Judge Clark Newberry’s life journey is marked by resilience and a commitment to public service. Born in rural northern Louisiana, she moved to various places with her family, gaining a strong work ethic from her upbringing in a family of creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. Her early experiences included assisting in her mother’s embroidery business in Ohio and collecting pecans in Louisiana. In high school, Judge Clark Newberry excelled academically and athletically, participating in multiple sports and student organizations. Her dream of a collegiate soccer scholarship was interrupted by a car accident, leading her to shift her focus to law enforcement. Judge Clark Newberry became the first openly LGBTQ police officer in Cincinnati, serving in various roles for eight years. Physical health challenges prompted a career change, leading her to law school in California. After working for civil defense firms, she established her own firm specializing in consumer law and civil litigation. Eventually, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a judge, winning a seat on the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas. Beyond her judicial responsibilities, she is an active member of the community and a devoted mother to five children.

Vegas Legal Magazine: What does being a judge mean to you?

JN: Being a judge is an opportunity to serve the community, it is an honor, a privilege, and a tremendous responsibility.  A trial judge must be knowledgeable, decisive, and quick on their feet, yet exude patience and humility, and have the capacity to admit when they are wrong.

VLM: Why did you become a judge? 

JN: From my years in law enforcement, through my years as a litigator, I have held the utmost respect for the rule of law and the judiciary, and observed how important it is to have judges with varying backgrounds to reflect the community.  I truly missed having a career dedicated to public service and wanted a chance to serve my community again and to help people. I thought my legal and personal background would bring a unique perspective to the bench.

VLM: What has been the most memorable case you have presided over as a judge?

JN: The most memorable case I have presided over, I believe is still on appeal, so perhaps I can answer this question a few more years down the road.

VLM: What was the most memorable case you tried as an attorney before taking the bench?

JN: I tried an HOA foreclosure litigation case very early on in the development of that body of law, there was virtually no case law, my client had limited funds, and every issue that could be raised on appeal would be first impression.   It required a tremendous amount of preparation (a majority of which was “low-bono”), knowing I had to preserve every possible issue for appeal, and mastering thousands of pages of documents was overwhelming.  I prevailed at trial, but what made it so memorable were the friendships that spawned from the team of professionals that helped me prepare and the years of collegiality that followed from opposing counsel and courthouse staff.  

VLM: Has there ever been a situation that tested the limits of your patience? Do you have any advice for handling those moments?

JN: Of course, judges are human and we all have limits.  I actually have a sticky note on my bench that says “patience” to remind me of my ethical obligations.  My trick for those moments are to take a deep breath, read that note and remember what it is like to be on the other side of the bench.

VLM: Do you have any courtroom pet peeves?

JN: When a case settles a day or two before a hearing on a substantive motion, and counsel does not advise the court or there is a request to continue and hours were spent reading and preparing only to be told “we settled” or “we would like to continue” at the beginning of the hearing.  I know sometimes it literally happens that morning, but when it is a day or two out, a courtesy email or call would be much appreciated.

VLM: What is your best piece of advice for litigants and/or attorneys?

JN: Be courteous inside and outside of the courtroom.  Personal attacks in oral argument and worse, in law and motion briefs, says more about the drafter or speaker than the opponent.  Write every email as though it may be read in court… because it just might.

VLM: What is your passion outside of law?

My children are my priority in life.  Attending their events, participating in school functions and exploring the world with them is what I am most passionate about outside of the law.

VLM: Finally…what do you love most about Vegas?

JN: The vibrancy of the city, the stories behind the people that live here, and of course, the Back to Back World Champion Las Vegas Aces!