County seeks ombudsmen for coroner’s inquests

Clark County officials have begun searching for ombudsmen to act as appointed counsel at coroner's inquests into police killings.

Commissioners last month changed the rules for inquests, most notably the creation of ombudsmen to provide legal counsel to bereaved families at hearings.

The county manager's office will recommend candidates to county commissioners, who will appoint a group of attorneys to serve as ombudsmen this year.

Candidates must be licensed attorneys who have practiced law in Nevada for at least 10 years, and they must agree to guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest.

A judge will pick an ombudsman from the pool to attend pre-inquest conferences and ask questions on behalf of families and the public.

Ombudsmen will be paid $300 for pre-inquest work and $1,000 daily during the hearing, for a maximum of $5,000 per inquest. Applications will be accepted at the Office of Appointed Counsel in the county manager's office through Feb. 4.

For information call 702-455-3520.