Jerome Polaha, District Court Judge

Commissioner Polaha became a resident of Nevada in 1960. He graduated from the University of Nevada in 1964 as a Phi Kappa Phi scholar and earned his J.D. from The George Washington University in 1968. He practiced mostly as a criminal defense lawyer for 30 years having started as one of the three original Public Defenders in Washoe County in 1969. During his 30 years as a lawyer he had formally taught law and participated in local, state and national bar association seminars as a presenter on trial tactics and the art of persuasion. He was listed in Who’s Who in American Law and in The Best Lawyers in America and was selected as a Fellow in the American Board of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a Master of the Bruce R. Thompson Inn of the American Inns of Court. As a judge, he taught for the National Judicial College and presents at various seminars. He is active in several community service and non-profit organizations.
 
Commissioner Polaha and his wife Esther have successfully raised their four sons and are enjoying their three grandsons.
 
Governor Guinn appointed Commissioner Polaha to the bench in March, 1999 and he has been retained in the last two elections. The Supreme Court appointed Commissioner Polaha to the Commission in June 2003; re-appointed in 2007 and 2011.  His current term expires January 5, 2015.