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Thursday, January 9, 2025
State Bar of Nevada eNews
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New Leadership Announced for Nevada Appellate Courts | |
The Nevada Judiciary announced leadership transitions as Justice Douglas W. Herndon officially begins his two-year term as chief justice of the Nevada Supreme Court, succeeding Justice Elissa F. Cadish. In addition, Judge Bonnie A. Bulla assumes her appointed role as chief judge of the Nevada Court of Appeals for a four-year term.
As chief justice, Herndon will step into the role of administrative head of the Nevada judiciary and the official public voice of the Supreme Court.
Herndon has served on the Nevada Supreme Court since his election in 2020. Before his tenure on the Supreme Court, he served as a district court judge in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County for 15 years, where he presided over civil and criminal cases and was the chief judge of the court’s Criminal Division and Homicide Case Team.
Bulla succeeds Judge Michael P. Gibbons. Bulla was appointed to the Nevada Court of Appeals in 2019 by Governor Steve Sisolak, previously serving as discovery commissioner for the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County.
Bulla will oversee the administrative functions of the Court of Appeals and provide leadership to ensure timely and fair resolution of appeals.
Bulla has been president of the Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys and of the Howard D. McKibben Chapter of the American Inns of Court. She also held the offices of clerk and speaker of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.
Cadish will remain on the Nevada Supreme Court as she begins a new six-year term as justice. Gibbons will also continue to serve on the Nevada Court of Appeals.
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This Week at the State Bar | During the last six months, Fee Dispute Arbitration Committee members assisted in the successful mediation of 22 client/attorney fee dispute claims, for a 2024 total of 41 mediations. | The State Bar of Nevada is hiring an Assistant Bar Counsel for its Las Vegas office. | The annual Open Enrollment period for individual health insurance plans began on November 1 and runs through Wednesday, January 15. Visit the State Bar of Nevada Insurance Marketplace to shop plans, schedule an appointment, or use the live chat. | The state bar helps you get the CLE you need, at a time convenient for you. In addition to live seminars and webinars, our online CLE store provides pre-recorded seminars on demand, as well as Nevada Lawyer magazine articles for CLE credit. Search our store today! | The State Bar of Nevada is excited to offer Nevada attorneys and their guests the opportunity to visit Holland while earning CLE credits! We’ve partnered with CLE Abroad to offer this unique and exclusive travel and education package at extraordinary pricing. The trip will take place April 29 through May 5, 2025, with an optional extension for two additional days in Amsterdam. | |
Haven’t Renewed Yet? Keep Access to Justice Top of Mind | |
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If you are a State Bar of Nevada licensee and haven’t yet renewed, consider donating in the Part B Voluntary Donations section of the renewal application when you do.
Licensees can choose to send 100 percent of their donation to a legal aid provider based on their voting districts. For those unable to perform pro bono, Rule 6.1 suggests a $500 donation.
Access to justice for all Nevadans is part of delivering on the American promise of justice for all. Nevada’s legal service providers do amazing work helping the people who need it most: saving children from abuse and neglect, protecting seniors at the end of life with the documents of their choosing, and getting veterans the benefits they’ve earned.
All donations hold great value. Few other sources can be used for matching grants – and direct donations regularly double the value of your contribution.
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State Bar Expands Free Therapy Benefit for Lawyers, Judges | |
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The State Bar of Nevada is pleased to announce an expansion of mental health benefits available through the Nevada Lawyer and Judge Assistance Program, increasing the number of complimentary therapy sessions from three to five per attorney or judge. This enhancement reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing of Nevada's legal professionals.
The state bar understands the unique pressures faced by members of the legal community and wants to remind licensees that these confidential services are available whenever needed. Your privacy is paramount – all communications with therapists through this program are completely confidential and protected. Whether you're dealing with stress, seeking personal growth, or simply want someone to talk to, the state bar encourages you to take advantage of this valuable resource.
To access a therapist through the Nevada Lawyer and Judge Assistance Program, call 1-866-828-0022.
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Attorney Coaches Needed for New Las Vegas Mock Trial Teams | |
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The State Bar of Nevada is searching for two attorney coaches to mentor new Mock Trial teams at Desert Oasis and Liberty high schools in Las Vegas.
Attorney coaches can make a difference by inspiring future leaders. They will also help the teams prepare for this year’s competition season – this is your chance to mentor the next generation of legal professionals and provide guidance as they tackle real-world legal scenarios.
What’s involved?
- Meet with the team weekly to help students develop their case strategies, legal arguments, and courtroom skills.
- Share your expertise and passion for the law in a rewarding, hands-on way.
- Coaching begins now and runs through February 21.
Why volunteer?
- Help students develop critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills.
- Give back to your community and inspire the next generation of legal professionals.
- Be part of an unforgettable experience that empowers young minds.
For information, email CLE Director Eric Johnson at ericj@nvbar.org.
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Comment Period Open for Upcoming Board of Governors Meeting | |
Volunteers Needed for Functional Equivalency Committee | |
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The State Bar of Nevada is seeking dedicated and qualified individuals to join the Functional Equivalency Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in evaluating the qualifications of petitioners seeking to meet the qualifications under SCR 51.5 to be eligible to apply for admission in Nevada.
The Functional Equivalency Committee investigates applicants who graduate from non-ABA accredited law schools and determines whether the applicant’s education and work experience are functionally equivalent to an ABA-accredited law school’s education, and if so, certify the applicant to sit for the bar examination.
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Entries Accepted for Ninth Circuit Civics Contest | |
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The District of Nevada is pleased to announce that the 2025 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest will accept essay and video entries through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 7.
The theme of the 2025 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest is “When Duty Calls: Why Exercising the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship is Important to Me.” This is an annual essay and video competition open to students in grades 9-12 in public, private, parochial, charter schools, and home-schooled students of equivalent grade status in nine western states, the U.S. Territory of Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Children and relatives of federal court employees are not eligible to participate.
Students will have an opportunity to win cash prizes while learning about the rights and responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen. Students will explore deeply how they affect their rights and how their rights can affect them. The students are asked to discuss the theme in an essay of 500-1,000 words or in a 3–5-minute video. Contest rules are available on the contest website at https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/civicscontest/.
Essay and video winners will each share $2,850 in total cash prizes - $1,500 for first place, $850 for second place, and $500 for third place. Winners in the District of Nevada will compete at the circuit level, where they will share $11,400 in total cash prizes - $3,000 for first place, $1,700 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. In addition, first-place winners at the circuit level will be invited to attend the 2025 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, where students will be recognized for their achievements and participate in a special panel discussion with members of the bench and bar.
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Featured CLE: Nevada Public Records
Act & Tort Litigation Update
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The Public Lawyers Section is hosting a CLE titled “Nevada Public Records Act & Tort Litigation Update.”
Instructor Jackie Nichols will provide public records law updates and updates regarding tort law litigation for public agencies.
Nichols focuses her practice on representing government and municipal entities, with experience in civil rights, personal injury, employment matters, and Nevada Public Records Act (NPRA) cases, including appeals. She also represents medical professionals and entities in malpractice suits, handling all stages of litigation from pre-suit investigations to expert discovery.
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Program Date:
February 12
Time:
11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Location:
Webinar
CLE Hours:
2 General Credits
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