The Honorable Judge Mason Simons (’03)

Where are you serving? 

I’m a District Court Judge in Department 3, 4th Judicial District Court (Elko County), and Juvenile Court Judge. 

How long have you been in this office? 

I have served on the District Court since January 2021. Prior to my election to the District Court, I served as Elko Township Justice of the Peace and City of Elko Municipal Court Judge (2013 – 2020), and prior to that, as Family Court Master for the Fourth Judicial District Court (2007 – 2012).

What does your typical week involve? 

As general jurisdiction judges in a rural Nevada county, we hear a variety of criminal, family and civil cases. We are expected to be a jack-of-all-trades and to handle the diverse nature of our general jurisdiction docket. My docket consists of approximately 50% criminal, 40% family and 10% civil matters. We conduct our law and motion calendar on Mondays, and a variety of other hearings, appearances and trials the remainder of the week.

What do you enjoy most about serving your community? 

I view my service as a judge as a sacred honor. I’m grateful for the trust that the community has placed in me and I take my judicial service very seriously. I very much enjoy opportunities I have to interact with the public in a less formal setting. Over the years, I have done a number of presentations to area elementary school children in connection with the National Judicial College’s Reading and Robes initiative. This includes reading a law related book to them, teaching them about the judicial system, and presenting them with books, a backpack and other school supplies. I also enjoy speaking to community groups, high school classes and others about the court system, the criminal justice process and the history of the Elko County Courthouse.  

Can you share an interesting story or memory from your role? 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, courts around the country struggled to put in place the necessary social distancing protocols, and other protective measures, that would enable them to continue to do the business of the public, including, conducting jury trials. During the initial stages of COVID here in Elko County, in unique Nevada fashion, I conducted a jury trial in a large ballroom at the Stockmen’s Hotel and Casino. The trial was successfully concluded, but gratefully, we were able to find more appropriate accommodations for future jury trials moving forward.