Shockingly, the Review-Journal reports that some lawyers believe judges favor local counsel who participate in "pay to play". (Review-Journal). Not familiar with that system? Just ask Plaintiff's super-attorney Robert Vannah about it--he has "five or six judges that will do anything [he] want[s]". Other attorneys see prejudice by jurists on the basis of religion/gender/ethnicity. (Review-Journal)Meanwhile, some attorneys simply think the judges don't know or don't care about the law and procedure argued before them. (Review-Journal). Here are some highlights from the article:
- Several lawyers commented in the evaluation that Judge Lisa Kent often was reluctant to take a position on cases. Judge Kent responded "It's a misconception that I don't know family law because I've practiced it my whole career." She said "I think I do a good job for children and families in Clark County."
- A staggering 84 percent of respondents questioned how District Judge Elizabeth Halverson exercises the law, far and away the poorest rating of any jurist evaluated. [oh but her attorney is sure that's just because they're engaging in a "beauty contest". Why is this woman still on the bench? She is a national (and repetitive) black eye for Nevada law.]
- 59 percent of attorneys said Judge Jesse Walsh was less than adequate in applying the law. She replied "I think my numbers reflect improvement." Her retention ratings have increased from 31 percent in 2004 to 34 percent in 2006 to 41 percent this year.
- 48 percent of respondents said Judge Stefanie Miley was less than adequate in applying the law (the sixth lowest score of any judge in any court surveyed). Some attorneys noted "She appears to be only mildly interested in her job and more interested in furthering her own career." Miley said she has confidence in her ability and aspires to be on the Nevada Supreme Court.
Who's at the top for applying the law? Well, Family Court Judge Gloria Sanchez of course (who also has a 97% retention rating). And, as it should be, the Chief Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court Mark Gibbons. Congratulations to Justice Gibbons and Judge Sanchez for reminding us gossipy bloggers that the bench is also filled with the keenest legal minds.
