At Brownstone Law, we specialize in appellate litigation, providing exceptional representation to clients navigating Nevada’s appellate court system. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to delivering meticulous and effective advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Nevada Appellate Court System Overview

Nevada’s appellate system comprises two primary courts: the Nevada Supreme Court and the Nevada Court of Appeals.

  • Nevada Supreme Court: As the state’s highest court, the Nevada Supreme Court consists of seven justices elected to six-year terms. The court primarily reviews appeals from district courts and has the discretion to assign certain cases to the Court of Appeals.
  • Nevada Court of Appeals: Established to alleviate the Supreme Court’s caseload, this intermediate appellate court operates under a “push-down” model, where cases are assigned by the Supreme Court rather than received directly. The Court of Appeals consists of a Chief Judge and two associate judges, each elected to six-year terms.

Caseload and Statistics

In fiscal year 2017, the Nevada Supreme Court received 2,785 cases, assigning 971 to the Court of Appeals. citeturn0search20 For the most recent statistics, including appeals by district and pending caseloads by case category, refer to the 2023 Annual Court of Appeals Statistics.

Rules of Appellate Procedure

Appeals in Nevada are governed by the Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure, which outline procedures for filing appeals, including timelines, formatting requirements for briefs, and guidelines for oral arguments. Notably, amendments effective August 15, 2024, introduced significant changes to these rules.

Process for Appealing a Case

  1. Notice of Appeal: File a notice of appeal with the clerk of the district court within 30 days after the entry of the judgment or order being appealed.
  2. Preparation of the Record: The appellant must ensure that the record on appeal, including transcripts and relevant documents, is prepared and transmitted to the appellate court.
  3. Briefs: The appellant submits an opening brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee responds with an answering brief, and the appellant may file a reply brief if necessary.
  4. Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer judges’ questions.
  5. Decision: After reviewing the materials and arguments, the court issues a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.

High-Profile Cases

Nevada’s appellate courts have presided over several notable cases:

  • Case Example: In January 2021, the Nevada Supreme Court retroactively recognized same-sex marriages in a divorce case, applying the recognition to periods before the state’s legal acknowledgment in 2014.

Contact Information

Nevada Supreme Court

  • Carson City Location:
    • Address: 201 South Carson Street, Suite 201, Carson City, NV 89701-4702
    • Phone: (775) 684-1600
    • Coordinates: 39.1638° N, 119.7665° W
  • Las Vegas Location:
    • Address: 408 East Clark Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101
    • Phone: (702) 486-9300
    • Coordinates: 36.1629° N, 115.1398° W
    • Website: Nevada Supreme Court

Nevada Court of Appeals

  • Address: 201 South Carson Street, Suite 201, Carson City, NV 89701-4702
  • Phone: (775) 684-1600
  • Website: Nevada Court of Appeals

Brownstone Law: Your Appellate Advocates

At Brownstone Law, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the appellate process in Nevada. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing exceptional representation, ensuring that your case is presented with the utmost precision.