It is surprising that not all professionals in the legal field have always wanted to practice law. Like other professions, some attorneys ended up in the legal industry because of the uncertainty that comes after graduating from college, or because they were influenced by certain opportunities, coincidental events, or defining experiences. These lawyers are extremely intelligent and hardworking despite their initial hesitations or disinterest in attending law school. These individuals are now influential leaders in their respective fields of law. It’s not surprising that some high-ranking court judges were also reluctant to attend law school.
Despite having been a criminal defense lawyer for more than two decades and a Nevada State Senator who has served on multiple Legislative Committees and chaired the Health and Human Services Committee during the 2021 Legislative Session, Nevada district 3 senator Rochelle Nguyen fits the description above of someone reluctant to attend law school.
Nguyen said, “I did not have any experience in the legal field.” I never worked in the legal field in college or high school. My roommate, who was going to law school, convinced me to take the LSAT.
Nguyen had originally intended to attend the Lewis and Clark College Law School after graduating in 1999 from the University of Puget Sound. Nguyen was surprised to learn that after a roadtrip with friends in sunny Las Vegas, the staff at UNLV had created a fully accredited Law School named after William S. Boyd. Boyd Gaming Corporation founder and attorney William S. Boyd founded the school.
Before enrolling fully in law school she met the deans and staff of what was to become the nationally recognized Boyd School of Law, which held the second spot for the top Legal Writing Programs in America by May 2023.
Nguyen told that they were looking for someone who wanted to create an institution. “My 21-year old self was intoxicated with the sun and opportunities, which is how I ended in law school.”
Nguyen demonstrated her legal expertise during her time in this brand-new law school by founding the Public Interest Law Association as well as the Law Journal for UNLV. Nguyen built an institution during her law school years, as predicted by the deans. She also worked as an intern at the Federal Public Defenders’ Office, which was a first step in her career in criminal defense, the area of law she practices today. Nguyen has no doubt witnessed the injustices that the criminal justice system of our country is rife with.
The criminal justice system magnifies every injustice in our society. Criminal justice magnifies mental health issues, addictions, racial injustices, and health care inequities. It can be depressing at times, but you also get to see the problems with a heightened perspective and come up better solutions .”
It’s crucial and vital for true and honest freedom that public defenders also serve at the state and federal levels. Jason Frierson, a former speaker of the Assembly who also graduated from the Boyd School of Law, appointed Nguyen as the Assembly Member for District 10, after Chris Brooks had successfully run for the Senate seat in the 3rd district. Frierson was appointed as the United States Attorney of the District of Nevada by President Biden in 2022. Nguyen, who was appointed in December 2022 to replace Brooks as the Senator for District 3 after Brooks resigned, happened to be a coincidence.
Public education can help to create equality. It can help you achieve economic success, and teach you how to think critically. Both are very important. Nguyen said, “Education is definitely something that comes up in the forefront.”
Nguyen is also concerned about the affordability of housing in Las Vegas Valley, and the obvious need for improvements to infrastructure.
Senator Nguyen participated in a panel discussion in August at the Chamber of Cannabis, which hosted influential legislators that played a major role in ensuring cannabis-related Assembly bills and Senate Bills passed in both chambers. Nguyen supported Senate Bill 277 which doubled Nevada’s daily cannabis purchase limits. Nguyen voted in the same manner with Assembly Bill 430 which changed the tax rates and percentages for Nevada cannabis businesses.
Nguyen was heavily involved in the Senate Bill 195 which altered the powers of the Cannabis Compliance Board and the severity of fines for cannabis businesses who violate the CCB.
“It rewards and encourages compliance with laws and regulation. The disciplinary process is also more transparent and consistent. I believe it is important to have a structure that will make the Nevada cannabis business and industry successful. People want fair, understandable regulations, requirements and fines, as well as clear and fair structures.
Nguyen is planning several things for the future. She will also be monitoring the implementation of the 2023 session bills as she runs for her first District 3 election in 2024. Nguyen wants to continue finding ways to reduce the illicit cannabis market through further incentivizing cannabis operators. Nguyen proposed SB 242 in the 2023 session, which would have mandated that the Department of Health and Human Services establish the Psychedelic Medicines Working Group. Nguyen, if she is re-elected, wants to continue discussing natural psychedelics as medical aids.
The article From Defender To Committee: Senator Nguyen’s Legal Journey first appeared on Vegas Legal Magazine.