Thursday Sessions

Session Materials (password protected)

Presented by: Judge Stephen Bishop & Judge Chris Jeter

This session will address the legal and ethical implications surrounding Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) masking in Nevada courts. Attendees will review federal regulations, Nevada law, and the responsibilities of limited jurisdiction judges when handling traffic offenses involving CDL holders.

The course will also examine common misconceptions, prohibited practices, reporting requirements, and best practices to ensure judicial compliance while maintaining public confidence and roadway safety.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the federal and Nevada laws prohibiting CDL masking and diversion practices.

2. Identify judicial and courtroom practices that may unintentionally violate CDL reporting requirements.

3. Apply ethical and procedural safeguards to ensure compliance, transparency, and consistency in CDL-related cases.

Session Materials (password protected)

Presented by: Judge Melissa De La Garza & Judge Ryan Sullivan

A refresher on using the law, the tools, the science and resources.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the legal rules for pretrial release decisions, including what Valdez-Jimenez v. Eighth Judicial District Court requires.

2. Use pretrial risk assessment tools effectively, including knowing what they can and can’t tell you.

3. Make fair, informed bail decisions by combining the law, risk information, and available community resources.

Session Materials (password protected)

Presented by:  Felicia King & Teresa Chalmers

This session provides an overview of JRS, PERS, and the Retirement Board, including retirement eligibility, benefit calculations, payment options, beneficiary selection, and reemployment after retirement. Designed for both new and experienced judges, the session offers practical guidance for planning and understanding judicial retirement benefits.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the basics of JRS, PERS, and the Retirement Board.

2. Identify retirement eligibility requirements and available benefit options.

3. Recognize key rules related to reemployment after retirement.

Presented by:  Jen Donovan

This interactive wellness session focuses on practical strategies for managing stress, secondary trauma, and the demands of judicial service. Through discussion, guided breathwork, positive intention setting, and gentle movement, participants will explore techniques to support resilience, balance, and overall well-being in both their professional and personal lives.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the impact of stress and secondary trauma on judicial officers and court professionals.

2. Identify practical strategies for improving work-life balance and supporting personal wellness.

3. Practice wellness techniques, including breathwork, positive intention setting, and gentle movement, to promote resilience and stress reduction.

Presented by: Tom Clark

In today’s 24/7 media environment we simply can’t ignore the media. Knowing when, where, and how to talk with the “Them” is more important now than ever. This session will discuss best practices in a whole new world.

Learning Objectives:

• New media defined
• When should you go “On the Record” and how to avoid it
• Knowing what to say and the best vehicle to drive the message