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Introducing
Judge Heidi Almase
Judge Heidi Almase will begin her service overseeing child welfare cases initiated in Clark County Family Services’ West Unit, as well as CCFS’ specialized ICWA unit, on March 9, 2026. Judge Almase brings a distinguished blend of professional achievement, community service, and commitment to children and families to her role on the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas.
Raised in Las Vegas after moving here with her family in 1979, she worked her way through school while attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, earning a Bachelor’s degree and later a Master’s degree in Psychology before attending the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV. During her studies, she was selected nationally as an Honors Intern with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Science Services Unit at Quantico, reflecting her early dedication to justice and public service. After law school, Judge Almase gained valuable perspective serving as a Nevada peace officer, prosecutor, and legal advocate before taking the bench.
Before her election to the District Court in 2020, Judge Almase served with distinction as a judge on the Las Vegas Municipal Court from 2011 to 2017. There she presided over a criminal docket and specialized courts such as the HOPE Court for individuals facing addiction and the STOP Court for serious traffic offenders. Notably, she created Las Vegas’ first mental health diversion program in 2015, designed to support defendants with mental health challenges through stabilization and treatment rather than traditional punishment, earning the Court recognition for creative care from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In recognition of her leadership in the addiction recovery field and mental health court initiatives, she received the 2016 Community Partner Award from the Las Vegas Foundation for Recovery and the Continuity of Care Connect 4 Mental Health Award.
Judge Almase’s personal journey—from working her way through college to her varied roles in law enforcement, prosecution, defense, and on the bench—gives her a rich understanding of the challenges families and children face in the legal system. A long-time member of the Nevada Bar and former member of several judicial committees, she continues to bring empathy, experience, and thoughtful leadership to family court. Her deep appreciation for advocacy and collaboration aligns powerfully with CASA’s mission, and her work positively impacts vulnerable children and families throughout the Southern Nevada community.
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