Nicole Walsh ('23)

Where are you serving?

I am currently serving as the Judicial Law Clerk in Department 7 of the Second Judicial District Court in Washoe County for the Honorable Egan Walker. This is a general jurisdiction court, meaning we hear both criminal and civil cases, in addition to various specialty court dockets.

How long have you been in this office? 

I began my judicial clerkship in August 2023. I had originally taken a one-year clerkship position; however, when the opportunity for a second year became available, I jumped at the chance to continue to learn from my Judge and my time in the courtroom.

What does your typical week involve? 

I don’t think I can describe a “typical” week in the life of a law clerk. While there are some similarities from week to week, you never know what may come through the courtroom doors on any given day, and that is the beauty of working as a judicial law clerk. Each day brings its own unique challenges and tasks. However, if I had to describe typical work I do as a law clerk that would be conducting legal research, drafting Court orders and memorandum, aiding in all aspects of trial preparation, and learning as much as I can from both my Judge and the court proceedings before it.

What do you enjoy most about serving your community? 

The aspect I enjoy the most about serving as a judicial law clerk is helping to provide a space in which truth is revealed and justice is sought. Being in the courtroom provides a unique space to allow victims to be heard, persons accused of criminal allegations to defend their innocence, and allow all parties to present their case before a neutral factfinder.

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

As someone who is interested in criminal law, I will never forget the feeling of sitting through my first criminal trial from start to finish. Seeing all the things I had read and learned about in law school (and let’s be honest, seen in Law and Order)-voir dire, opening statements, hearsay objections, closing arguments, the reading of the jury’s verdict-come to life was truly a memory I will never forget. Being in the courtroom every day has allowed me to see and experience the reality of practicing law, all while helping prepare me to be the best advocate I can be.