SBN eNews: Feb. Nevada Lawyer Takes a Look at Nevada Legislature

Thursday, February 2, 2023

State Bar of Nevada eNews

Nevada Lawyer Takes a Look at Nevada Legislature

Interested in how the 2023 Nevada Legislature may change the laws affecting your practice? Want to get more involved in the legislative process? The February issue of Nevada Lawyer magazine has all the information you need, from a preview of legislative bill draft requests to contact information for every legislator in the state, plus articles advising readers on how one can follow – and even participate – in the legislative process.

The issue also contains profiles of the attorneys currently serving in the legislature, and a feature on new U.S. Attorney Jason Frierson.

As always, the magazine includes regular features such as the president’s message, news and notes, the Nevada Trailblazer profile, and the bar counsel report. While you are there, check out the Nevada Lawyer archives for a lengthy list of back issues.

This Week at the State Bar

With low airfare prices and a great hotel room rate, now is the perfect time to make your plans to attend the 2023 Bar Conference, June 22-23, 2023, at the JW Marriott Essex House, located within steps of Central Park and a short distance from all the city has to offer. This year’s theme is “Imagine the Law in Color,” and includes national experts presenting engaging CLE, as well as multiple opportunities to network with your colleagues.

On January 26, representatives from the state bar's Board of Governors and the affinity bars met with law students at the William S. Boyd School of law for an informal lunch to discuss the pipeline to leadership.

The Family Law Section Executive Committee met on January 27 to discuss plans for the 2023 Family Law Conference in Lake Tahoe.

The Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility met on January 27 to formally approve the opinion on non-disclosure agreements, which will be published soon.

The Lawyer Advertising Advisory Committee met on January 27 to review 15 ads filed in December.

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Charles Kellar Paved Way for Nevada’s Black Citizens

February is Black History Month, and the state bar recognizes and honors the achievements of all Black Nevadans in the legal profession. This week, the state bar looks back at the trailblazing work, perseverance, and significant accomplishments of one man who helped pave the way not only for Black attorneys, but all Black citizens of Nevada – Charles Kellar.

Charles Kellar is the first Black man to pass the Nevada bar exam, as well as one of Nevada’s first Black lawyers. And, although he passed the exam in 1960, it took another five years before Kellar was admitted to the bar after a lengthy court battle.

Kellar spent his career as a legal advocate for racial justice in Nevada. During the fight for his law license, he volunteered in the Reno and Las Vegas offices of the NAACP, where he laid the groundwork for what would be some of the most significant civil rights achievements in the Silver State. In 1961, Kellar drafted legislation to establish a Commission on Human Rights and to ban racial discrimination in public accommodation, housing, and employment. His efforts led to the passage and enactment of an anti-discrimination bill.

Kellar also spearheaded the NAACP’s efforts to hold hotels and casinos in Nevada accountable for providing equal employment opportunities for Black people. Ultimately, this led the Nevada Resort Association to enter a consent decree agreeing to hire at least 12 percent Black people for all resort jobs.

New Member Benefit: Calm App for Mental Well-Being

The State Bar of Nevada has partnered with Calm to provide a practical tool that you can use to improve your mental health, get better rest, and increase resiliency. Calm supports mental well-being through clinically proven outcomes like better sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved mindfulness.

Millions of people are experiencing lower stress, less anxiety, improved focus, and more restful sleep with Calm. Submit an interest form on the state bar's website to get started.

Eighth Judicial District Court Orders Department Reassignments

The Eighth Judicial District Court issued Administrative Order (AO) 23-01, which reassigns case types in civil, criminal, and family court.

According to the order:

All “summary eviction” appeals pursuant to NRS 40.380 currently assigned to Department 19 shall be reassigned to Department 14.
Veterans’ Treatment Court is reassigned to Department 23 from Department 30.
Gambling Treatment Court is reassigned to Department 9 from Department 7.
Department L’s juvenile delinquency caseload shall be reassigned to Department M.
Department M’s civil domestic caseload shall be reassigned to Department O.
Department O’s dependency caseload, including Family Treatment Court and Mental Health Court, shall be reassigned to Department L.

Nevada Latino Bar Association Hosting 2023 Kickoff Event

The Nevada Latino Bar Association (NVLBA) is hosting a “Beer & Birria” 2023 Kickoff social event at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, at Ser Veh Zah Bottle Shop and Tap Room, at 1301 S. Commerce Street, Suite 130.

Tickets are $15 for NVLBA members, which includes one free drink, and $25 for nonmembers with one free drink.

To join the NVLBA, please visit its website.

Featured CLE: Trial Skills Academy

Immerse yourself in a two-day interactive training with real-time feedback from trial experts. This program brings classroom learning to life with small group instruction, on-site group practice, and courtroom application. This 101-level program is designed for attorneys seeking to build or refresh their trial experience. Limited to 25 attorneys.

Program Date:

March 9-10

Location:

State Bar of Nevada office in Reno, and courtrooms of Second Judicial District

CLE Hours:

12 credits