Frances . Doherty
Second Judicial District Court
Honorable Frances M. Doherty is a Retired Judge who served in the Family Division of the Second Judicial District Court in Washoe County, Nevada from 1997 through 2019, first as an appointed court master and then as a three-time elected district court judge. During her tenure, she served three times as Presiding Judge for the Family Division. When Judge Doherty took office, Nevada had the highest demographic growth in children in the country with a 72.4% increase according to Annie E. Casey 2002 Data Book. Because of this massive population growth, antiquated and under-funded child welfare and juvenile delinquency agencies were ill-equipped to serve the unparalleled needs of children and families. Throughout her career, Judge Doherty focused her efforts on improving systems of service for children and families. When Judge Doherty became the presiding judge for adult guardianship cases in 2013, she sought to create a system of service that enhanced the voice of persons formerly known as “wards” and increase available alternatives to guardianship for persons with disabilities. Following the priorities of the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act and the guidance offered by the United Nations 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Judge Doherty created remedies for vulnerable persons, many of which became statewide mandates. Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Doherty worked as a legal services attorney representing persons and groups who otherwise did not have resources to protect and preserve their rights. Judge Doherty also worked as a Deputy Attorney General for the Nevada Commission on Ethics and the Nevada Domestic Violence Council. Judge Doherty currently presides as a Senior Judge appointed by the Supreme Court of Nevada. Judge Doherty is a board member of the Northern Nevada International Center and performs pro bono services for the National Judicial College and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Judge Doherty continues to speak locally and nationally on family law matters and on preserving the civil rights and independence of persons with disabilities.
(07/20)
