About

Judge Jennifer Schwartz is a proud lifelong Las Vegan with deep roots in faith, family, and service. She is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and a World War II veteran, and she is a first-generation United States citizen. A graduate of Valley High School, Judge Schwartz’s life story reflects the power of perseverance, gratitude, and community—values she brings with her every day to the bench.

​

A Life Grounded in Family

​

Judge Schwartz is a devoted wife and mother. She is the proud mother of a 16-year-old high school sophomore, an accomplished left-handed baseball player who dreams of making it to the major leagues as a left-handed pitcher. Her family also includes three beloved rescue dogs—each adopted through a local nonprofit organization.

​

Judge Schwartz’s husband is a 25-year retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Detective Sergeant, giving her a deep appreciation for public safety, service, and the realities faced by law enforcement families across Southern Nevada.

​

Education and Early Foundation

​

Judge Schwartz attended the University of Arizona, where she was actively involved in campus leadership and service as a member of Chi Omega Sorority and the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity. After completing her undergraduate studies, she returned home to Las Vegas to pursue her legal education.

​

She is a proud alumna of the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, graduating as part of the school’s second graduating class—a reflection of her commitment to helping build and strengthen Nevada’s legal community from the ground up.

​

Legal Career and Judicial Service

​

Following law school, Judge Schwartz began her legal career clerking for District Court Judge Michael Cherry, who at the time presided over both criminal and civil matters. That experience gave her an early, well-rounded understanding of the law and courtroom procedure.

​

After her clerkship, Judge Schwartz gained valuable experience in private civil practice before dedicating her career to public service. In 2004, she joined the Clark County Public Defender’s Office, where she served the community for many years—advocating for fairness, protecting constitutional rights, and ensuring that every individual received due process under the law.

​

In January 2023, Judge Schwartz was elected as District Court Judge for Department 17, where she continues to serve with integrity, balance, and respect for the rule of law.

​

Judge Schwartz currently presides over a civil/criminal docket. Her courtroom reflects her belief in accessibility and transparency—her morning calendars begin at 9:00 a.m., and the public is always welcome to attend proceedings in Courtroom 3E.

​

Commitment to the Community

​

Outside the courtroom, Judge Schwartz has dedicated countless hours to community outreach and volunteer service. Her work includes mentoring with Hope for Prisoners, volunteering with The Just One Project, supporting youth through middle school and high school programs, and participating in the Clark County School District Truancy Diversion Program.

​

She has also volunteered with Spring Valley Little League, Family Promise, Shade Tree, Walter Bracken STEAM Academy, and Legal Aid of Southern Nevada, consistently investing her time in efforts that strengthen families and support those most in need.