers to reduce the potential for spread of the coronavirus.
“The District Court bench is welcoming 22 new judges during a time of unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus. The investitures celebrate the arrival of the biggest and most diverse group of new judges to join the court at one time,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “We look forward to the contributions that each of these new judges will bring to the court.”
Prior to her election to department 19 of the District Court Civil Criminal Division, Judge Crystal Eller worked as an attorney in civil and criminal cases, was the first Las Vegas Municipal Court Traffic Commissioner, and a Nevada Supreme Court Appointed mediator. She started, owned and managed two separate successful law firms during her time in Clark County. She has volunteered with charities working with children with Autism and other disabilities, and formed her own charity, Justice Ranch to provide veterans and disadvantaged communities access to horses. She served as a mentor at Hope for Prisoners reducing the incidents of former inmates re-offending. Through discipline and determination she graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and received a scholarship to attend law school. In 1993 she graduated Cum Laude from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL at the top of her class.
Prior to her election to Department T in the Family Division, Judge Nadin Cutter worked in personal injury, family law, and business litigation. She served as president of the Business Law Society, as Judge Susan Johnson’s judicial law clerk, and as a judicial extern for both District Judges Charles J. Thompson and Cheryl Moss. She worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to secure visas and a safe house for a group of Chinese acrobats trafficked into Las Vegas and held under improper conditions. She speaks English, German, and Spanish. She speaks German fluently. She has volunteered for a number of community service organizations. She attended the Business College and Honors College at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She entered law school at the William S. Boyd School of Law.
Prior to her election to Department U in the Family Division, Judge Dawn Throne spent the last 23 years representing clients in all areas of Family Law. She is certified as a Family Law Specialist. In May 2001, she completed the intensive American Bar Association’s Family Law Advocacy Institute in Houston. She served as a Pro Tem Hearing Master. Judge Throne has also served as a fee dispute arbitrator for the State Bar of Nevada for the last 16 years. She is a member of the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board. She currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Nevada Child Support Guidelines Committee. She spent her first nine years of practice working for two full-service law firms. She has experience in civil litigation, business and commercial litigation, bankruptcy, employment law, administrative law, probate, estate and trust litigation and medical malpractice defense. She also prosecuted misdemeanor criminal matters and defended a few clients in misdemeanor criminal matters.
Prior to her election to Department X in the Family Division, Judge Heidi Almase served in the Las Vegas Municipal Court where she presided over a criminal docket as well as HOPE Court. In 2009, she created the Serious Traffic Offender Program (STOP Court), which sought to address chronic traffic offenders within the City of Las Vegas. In 2015, she created the city’s first mental health diversion program. She is a former member of the Judicial Council of the State of Nevada, an alternate member to the Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission, a former member of the Nevada Pre-Trial Risk Assessment Committee, a former member of the Southern Nevada Traffic Safety Committee and a former member of the Clark County, Nevada Judges of Limited Jurisdiction and American Judges Associations. She was selected as an Honors Intern for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Behavioral Science Services Unit, Quantico, Virginia. Prior to attending law school she served as a state of Nevada Category I Peace Officer with the Nevada Division of Parole and Probation, later also working as an investigator with the Nevada Office of the Attorney General. She did a clerkship with the Nevada Supreme Court, she worked as a prosecutor for the City of Las Vegas and the Nevada Office of the Attorney General, later returning to the City of Las Vegas City Attorney’s Office as part of the civil litigation team. She worked as a criminal defense attorney. She has served as a volunteer with Legal Aid of Southern Nevada’s Childrens’ Attorney Project and the Women in Need Diversion Program. She attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for undergraduate studies and the William S. Boyd School of Law, a member of the charter class where she had been managing editor of the Nevada Law Journal.
They join the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada bench, comprised of 58 judges who preside over nearly 100,000 criminal, civil and family cases that are filed each year. District Court judges and staff continuously work to develop new ideas, maximize efficiencies and improve access to justice. For more information about the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, please visit our website at clarkcountycourts.us, Facebook facebook.com/NV8thJDCourt, Twitter at https://twitter.com/Nv8thC
M Price@LasVegasCourts or blog at https://eighthjdcourt.wordpress.com.
Tags: Crystal Eller, Dawn Throne, Heidi Almase, Linda Bell, Nadin Cutter
February 11, 2021 Three newly elected District Court judges to swear oath to uphold justice at investitures on February 17
In the recent election, 22 new judges were elected to serve in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada. The second of several specially coordinated investitures is scheduled for February 17 at 3 p.m. The investitures for Judge Erika Ballou, Department 24; Judge Mary Perry, Department P and Judge Stacy Rocheleau, Department W will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts.
Investitures are formal ceremonies with significant symbolism. The judges will publicly swear an oath to uphold justice, prior to being ceremonially robed. The ceremonies are usually done before a big gathering of family, friends and supporters. This year, the investitures will include coronavirus safety measures with just a few observers to reduce the potential for spread of the coronavirus.
“The District Court bench is welcoming 22 new judges during a time of unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus. The investitures celebrate the arrival of the biggest and most diverse group of new judges to join the court at one time,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “We look forward to the contributions that each of these new judges will bring to the court.”
Prior to her election to department 24 of the District Court Civil Criminal Division, Judge Erika Ballou served as a public defender for 15 and a half years. She served on the court Jury Services Committee with a mission to develop improvements that could enhance jury service processes. In 2018, she was awarded the Franny Forsman National Criminal Defense College Scholarship by Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice. Judge Ballou attended Howard University and received her undergraduate degree from UCLA. She received her juris doctor from the Tulane School of Law.
Mary Perry is a veteran who served eight and a half years in the United States Air Force. She attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas and received her juris doctor from the William S. Boyd School of Law. She was a sole practioner in her own law firm from 2004 until joining the District Court bench department P in the Family Division.
Prior to her election to Department W in the Family Division, Stacy Rocheleau was the founding partner of Right Lawyers. She is a member of the Nevada State Bar, the Clark County Bar Association and the Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys. She earned her undergraduate Degree from Whittier College in 1991 and her juris doctor from the University of San Diego.
Tags: Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada Family Division department Z, Investitures 2021, Judge Erika Ballou, Judge Mary Perry, Judge Stacy Rocheleau