Governor Joe Lombardo has appointed Bryce Shields to serve as judge of the Eleventh Judicial District Court, Department 1, filling a vacancy created by the death of Judge Jim C. Shirley earlier this fall.
In announcing the appointment, Lombardo cited Shields’ long service in Pershing County and his experience in criminal, juvenile, civil and administrative law.
“Bryce has dedicated his entire legal career to serving Pershing County and has deep insights into the judicial needs of the county, along with extensive experience necessary to administer justice within the jurisdiction,” Lombardo said in a prepared statement.
Shields, who was elected Pershing County district attorney in 2015, said he was honored by the appointment and mindful of the legacy of the judges who previously served the district.
“I am deeply honored to be appointed to serve the people of Lander, Mineral and Pershing counties on the 11th Judicial District Court,” Shields said. “I accept this responsibility with profound respect for Judges Wagner and Shirley and with a steadfast commitment to carrying forward their legacy of fairness and integrity in the law.”
As district attorney, Shields served as the chief public prosecutor for Pershing County, appearing daily in court on matters involving criminal offenses, juvenile delinquency, child dependency and child support. His duties also included handling civil litigation for the county, advising elected officials and departments, and drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions and contracts. He regularly attended public board meetings to ensure compliance with Nevada’s Open Meeting Law.
Prior to his election as district attorney, Shields served as a Pershing County deputy district attorney from 2009 to 2015. Earlier in his career, he also served as general counsel to the Lovelock Meadows Water District Board of Trustees.
Shields earned his Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law, graduating cum laude. He completed his undergraduate studies at Southern Utah University, graduating magna cum laude with degrees in Spanish and political science after earning a football scholarship and serving as team captain during his senior year.
Shields will officially assume his judicial duties Jan. 5, 2025.
Following the announcement, Shields’ wife, Melissa, who serves on the Pershing County School Board, shared a statement reflecting on the appointment and the family’s connection to the court.
“What a wonderful way to spend Christmas this year,” she wrote. “Bryce has always expressed his admiration for both Judge Wagner and Judge Shirley and their dedication to serve Lander, Humboldt, Mineral and Pershing counties. We feel so blessed as a family to watch him continue to serve Pershing County, along with Lander and Mineral. We still deeply miss Judge Shirley. Thank you to Governor Joe Lombardo for your appointment to make Bryce the new judge for the 11th Judicial District.”
The appointment followed a formal judicial selection process overseen by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection, which was convened after Shirley’s passing in mid-October.
According to Douglas Herndon, the commission received four applications for the Department 1 vacancy. Applicants were required to be Nevada attorneys with at least 10 years of legal experience, including two years of practice in the state.
The applicants, listed alphabetically, were David Loreman of Spring Creek, David Neidert of Lockwood, William Schaeffer of Battle Mountain, and Shields.
Under the process, the commission conducts public interviews, streamed live through the Nevada Supreme Court’s YouTube channel, and forwards a panel of three finalists to the governor, who then makes the final appointment.
The commission is composed of seven permanent members, including the chief justice of the Nevada Supreme Court, three non-attorneys appointed by the governor, and three attorneys appointed by the State Bar of Nevada. For district court vacancies, two temporary members from the affected judicial district are added, bringing total membership to nine.
Shields’ appointment completes the process for the Department 1 vacancy and restores the bench to the Eleventh Judicial District Court, which serves Lander, Mineral and Pershing counties.
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