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In the recent election, 22 new judges were elected by voters to serve in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada. All 22 were women from diverse backgrounds and each with their own interesting story on how they became a judge. It is the biggest and most diverse class of judges elected at one time to the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada.

Women now comprise just over two-thirds of the 58 judges on the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada bench. Women sit on three-fourths of the 32 seats in the Civil Criminal Division and just under two-thirds of the 26 seats in the Family Division. Judge Linda Marie Bell is the chief judge. Judge Tierra Jones is the presiding judge over the Criminal Division; Judge Nancy Allf presides over the Civil Division, and Judge Rebecca Burton is the presiding judge over the Family Division. 

During normal times, when the world is not dealing with a pandemic, loved one would gather so see these newly elected judges take their formal oath of office at an investiture. Instead, there were several special COVID-safe investitures with just a few observers to reduce the potential for spread of the coronavirus. The ceremonies were live-streamed to enable the new judges’ loved ones to see the formal judicial oath. Chief Judge Bell was one of a small group of people who attended the ceremonies. “This has been a tremendous time of change for the District Court,” said Judge Bell. “We have some incredible diversity and energy and it is really a very exciting time for the court.”

Each new judge thanked those who paved the way for them and they shared the family history and most spoke of the women in their lives who got them to this point. It was clear from their speeches that each of them who achieved this pinnacle, had done so through a path laid down before them by positive role models, and the help and support of others.

Judge Soonhee u2018Sunny’ Bailey, Department I

Judge Soonhee u2018Sunny’ Bailey, Department I was the first of the newly minted judges to have her investiture live-streamed. She is also the first Korean judge in the District Court. “I am in awe of the fact that I am standing here before you today, because, as I child I never imagined that becoming a judge was even possible,” said Judge Bailey. “My great granny and great grandfather escaped the Ukraine after being sent to Siberia for the second time. My grandmother, mother and aunt walked from Pyongyang to Seoul.” She went onto describe how despite the fact that her mother was financially unable to attain higher education, her mother worked incredibly hard to make higher education an option for her. When a younger Sunny was getting her education, tragedy struck, leaving her mother debilitated after an accident. The accident left the family financially and emotionally devastated and derailed Soonhee’s plans for a time, as she stepped in to care for her mother. Ultimately, perseverance and her family values brought her through.

She also shared, “When I filed to run in department I, I was overwhelmed by the support. Unfortunately, due to the time, the racism I experienced in my youth reared its ugly head again. With names I had quite honestly heard since grade school.” She thanked Judge Bell, Justice Nancy Saitta and others for “helping her to look past the limitations that short-sighted people try to place on others.” She thanked many others including the autism community involved with Detention Alternative for Autistic Youth (D.A.A.Y. Court), a specialty court she started as a delinquency court hearing master to address youth with autism who find themselves in the justice system. She thanked her husband and family and said, “Thanks to my daughters who made me. And to my youngest daughter, I hope you remember the path that your grandmothers, great grandmother and great-great grandmothers forged and that you always appreciate where you come from.”

Judge Dedree u2018Dee’ Butler in Department J

Judge Dedree u2018Dee’ Butler in Department J was also in the first round of investitures. She is the first African American elected to family court. Presiding Criminal Division Judge Tierra Jones, who is the first African American female judge in District Court, took Judge Butler’s oath of office.Judge Linda Harris gave the introduction speech for Judge Butler. “Judge Butler is history now,” said Judge Harris. “#Howardgirls!”

“I never grew up seeing judges who looked like me,” said Judge Butler. “My grandmother was a descendent of slaves. So, it is very emotional to stand here right now with my grandmother looking down to see me in this robe. Knowing that her parents were slaves. Knowing this was the same year that we have the first African American vice president in this county. She contrasted that with the fact that her father’s mother is first African-American woman to receive her doctorate in her community and said, “My mother always told me: Remember where you come from; remember your legacy. Shoot for the moon and you will land among the stars.”

Judge Michele u2018Shell’ Mercer, Department Z

Judge Michele u2018Shell’ Mercer, Department Z was also in the February 5, first round of investitures. She shared that she had a successful career in broadcasting but realized something was missing. “I wanted to do something to make a difference, said Judge Mercer.” A friend convinced her to go to law school and become a judge. “It’s the most important work I’ve ever done.”

To view the Feb. 5 Judge Soonhee u2018Sunny’ Bailey, Department I, Judge Dedree u2018Dee’ Butler in Department J, Judge Michele u2018Shell’ Mercer, Department Z investiture ceremony in its entirety please visit https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts/videos/10222622227738862

February 17 investitures for Judge Erika Ballou, Department 24; Judge Mary Perry, Department P and Judge Stacy Rocheleau, Department W https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts/videos/10222706114515979

Judge Erika Ballou, Department 24

“This is an honor that I don’t even know how to explain,” said Shana Browers the introductory speaker for Judge Erika Ballou who she described as a mentor.  

“Speak your truth even if you’re voice shakes.” Maggie Kuhn

Judge Ballou cited that quote and she spoke about her role as a public defender for 15 and a half years work she enjoyed and called important. “Kamala Harris said, she may be the first to do lots of things but she needed to make sure she was not the last,” said Judge Ballou who is African American. “This is for everyone to see-You don’t have to be like everyone else to be successful. Because I certainly am not.” She added, “This is certainly not the path that everyone takes to be District Court judge. You don’t have to be like everyone else to be successful.”

Judge Mary Perry, Department P

Judge Mary Perry said she “grew up in the middle of nowhere” and called herself “lucky.” “I learned how to read using a Sears catalogue.” She described the defining moment of the type of women she would become as when her parents offered to pay for her college and law school. “I knew I wouldn’t appreciate that education if I didn’t do it myself,” said Judge Perry. Instead, she joined the Air Force where she spent eight and half years “wonderful years.” Judge Perry said one of her hardest battles was surviving breast cancer.

Judge Stacy Rocheleau, Department W

Judge Stacy Rocheleau’s husbandgave her introductory speech. He shared a story that conveyed her desire defending a system that protects the innocent person. “Judges play an important role in our community, they are the umpires that call legal balls and strikes to ensure justice is impartially served,” said Perry Rocheleau. Judge Rocheleau shared that she was hesitant to do an investiture because she didn’t want to be in the spotlight. She decided to go ahead to thank those who supported her for their trust and to express gratitude for the time, effort and resources. She thanked her parents for the opportunity and guidance they provided her, she thanked her husband Rock who she said was her rock. She thanked her colleagues and family and she thanked her three beautiful daughters who she credited for sacrificed during her career. 

February 24 investitures for Judge Crystal Eller, Department 19 Judge Nadin Cutter, Department T; Judge Dawn Throne, Department U and Judge Heidi Almase, Department X https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts/videos/10222753517901034

Judge Crystal Eller, Department 19

Judge Crystal Eller’s Justice Ranch hosts veterans and disadvantaged communities access to horses and school field trips for students to learn about composting and other ranch skills, said that her brother Terry taught her to be brave, strong and independent. Her strength serves as a model for her daughter who gave her investiture speech and said, “Mom, I’ve never been more proud of you than I am at this moment.”

“I need to definitely thank my mom and dad. They taught me patience, integrity and a work ethic,” said Judge Eller who also thanked her children and stepson to who challenged her to be a better person. She credited her husband for his support and incredible patience.

Judge Eller concluded her speech talking about serving others, “The most important life we can live is to serve others,” said Judge Eller. “I cannot think of a better way at this time in my career than to serve as the Eighth Judicial District Court judge in department 19.”

Judge Nadin Cutter, Department T

Judge Nadin Cutter was sworn in by Judge Susan Johnson. Prior to her election to Department T in the Family Division, Judge Nadin Cutter worked in private practice and among other jobs, for a time, was Judge Susan Johnson’s judicial law clerk. She was also a judicial extern for both District Judges Charles J. Thompson and Cheryl Moss. She said that she was inspired by and learned a lot from Judge Johnson and the others she worked with. “I appreciate all you guys, I’ve learned so much from you,” said Judge Cutter.

Judge Dawn Throne, Department U

“The last 24 years, I’ve loved the challenge of helping my clients. Now, I love the challenges of this new position and the new opportunities I have to help others,” Said Judge Throne.

She thanked colleagues and others who supported her campaign. “You can get through life’s trials with great friends to lean on like I have.” She thanked her supportive husband and daughter for all they are and all they do for her. She credited her husband with enabling her to pursue her career.

Judge Heidi Almase, Department X

After her daughter gave prideful introductory speech, Judge Heidi Almase, Department X gave this unlikely opener: “It isn’t often that a high school dropout gets to stand before you not once, but twice, as an elected officer of this great state.” She followed up with, “I like to tell that for two reasons: one, because I believe in perseverance; I firmly believe that it’s never too late, it’s never too anything.”

Judge Almase went on to say, “My mother has always been my role model; and this is because I’ve watch her excel at what she puts her mind to, this is while showing grace and patience. I know this because I’ve tried her patience in the past. I thank her for teaching me to always get up when I’ve been knocked down.”

February 26 investitures for Judge Carli Kierny, department 2; Judge Monica Trujillo, department 3; Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells, department 23 and Judge Stephanie Charter, Department Y https://www.facebook.com/clarkcountycourts/videos/10222767088240284

Judge Carli Kierny, department 2

“I realize that I didn’t get here alone,” said Judge Carli Kierny. “I know when I was born, there were zero district court judges that were female. And I know that there was a lot of work from women who were in this community and some women who were in this room. To get me to this point. I also know that it took a lot of work from my family to get m to this point.”  

“I think of my oma and my opa who had to flee wartime Germany to make a better life for their family. I also think of my grandma Barbara who was always in my corner, and didn’t ever let me settle for less than what I should expect. I also think of my mom and my dad.” She described her mom as the hardest working woman she knows. “My mom was unwittingly was the best role model you could ever have. She taught me that you can have it all but you just gotta work for it.” She thanked her dad for ensuring that her beliefs and what she wanted mattered. Before wrapping up, she gave a shout out “We are the judges now!”

Judge Monica Trujillo, department 3

Justice Abbi Silver said, “I knew when I saw Judge Trujillo, I knew she was something special.”

Judge Monica Trujilloopened her speech with a quote from Maya Angelou: You may encounter many defeats but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are, what you can rise from and how you can still come out of it.” “I am standing here today because this community would not let me be defeated. I did not grow up thinking I would be a judge. That being said, I would not have the courage to run if I did not have such a strong support system. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my parents and brother,” said Judge Trullio.

“Since I was a child, my mother instill the importance of having an impeccable work ethic. She always knew what she wanted and worked hard to achieve her goals.” said Judge Trujillo. She said that her father, who was from Monterrey, Mexico led by example the importance of helping others. “My dad developed the desire to speak up for those who couldn’t speak up for themselves.” JudgeTrujillopaid homage to Justice Abbi Silver and credited her, “So many people who came before me like Justice Silver have paved the way for me to be here before you.”

Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells, department 23

“I thank Judge Tierra Jones for being the first black African American woman on the District Court Bench and setting the bar so high for those of us who would follow behind her,” said Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells as she got underway with her investiture speech. “When I was in pre-school or kindergarten a teacher told my father that I would never amount to anything, and told my father I wouldn’t be able to read. That is when he required that I read 20 minutes a day.” She continued, “Then again. when I was in law school there were some who thought I should drop out when I had my son. How could you be a mother while in law school?”

Judge Lilly-Spells described the reason she shared those less than positive memories. “ I want people to know. Quite frankly, if I would have listened to the naysayers, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Judge Lilly-Spells. “Each person in the room has the ability to be a positive role model in someone u2018s life.”

Judge Stephanie Charter, Department Y

Barbara Buckley of Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada gave the introductory speech for Judge Stephanie Charter, Department Y. She revealed that after 10 years in insurance defense litigation Judge Charter took her first pro bono case. “She found her calling and she became a children defense lawyer,” said Barbara. “For the first time in 10 years, Judge Charter liked being a lawyer.”  She added that for 20 years, children’s law was her focus. “When new family seats were added, she knew that she could bring a unique perspective to bench.”  The head of the Legal Aid center known for helping so man reminded, “She will never forget the child.”

Judge Charter shared that when she decided to run for one of the new seats, the stories of children she represented stayed with her and gave her the impetuous to take a giant leap of faith to run for the position.

She thanked her family, her husband Scott, and her children. She said, “I am so proud of each of you.” She thanked her parents and said, “From my dad I learned the importance of doing what you say you are going to do. Sometimes the most important thing is showing up and the value of education.” From her step-mom, she learned to stand up for what you believe. She learned to giveback from her mother. “I learned the great value in giving back to others.”

She quoted Ruth Bader Ginsberg: “So often in life, things you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune.”

These are all high-achieving women with impressive credentials and work histories. They had the great, good fortune of having positive role models in their lives, many of them women. There are more investitures to come. They will include more stories about the exceptional women who have achieved their goal of becoming a judge and those who helped them along the way. Their stories are also sure to inspire.

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