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Judicial Discipline Commission seeks security upgrades and higher pay grades to retain experienced attorneys
Summary
The Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission told legislators it needs enhanced security at public hearings and reclassifications for experienced lawyers and a senior paralegal to handle rising complaint volume and complexity.
CARSON CITY — The Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission on March 15 asked the joint Committee on Finance and Ways and Means for modest but targeted additions to its budget to pay for hearing security and to reclassify attorney and paralegal positions it says are critical to investigating and prosecuting complex complaints against judges.
Paul Dyla, executive director and general counsel for the Judicial Discipline Commission, told the committee the commission’s operating budget is just over $1.2 million and that the agency is among Nevada’s smallest. Still, he said, the work touches the public’s confidence in the judiciary and requires staff with litigation experience across many areas of law.
"We receive routinely, threats against judges, threats against their lives," Dyla told the committee, noting past hearings have been held in venues without security. The commission requested funding for enhanced security at hearings and trials — including screening and on‑site security — so that judges, witnesses and staff can participate safely in public proceedings.
The commission also requested two senior associate general counsel reclassifications (proposed to move from grade 45 to 47) and one reclassification of an MA‑2 paralegal position to MA‑3. Dyla said the commission needs experienced litigators — not entry‑level attorneys — because cases can involve juvenile, criminal, probate and federal issues, and the office must respond to lawsuits challenging the commission’s processes. He emphasized recruitment and retention difficulties for the specialty legal work the commission performs.
Dyla said the requested reclassifications are intended to align pay with duties and to reduce turnover that would otherwise slow investigations. He also told the committee the small commission routinely cross‑trains staff so team members can cover duties when colleagues are absent, which amplifies the need for positions with appropriate pay and qualifications.
Valerie Carter, the commission’s administrative service officer and deputy director, accompanied Dyla at the hearing. Committee members asked about the effect of not approving the reclassifications; Dyla said the commission is currently meeting its constitutional and statutory responsibilities but needs the requested funding to avoid losing staff to other employers.
The commission thanked the legislature for past support and said detailed memoranda on each enhancement were included in the budget packet for committee review.
