Announcements

Judge Scott Freeman Unanimously Re-Elected Chief Judge for the Second Judicial District Court in Washoe County
Judge Lynne Simons appointed Vice-Chief

Reno, Nev. Dec. 5, 2019. Washoe County Second Judicial District Court is pleased to announce on December 3, 2019, the Second Judicial District Court Bench unanimously re-elected District Court Judge Scott Freeman as Chief Judge for another two-year term (pictured left).

Chief Judge Freeman was appointed by Nevada Governor, Brian Sandoval, as the presiding Judge in Department 9 on March 26, 2012. After running unopposed in 2014, he entered his second term as the Chief Judge of the Second Judicial District Court.

“I am dedicated to continuing to focus on issues important to the citizens of Washoe County, including having a safe courthouse in which to adjudicate their cases,” stated Chief Judge Freeman.

Chief Judge Freeman graduated from Ithaca College in New York with a degree in Politics and a minor in Economics. He received his Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law, Los Angeles, California.  Chief Judge Freeman has been a resident of Northern Nevada since 1979.  

Immediately after being elected Chief Judge, Chief Judge Freeman announced he would again appoint Judge Lynne Simons as Vice-Chief (pictured right).

Judge Simons was elected to Department 6 in November 2014. In addition to her duties as a general jurisdiction district judge, Judge Simons serves as a Business Court and Probate Judge and serves on numerous Court committees, including the Civil Bench Bar, Budget, Security, Statistics, Legislative and Rules Committees.  She also serves on the Nevada State Court Statistics Committee and serves as the Treasurer of the Nevada District Judges Association.

“I welcome the opportunity to assist the Court as its Vice-Chief, in addition to sitting as a District Court Judge. The past two years have been very rewarding. I am looking forward to continuing to serve in this capacity,” stated Judge Simons.

About Chief Judge Scott Freeman

Prior to his judicial appointment in 2012, Chief Judge Freeman led a distinguished legal career with an emphasis on advocacy for individuals accused of crime. His zealous representation and astute awareness of key legal issues are evidenced by the numerous awards and recognitions he received during his 28 years in private practice.  Additionally, Chief Judge Freeman formerly co-hosted the weekly television show “Lawyers, Guns & Money” on KRNV TV, an NBC Network affiliate, with an interview format focusing on notable personalities in the legal, cultural and charitable communities. 

Chief Judge Freeman is most proud of his work in the community.  He has served as a member of several local boards aimed at enriching the lives of Northern Nevadans.  Included among them are the Children’s Cabinet, Rotary Club of Reno Sunrise, International Special Olympics, and Reno Rodeo Association. 

About Vice-Chief Judge Lynne Simons

Judge Simons received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Organizational Behavior from Stanford University (1983) and her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law (1986). Judge Simons is also a graduate of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy's Trial Advocacy Skills Professional Training Program (1989). Judge Simons practiced for 29 years in Nevada and California prior to taking the Bench and served as the Probate Commissioner of the Second Judicial District Court.

Throughout her career, Judge Simons has actively participated in the legal community. She is currently a member of the Washoe County Bar Association, the Nevada State Bar Association and the California State Bar Association, the Washoe County Probate Bar Association, the American Bar Association - Judiciary Branch, the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, and the Northern Nevada Women Lawyers Association.

Judge Simons is deeply passionate about serving the citizens of Washoe County. Organizations with which Judge Simons is currently involved, or with which she has been involved in the past, include We the People, the Washoe County Law Library Board of Trustees, Brookfield School PTA, Nevada Women's Fund, the National Judicial College, Step 2 and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

About Second Judicial District Court

The Second Judicial District Court was established in 1910. District courts are courts of general jurisdiction where civil, criminal, family and juvenile cases are decided.  The Chief Judge presides over a court with 14 other district court judges, in addition to commissioners, court masters and the Washoe County Law Library, as well as a staff of 170 full-time employees.  The Chief Judge term is for two years. The Vice-Chief performs Chief Judge duties when the Chief Judge is unavailable.

To learn more about Chief Judge Scott Freeman and Vice-Chief Judge Lynne Simons, please visit the District Court’s website at www.washoecourts.us.

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