Nevada Judiciary

Governor Jim Gibbons has filled two vacancies at the Eighth Judicial District Family Court with the appointments of Charles Hoskin and William Gonzalez on March 5, 2009.

The appointees were chosen from a list of five finalists that had been given to the Governor by the Commission on Judicial Selection following two days of interviews in February. Fifteen attorneys had applied for the two vacancies.

Mr. Hoskins, 45, who is in private practice in Las Vegas, will take the Department E seat that became vacant when Family Court Judge Sandra Pomrenze was elected to the newly created Department P seat at Family Court in November.

Mr. Gonzalez, 47, a Clark County Deputy Public Defender, was named to the bench in Department F. That seat became vacant when Family Court Judge Stefany Miley left her Department F seat after being elected to a civil/criminal judgeship, replacing Judge Elizabeth Halverson in Department 23.

“I believe both Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Hoskin will bring honor and diversity to the Family Court in Las Vegas,” Gov. Gibbons stated in a news release. “Both of these individuals bring with them their own special personal and professional experiences that will enhance the fairness and effectiveness of the Court.”

“I am proud to have been chosen by the Governor for this position,” said Mr. Gonzalez in the news release. “I will work hard to make sure those appearing in my courtroom are treated with fairness and respect.” Mr. Gonzalez has been representing juvenile clients on criminal charges at the Family Court. He is a 1997 law school graduate who also holds a masters degree in business administration.

Mr. Hoskin stated in the news release, “I am honored and humbled by the Governor’s confidence in me and I will do my best to demonstrate that his confidence is well placed by serving the families of Clark County with distinction.”

The five finalists chosen by the Commission on Judicial Selection from interviews and deliberations that were open to the public for just the second time in Nevada history.

Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice James Hardesty, who chaired the Commission, had noted that because of the burgeoning caseloads at Family Court in Clark County, about three weeks was trimmed off the selection process by the Commission.

Statistics from the Annual Report of the Nevada Judiciary for fiscal year 2008 showed that Family Court cases in Clark County jumped from 43,680 during fiscal year 2007 to 44,583. Family Court cases account for 49.1 percent of all new cases filed with the District Court.

“Family Court is one of the most vital pieces of the Nevada Judiciary,” said Chief Justice Hardesty following the interviews. “Because the well being of families and children is at stake, it is important that every Family Court seat is filled and cases are heard in a timely manner. We would like to thank the Governor for acting on the Commission’s recommendations so quickly.”

In making their recommendations, the Commission considered comprehensive applications from the attorneys providing information about education, law practice, business involvement, community involvement, professional and personal conduct, and health. The Commission also considered letters of reference, written public comments, and responses to verbal questions posed during the interviews.

The two appointees will have to run in the 2010 election to retain their seats. The terms of both seats expire in January 2011.