Judges Nancy Allf and Gloria Sturman have been friends for a long time. They attended their first Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys (SNAWA) luncheon in Las Vegas together in 1983. Judge Sturman’s plan at the time was to stay in Las Vegas for two years. Judge Allf hatched a different five-year plan that led the dynamic duo down a long and productive path of developing and enriching the legal community in Las Vegas, particularly for women. It was fitting, that when SNAWA decided to recognize Judges Allf and Sturman with the Justice Miriam Shearing Award, it would be together. The two have been best friends and cohorts in providing a supportive network for newcomers to the local legal ranks for more than 35 years.

The Miriam Shearing Award is an annual award presented by SNAWA to a member of the legal profession who has contributed to the advancement of women in the law. The award is named after retired Nevada Supreme Court Justice Miriam Shearing who the first female District and Supreme Court judge in Nevada and the first chief justice on the Supreme Court of Nevada.

Judge Allf was unable to attend due to a family emergency, so Judge Sturman accepted the award for herself and her longtime friend. She quoted Sir Isaac Newton, “‘If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’ That’s what I feel about these women who have received this award before me.”

She credited Judge Allf for her superpowers of detailed planning and putting the sisterhood to work.

She also quoted Shirley Chisholm, “’Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.’ That’s good advice for all of us,” said Judge Sturman.

Judge Sturman gave some advice to those in attendance, “Find your own superpower and be in the position to have it work for you.”

Judge Linda Marie Bell spoke on behalf of Judge Nancy Allf. “I met Judge Allf through SNWA when I was a new lawyer. When I think about Judge Allf, her kindness is the thing that comes to the forefront. She is so dedicated to the employees of our court, our litigants our colleagues and worked really tirelessly to improve our teamwork, and to try to make sure people feel included,” said Judge Bell. “A real example of an ethical, professional attorney and judge, and somebody we can all look up to.”

Visit the Eighth JD YouTube channel to view video of the event.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCinfEGC2Ix41UfnsT3P1b1A/videos

Judge Nadia Krall welcomes guests to the 2022 Justice Miriam Shearing Annual Gala to honor Judge Nancy Allf and Judge Gloria Sturman and credits them for bringing SNWA to a new level.

Randa Shea speaks at the 2022 Justice Miriam Shearing Annual Gala to honor Judge Gloria Sturman.

Candace Carlyon speaks at the 2022 Justice Miriam Shearing Annual Gala to honor Judge Nancy Allf.