The life of Judge Clark Newberry is marked by her resilience and commitment to public service. She was born in rural Louisiana and moved around with her family. Her upbringing, in a creative family of entrepreneurs, instilled in her a strong sense of work ethic. Early experiences include helping her mother run an embroidery business in Ohio, and collecting pecans while living in Louisiana. Judge Clark Newberry was a standout student and athlete in high school. She participated in many sports and organizations. After a car crash, her dream of receiving a soccer scholarship for college was interrupted. She then decided to focus on law enforcement. After serving as a police officer for eight years in Cincinnati in different roles, Judge Clark Newberry was the first openly LGBTQ cop. Her physical health issues prompted her to change careers, which led her to California law school. She worked for civil defense companies before establishing her own law firm that specialized in civil litigation and consumer law. She finally achieved her goal of becoming a judge by winning a seat at the Eighth Judicial District Court, Las Vegas. She is a mother of five and an active community member in addition to her judicial duties.
Vegas Legal Magazine :What is being a judge to you?
JN : A judge’s job is to serve their community. It is an honor and privilege. A judge should be knowledgeable and decisive. They must also have patience and humility.
VLM : Why did you become a Judge?
JN: Throughout my career in law enforcement and as a lawyer, I’ve held the highest respect for the rule-of-law and the judiciary. I also observed the importance of having judges from diverse backgrounds who reflect the community. I believed my personal and legal background would give me a unique perspective on the bench.
VLM What was the most memorable case that you presided as a Judge?
I: The most memorable case that I presided over is still under appeal. I may be able to answer this question in a few years.
VLM : What was the most memorable trial you tried before becoming a judge?
It was a huge amount of preparation (most of which was “low-bono”), knowing that I had to preserve every possible issue for appeal, and mastering thousands of pages of documents. It was a lot of work (mostly “low-bono”) to prepare for the case, as I needed to preserve all possible issues for appeal. It was also overwhelming, having to master thousands of pages of documentation.
VLM: Was there ever a time when your patience was tested? What advice would you give to someone in those situations?
JN : Ofcourse, judges are humans and we all have limitations. I have a sticky-note on my bench which says “patience”, to remind me of ethical obligations. My tip for those moments is to take a breath, read the note, and remember what it’s like to be the other side of a bench.
VLM : Do You Have Any Courtroom Pet Peeves
JN : If a case is settled a few days before the hearing, and the counsel fails to inform the court, or if there is a request for continuation, hours of reading and preparation are wasted only to hear “we have settled” or “we wish to continue” during the hearing. I understand that sometimes this happens literally the next morning, but a polite email or phone call would be appreciated.
VLM : What is your best advice to litigants or attorneys?
JN – Be polite inside and outside the courtroom. Personal attack in oratory argument, and even worse in motion briefs and law, says more about you than your opponent. Write each email as if it could be read by a judge… because, it might.
VLM What is your passion outside the law?
My priority is my children. I am passionate about attending their events, taking part in school functions, and traveling the world with them.
VLM :Finally…what is it that you like most about Vegas?
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The article Judge Clark Newberry: Meet the incumbent first appeared on Vegas Legal Magazine.