Chief Justice Mark Gibbons has announced three attorneys have been recommended to Governor Steve Sisolak for his consideration to fill the opening on the Clark County Family Court made vacant by the retirement of Judge Cynthia Dianne Steel.
The Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection’s three nominees for the open position, in alphabetical order, are:
- Rhonda Kay Forsberg, 56, Henderson, Rhonda K. Forsberg, Chartered
- Amy M. Mastin, 49, Las Vegas, Eighth Judicial District Family Court
- Shann Dee Winesett, 52, Las Vegas, Pecos Law Group
A total of 11 Nevada attorneys with 10 years of legal experience and two years of Nevada residency applied for the position and participated in public interviews in Las Vegas. As has been the rule since 2007, the Commission’s interviews were open to the public and public comment was requested.
In selecting the finalists, the Commission considered the applicants’ interviews along with information in comprehensive applications about education, law practice, business involvement, community involvement, and professional and personal conduct. The Commission also considered letters of reference and public statements during the interview process.
The Governor’s appointee must run in the 2020 General Election and win to retain the seat.
No time limit exists for the Governor to make his choice. However, if appointments are not made within 30 days following submission of names by the Commission, the Governor may make no other appointments to public office.