Halverson’s lawyers ask to withdraw from case

CARSON CITY -- Three attorneys representing embattled Clark County District Judge Elizabeth Halverson in a judicial discipline case have asked to withdraw as her legal team in the upcoming hearing, citing irreconcilable differences.

Attorneys Dominic Gentile, William Gamage and John Arrascada filed the motion to withdraw with the Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission, which has scheduled a June 9 hearing at which Halverson could be removed from the bench.

She is under suspension with pay.

The attorneys did not elaborate on what differences have caused them to withdraw, citing attorney-client privilege.

But Halverson, in her response to the motion, said the real issue is her inability to pay the attorneys' fees. Halverson told the commission she has no choice but to proceed with the case on her own.

But she has also asked the commission to delay the hearing for five months because of the need to take over as her own attorney.

Halverson's attorneys and Dorothy Nash Holmes, special prosecutor for the Judicial Discipline Commission, have asked the commission for a quick decision on the motion because of the impending hearing.

A hearing on the various motions has been set for Thursday in Reno.

The commission will consider numerous allegations against the new judge, who has filed for re-election. They include claims that Halverson slept during trials, mistreated staff members and held illegal communications with jurors.

Halverson has denied the allegations.

The 14-count statement of charges came several months after the commission temporarily barred Halverson from the bench for unprofessional behavior. That order of interim suspension was upheld by the Nevada Supreme Court on Nov. 1.

Contact Capital Bureau reporter Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900.