District Court Judge, Eighth Judicial District, Family Division, Dept. P

Nonpartisan

Indy Analysis

The panel was very down on the quality of candidates in this department. They could not come to any recommendation, citing bar complaints. There was some thought that Mary Perry was the lesser of three evils, but the panel decided on no recommendation.

The Candidates

Perry, Mary

Mary Perry

Incumbent

Perry was a domestic and family law attorney in her own law firm until she was elected to the Department P seat in 2020.

Campaign Website

Perry was a domestic and family law attorney in her own law firm until she was elected to the Department P seat in 2020.

Candidate Deep Dive

Perry, Mary

Years Licensed in NV

2001; 19 years

Court Docket

Civil Court

Trial Stats

  • Practice Areas:
    • Family Law
  • Appeals
    • Perry has had 46 of her decisions appealed, of those, 15 have been reviewed by higher courts. The other appeals were dismissed or the writ of petition was declined.
    • Pending: N/A

Recusals

N/A

Ethics History

  • Judge Perry was reprimanded in 2024 for her hostile tone in statements she made in a divorce proceeding. She said to the divorcing couple, “Your children deserve a hell of a lot better than both of you. I’m going to take her home with me! And neither one of you will see her.” Additionally, in a conversation about the mental health of the parties, she asked, “Are you psycho? That’s a yes or no.”

Sanctions

In addition to being reprimanded in 2024 (see above), she received a 30 day suspension from office without pay and completed an education course on judicial ethics. (https://ournevadajudges.com/assets/docs/disciplines/107-consent-to-public-censure.pdf)

Title

  • Incumbent Judge
    • Practice Areas: Family Law
  • Prior Job Titles: She was the sole practitioner in her own law firm. She served in the Air Force for eight and a half years.

Career Highlights

  • She was a sole practitioner in her own law firm.
  • She served in the Air Force for eight and a half years.

Significant Cases

Perry declined to talk about specific cases because of confidentiality concerns.

Judicial Philosophy

  • Fairness
    • She said she believes in consistently applying the law. From her experience in the Air Force, she believes that orders should be strictly enforced. She said, “Being in the military, you’ll learn that following orders saves lives.”
    • She said if a person defies a court order by mistake, she'll tolerate it just once.
  • Equality
    • She says each party has the same rights as the other. No parent has a greater right to children or property.

Endorsements & Contributions

Major donors: Various attorneys have endorsed her.

Community Service

She volunteers for Disabled American Veterans, a nonprofit that provides free services and support for veterans.

Isso, Jennifer

Jennifer Isso

Isso is a long-time family law attorney who handled a range of complex family law matters, including high-conflict custody disputes.

Campaign Website

Isso is a long-time family law attorney who handled a range of complex family law matters, including high-conflict custody disputes.

Candidate Deep Dive

Isso, Jennifer

Years Licensed in NV

13 years

Court Docket

N/A

Trial Stats

Attorney Total trials: N/A - Jury: N/A - Bench: N/A Practice areas: - Criminal: N/A - Civil (not including family): N/A - Family: N/A Appeals: 0

Recusals

N/A

Ethics History

When she was 18, she was with a friend who shoplifted. She was never arrested or cited. When she was 19 or 20, she keyed a girl's car. She was never arrested or cited.

Sanctions

Jennifer Isso was put on probation in 2015. She had to conduct mentorship continuing legal education after a paralegal signed the client's name on a bankruptcy form. She was placed on probation in April 2026. Her probation of six months and a day was stayed by the Supreme Court for 18 months. She must complete several conditions and not get into any more trouble in that time frame, thus leaving her eligible for the election. Findings: She admitted to violating RPC 3.4(c) (fairness to opposing party and counsel); RPC 3.5(b) (impartiality and decorum of the tribunal and relations with the jury); RPC 4.4(a) (respect for rights of third persons); RPC 8.2(a) (judicial and legal officials); and RPC 8.4(d) (misconduct). In the record Jennifer Isso admits to the following:

  1. Failing to demonstrate respect for the court, witnesses, opposing litigants and opposing counsel.

  2. Making statements she knew were false or with a reckless disregard for their truth or falsity concerning the qualifications and integrity of three judges.

  3. Impermissible ex parte communication with a judge’s chambers.

  4. Failing to comply with EDCR 5.218 (civility).

    • Source: IN RE: DISCIPLINE OF JENNIFER ISSO (BAR MATTER); Case No. 91972

Title

Attorney Practice areas: Family law Prior job titles: Owner/litigator at Lowest Price Lawyers; litigation attorney at unknown firm for three years before starting her own firm

Career Highlights

She has owned a family law firm for the past 10 years.

Significant Cases

N/A

Judicial Philosophy

Empowerment through education, ensuring every person understands their rights, options and the path ahead. Finding balance between assertive legal action and thoughtful negotiation, always prioritizing the best interests of the clients, their families and, most importantly, the children.

Endorsements & Contributions

Major donors: N/A Endorsements: N/A

Community Service

N/A

Smith, Kurt A.

Kurt A. Smith

Smith has been practicing family law in Nevada since 2007. He has also worked as an associate at a national law firm focusing on civil litigation and insurance law.

Campaign Website

Smith has been practicing family law in Nevada since 2007. He has also worked as an associate at a national law firm focusing on civil litigation and insurance law.