About

A Profile in Service

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Judge Joanna S. Kishner serves the people of Clark County as the presiding judge of Department XXXI of the Eighth Judicial District Court. She first assumed office on January 3, 2011, following her election, and is committed to upholding access to justice, integrity in the courtroom, and public confidence in the legal system. 

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Roots in Southern Nevada

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Born and raised in Southern Nevada, Judge Kishner brings a deep understanding of the community she serves. She graduated from Clark High School in 1982 and returned to the region after forging a successful legal career. 

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Educational & Professional Foundations

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• Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology, Claremont McKenna College, 1986. 

• Law School: Juris Doctor, UCLA School of Law, 1989. 

• Prior to joining the bench, she practiced for over two decades—serving as senior counsel at Warner Bros., an associate with Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker, and as an attorney with DLA Piper in Las Vegas. 

 

Judicial Commitment & Leadership

 

Judge Kishner has gained a reputation for fairness, thoughtful decision-making, and devotion to public service. She is actively engaged with:

• The Law Library Board of Trustees,

• The Pro Bono Advisory Council of Legal Aid of Southern Nevada,

• The Access to Justice Commission (statewide), and

• Leadership roles within the Nevada District Judges Association. 

 

Vision for Justice

 

In her courtroom, Judge Kishner emphasizes clarity, civility, and timely resolution. She believes that the judiciary must be both accessible and responsive: the law should serve individuals and the community, not stand apart from them. Her aim is to foster trust in the rule of law and to ensure that justice is administered with respect—for parties, for the legal profession, and for the public.

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Community Involvement

 

Beyond her formal duties, Judge Kishner is committed to giving back—whether by mentoring young attorneys, supporting public-interest legal work, or participating in community forums. Her local roots inform her understanding of the issues facing Southern Nevada, enabling her to serve with both professional rigor and neighborhood awareness.