Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has appointed Erika Mendoza to fill a vacant judicial seat in District Court Department 27. The announcement comes after the retirement of Judge Nancy Allf in January, who primarily handled civil cases.

Mendoza’s Background

Mendoza, a graduate of Boyd Law School (2011), brings a wealth of experience to the bench. Since 2011, she has served in the Clark County District Attorney’s office, working in the gun crimes unit, general litigation team, and appellate unit.

Selection Process

Seven individuals applied for the position. Governor Lombardo selected Mendoza from the top three nominees.

Next Steps

To retain the seat for the remainder of the term (expiring January 2027), Mendoza must file as a candidate in the upcoming November general election.

A Procedural Glitch

An earlier “inadvertent” placement of the seat on the January ballot allowed two candidates to file despite the vacancy not being officially declared. Clark County anticipates a special candidate filing period from June 17 to July 26 to address this oversight.

Lombardo’s Judicial Appointments

Mendoza joins a growing list of judicial appointments made by Governor Lombardo since taking office. He previously appointed former prosecutor Danielle Pieper to Department 7, former attorney Jacob Reynolds to Department 29, and family law attorneys Paul Gaudet and Regina McConnell to Family Court.

Credits: Review Journal