Nevada Judiciary

Nevada Supreme Court Justice James W. Hardesty was honored Friday, Feb. 26, by the Public Interest Law Association (PILA) of the William S. Boyd School of Law – the first individual to be honored in the 11-year history of the association’s fundraising event.

“Justice Hardesty was chosen as the first honoree because he embodies the spirit of public interest,” said PILA President Nick Portz.  “We couldn’t pick a better suited candidate as our first honoree.”

PILA’s goal is to increase access to legal services throughout Clark County by providing grants to Boyd Law School students in public service.  PILA grants are available to Boyd students to work with non-profit or governmental organizations primarily on behalf of indigent or under-represented persons. In the past, students have worked with the Three Square Food Bank of Southern Nevada, the Friends of the Desert, Homeless pro bono program, and other events.

In accepting a crystal gavel during the ceremony at the Fremont Hotel-Casino in downtown Las Vegas, Justice Hardesty reminded the Boyd Law School students, “don’t forget your commitment to public service” once they embark on their careers as lawyers.

“The Supreme Court is extremely proud that Justice Hardesty is being recognized for his achievements and his years of dedication to the law and the improvement of the justice system,” said Chief Justice Ron Parraguirre.

Mr. Portz emphasized Justice Hardesty’s 30 years of public service as an attorney, and on the bench of the Second Judicial District Court and Supreme Court, where he serves as co-chair of the Access to Justice Commission.  Mr. Portz noted that Justice Hardesty served a very productive term as Chief Justice in 2009 when the Nevada Foreclosure Mediation Program and other legislation expanding access to the justice system were passed.  

While PILA’s fundraisers have been successful for a decade to fund the public service law opportunities for Boyd Law School students, Boyd Dean John White said the fundraiser honoring of Justice Hardesty “has broken all records.”

Mr. Portz said the fundraiser “is a wonderful opportunity for the legal community to join with the Boyd student body, faculty, and staff to work toward improving our community through the law.”

“Funds from the auction, which is run entirely by students, provide the opportunity for Boyd Law School to give back to the community,” he said.

The event, entitled “Vintage Vegas,” included both silent and live auctions.