District Court Judge, Eighth Judicial District, Department 12

Nonpartisan

The Candidates

Leavitt, Michelle

Michelle Leavitt

Incumbent

Leavitt was first appointed as a District Court judge in 2002 by Gov. Kenny Guinn. She previously was in private practice and served as a City of Las Vegas Municipal Court judge.

Campaign Website

Leavitt was first appointed as a District Court judge in 2002 by Gov. Kenny Guinn. She previously was in private practice and served as a City of Las Vegas Municipal Court judge.

Candidate Deep Dive

Leavitt, Michelle

Years Licensed in NV

2011; 15 years

Court Docket

Civil & Criminal

Recusals

N/A

Ethics History

None so far.

Sanctions

None

Title

  • She has served as a Pro Tempore Judge for 7 years appointed on 2019
  • Prior Job Titles:
    • Interim Hearing Master Fresh Start Specialty Court (specialty court for homeless and indigent defendants)
    • Silver State Liens (2022-present)
    • Attorney & Shareholder at Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin, P.C. (2013-2022)
    • Attorney at Gordon & Rees LLP (2011-2013)

Career Highlights

  • As Pro Tem Judge, she has presided over:
    • Diversion and probation matters
    • Mental health court proceedings
  • 15 years of legal service that includes civil litigation, employment law, and professional responsibility
    • At Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin, P.C., she focused on professional liability defense and employment law.
  • Interim Hearing Master
    • As interim hearing master, she has presided over arraignments, trials, and sentencing. She has ruled on motions to quash, motions to exonerate bonds, and bond forfeitures.

Significant Cases

Not allowed to discuss because of confidentiality

Community Service

Pick it Up Las Vegas

No Photo

Dan Gilliam

Gilliam has worked in the Clark County Public Defender’s Office since 2005, representing individuals charged with crimes ranging from minor misdemeanors to major felonies.

Campaign Website

Gilliam has worked in the Clark County Public Defender’s Office since 2005, representing individuals charged with crimes ranging from minor misdemeanors to major felonies.

Candidate Deep Dive

Gilliam, Dan

Years Licensed in NV

21 years

Court Docket

N/A

Trial Stats

  • Attorney
    • Total Trials: 100+
      • Jury: N/A
      • Bench: N/A
    • Practice Areas:
      • Criminal: All
      • Civil (not incl. family): N/A
      • Family: N/A
    • Appeals
      • Total: 0
      • Pending
        • N/A

Recusals

N/A

Ethics History

N/A

Sanctions

N/A

Title

  • Criminal defense attorney, Bighorn Law. Handles the firm’s entire criminal defense caseload.
    • Practice Areas: Criminal
  • Prior Job Titles:
    • Gilliam Law Group, founder (2015–2018). Merged into Bighorn Law 2018.
    • Assistant City Attorney, City of Henderson (2007–2015)
    • Deputy Public Defender, Clark County (2005–2007)

Career Highlights

  • Trained Henderson Police Department recruits on search and seizure, probable cause, DUI arrest protocol
  • Trial By Peers (teen court) volunteer

Significant Cases

N/A

Judicial Philosophy

  • Public safety first by keeping law-abiding residents safe.
  • Sells experience: 2 years police department, 8 years prosecutor, 11+ years defense.

Endorsements & Contributions

  • Major Donors:
    • Jacqueline Bretell, CEO/partner, Bighorn Law
    • Bighorn Law
  • Endorsements:
    • Republican Chamber of Commerce

Community Service

Trial By Peers (Teen court) Pre-law: youth residential treatment facility