Las Vegas Roots

You were born and raised in Las Vegas. What was the city like during your childhood?

The city was a lot smaller (obviously) and kids had to come up with creative things to keep themselves occupied. When I was young, I spent a lot of time crafting my roller skating skills as Crystal Palace. As I got older, my friends and I would spend a lot of time at Red Rock hiking and having picnics.

What are some of your earliest memories of growing up here?

I remember before Summerlin was a “thing” going out to the desert and checking out the native plants and cacti. I also remember when the Mirage first opened how mind blowing the property and the volcano was. I also remember going to Fremont Street on Fourth of July to watch the fireworks displace off of the Union Plaza. I have always loved watching fireworks displays.

How has Las Vegas changed the most since you were young?

Las Vegas has much more culture than it did when I was young. Las Vegas was not a family destination when I was growing up. Now we have the Smith Center, major league sports teams, community wide youth sports, etc. This town continues to amaze me.

Did growing up in Las Vegas shape your perspective on justice or community in a unique way?

I don’t know if growing up in Las Vegas shaped my perspective necessarily, but rather my personal environments and my sense of observation of the world around me certainly shaped my perspective on both justice and community.

Were there particular neighborhoods, schools, or community spaces that influenced you?

I grew up on Eastern and Charleston. My neighborhood was quite diverse, and I do believe that played a large influence on me. My parents also had a small veterinary practice in North Las Vegas, so diversity has always played a major role in my life.

Did you always imagine building your career here, or did you ever consider leaving permanently?

When I graduated from Valley High School, I had zero intentions of ever coming back to Las Vegas. I actually did not want to become a lawyer, however after encountering Organic Chemistry, I knew that the sciences and medicine were not going to be a part of my career path. Then after graduating from the University of Arizona, I knew that I wanted to come back to Las Vegas and begin my life as an adult.

How does serving the community you grew up in feel different from serving elsewhere?

This is my home, this is my community, and I love it here. There is no other place or community I would want to serve.

Do you ever run into people from your childhood in your courtroom?

I have occasionally run into people from my childhood in my courtroom. In fact one time a friend from high school was on jury panel. She did not serve though. Her son was graduating from college, so she was excused from sitting on the jury.

What do longtime Las Vegas residents understand about this community that newcomers might not?

This has grown to be quite the amazing city, but it is still a small town to those of us who grew up here. I still see people I went to elementary school with as well as friends from my teen years.

What does it mean to you personally to give back to the city that raised you?

Giving back to the city that raised me means more than words can describe. I have watched this city grow to the amazing place it is, and I only want what is best for my home.

Background & Personal Journey

Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in law?

As touched on earlier, I did not want to become a lawyer. Growing up my teachers would routinely say “Jen, you like to argue, you should become a lawyer.” As a teenager the last thing I wanted to do was take advice from those “lame” adults. I wanted to go into nutritional science. However, when organic chemistry beat me, I realized that was not going to happen. I then decided to major in Political Science. After graduated from the University of Arizona, I came back to Las Vegas and worked for Congresswoman Shelley Berkeley in her inaugural year. I was inspired by Shelley, in all that she had accomplished and all she would likely do. She started her career as a lawyer. Being inspired by Shelley, I decided to apply to Williams S. Boyd, and they had just opened their doors, and attended law school.

Who or what had the biggest influence on your decision to become a judge?

I never wanted to become a judge. I loved my job, I loved being a trail attorney. I decided to run for judge because I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. In my career I heard too often “Ms. Schwartz, I agree with you but I am not going to rule in your favor.” Judges were too concerned about their reelection than being a judge. Judges need to make difficult decisions, but when some judges refused to make the difficult yet correct decision, it frustrated me, my clients and I felt was a disservice to our community.

Looking back, what experiences shaped your approach to the bench?

I have always said that I do not aspire to be like any particular judge, but rather want to be different than some of the judges I appeared in front of. I always take the bench on time, I am always prepared, I am always respectful to the people who appear in Department 17 and I am efficient.

Outside of the courtroom, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies?

Right now, my biggest interest is my 16-year-old son. He has been playing baseball since he was 5 years old and now he is a left-handed starting pitcher. I love watching him play. I also love to run. Running clears my head and lets me focus on myself.

Role as a Judge

What do you enjoy most about serving as a judge?

I enjoy letting the litigants know that I want to be here, I want to do the work, and I want to listen to them.

What is the most challenging aspect of the role that people might not realize?

I think the fact that I am human and not a computer filled with every rule, statute or case is a challenge. As I said before, I am always prepared when I take the bench, I read everything put in front of me, but in the end, I am human and trying to do the right, fair and legal thing.

How has your perspective on justice evolved since you first took the bench?

When I was an advocate, I was only concerned with my client and my perspective. Now, as a judge, I get to see the whole picture, listen and evaluate all sides of a case. I listen to those that have been injured, harmed or damaged, more than I ever did before. Being a neutral arbiter is a fun and fascinating job.

Working with Attorneys

What qualities do you most appreciate in attorneys who appear before you?

The qualities I appreciate the most are attorneys who are prepared and respectful. I do not mean respectful to me, but respectful the system, the process and each other. When lawyers come in screaming, and ranting and yelling at opposing counsel, it does not come across well.

What are some common mistakes you wish attorneys would avoid in your courtroom?

I wish attorneys would realize that everyone, not just the individual attorney, is here to do a job. They may not agree with each other (that is an occupational hazard) but everyone is must be allowed to have their time to make their argument and present their case.

How do you think the legal community in Las Vegas can better support one another?

Respect each other, respect the process and respect the system.

Guidance for Young Attorneys

What advice would you give to young or newly licensed attorneys starting out in the profession?

I would tell a young or new lawyer to take the time to listen. Many times when young or new lawyers come into the courtroom they are so nervous to be there and present their argument. Many times they come in with a drafted document they read word for word. When they do that, they fail to listen to the arguments presented on the other side and fail to listen to the questions presented. We were all young and nervous once (I know I was) and time will be provided to them to make their arguments, but if they fail to listen, they will likely miss something very big and important.

Looking back at your own career, what do you wish you knew as a young lawyer?

See above. I was so nervous in court that I failed to listen to the other side or listen to the judge. Often times a judge will provide some guidance as to what they want to hear and why, but I would come in and argue what I prepared and sometimes miss the big picture.

The Judiciary & Community

What would you like to see more of from your fellow judges across Nevada?

Judges are fun and fascinating people. We do not always listen to others either. I wish more judges would listen and hear opposing perspectives.

How do you see the role of judges evolving over the next decade?

I hope that judges and the judicial system continues to properly advance with science and technology. Laws have changed based upon scientific studies and I hope it continues to do so. With the increased appearance of AI I hope judges continue to learn about what is going on and how to work alongside this new technology.

What do you hope your legacy will be when people look back on your judicial career?

That is a tough question. I hope people remember me as the judge that was fair, honest, funny, and hard working.

Personal Reflection

What keeps you grounded in a profession that can be demanding and high-pressure?

My family and my friend help keep me grounded. If ever I was to take myself too seriously, my friends and family are quick to bring me back down.

What do you do to decompress from the pressures of the bench? Personal Hobbies?

I wish I had a good answer for this question. Going to my son’s baseball games helps me focus on what is important in my life. Also, going out and being silly with my friends keeps some of the pressure down.

What do you enjoy most about living and working in Las Vegas?

I love that no matter how big this city grows, it is still my small hometown to me. Working in the downtown areas is so fun because I get to watch the area grow and blossom into the fun and cultural place it is becoming while at the same time knowing that it is still downtown. There are so many positive changes to this area, but no one can take downtown out of downtown.

Your top three restaurants and bars?

I only get three? Nora’s, Weera Thai, and Esther’s. We have amazing restaurants and bars here, but local shops are my favorite.