While most Clark County voters will never appear before a judge, they do have a say in who that judge will be. One of the judicial races on the ballot this year is for Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells Department 23. Since 2021, she has served as presiding judge for Clark County District Court Department 23, overseeing civil and criminal cases involving individuals, families, and businesses in Las Vegas and the surrounding area.
Judicial elections might not get as much attention as other races, but the candidates elected to those roles are responsible for decisions that affect the entire population. Before voting, it’s important to research all candidates, even those running for another term.
With the Lilly-Spells 2026 election approaching, it is important to understand Department 23, the types of cases it handles, Judge Lilly-Spells’ approach to the bench, and the legal career that prepared her for the role.
Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells Department 23 Explained
Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells Department 23 handles both civil and criminal matters, a dual caseload that has built her into one of the more experienced judges on the Clark County bench. Civil cases may involve contract disputes, business disagreements, or conflicts between individuals and organizations, while criminal proceedings often carry significant consequences for defendants, victims, and their families. Few judicial seats require that kind of range, and fewer judges have logged as much time in both.
That level of experience doesn’t come from handling one type of case well. It comes from managing two very different dockets and applying the same standards of fairness and impartiality no matter which one is in front of her. Although the legal issues may differ, every person who appears before the court deserves thoughtful consideration and equal treatment.
Many voters may not realize how much responsibility and how much experience come with serving in a department that hears both civil and criminal matters. A judge who focuses on only one type of case develops deep knowledge in a narrower lane. Judge Lilly-Spells’ experience runs wider, shaped by years of seeing how legal disputes affect Clark County residents in many different situations, whether the case involves a contract dispute or a criminal charge.
For local residents, that range of experience is what they’re actually relying on. Someone appearing before the court in a landlord-tenant dispute expects the same fairness as someone involved in a criminal proceeding. A judge who has spent years hearing both kinds of cases has the experience to apply the law consistently, regardless of the subject matter.
Judge Lilly-Spells Nevada: A Balanced Approach on the Bench
The judge that Nevada residents recognize is known more for a consistent dedication to fairness, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making than for any one ruling. Since she started in 2021, Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells has guided Department 23 with the same method while managing many different civil and criminal cases.
Along with her work in the courtroom, she is part of the judicial education committee. This group helps judges stay updated on changes in the law and new developments that impact Nevada’s courts. She also previously presided over Veterans Treatment Court, where the focus includes supporting veterans while maintaining accountability within the justice system.
Her work extends beyond the courtroom as well. She has brought students into the courthouse for gun safety classes, mock trials, and moot court exercises, letting them try on judicial robes and tour the facilities where cases are actually heard. She has also served as a judge for client counseling, moot court, and mock trial competitions at the law school level and worked as a TIP mentor, helping new attorneys transition into practice. Those experiences provide additional perspective that complements her judicial responsibilities.
A resume can summarize education and professional accomplishments, but it cannot fully capture how a judge approaches the courtroom. That becomes evident through the way evidence is evaluated, how consistently the law is applied, and the respect shown to everyone appearing before the court. Judge Lilly-Spells’ work with Veterans Treatment Court reflects an approach that recognizes both accountability and the circumstances individuals may face.
Department 23 is a public courtroom, and Judge Lilly-Spells welcomes Clark County residents to visit and see the court in session.
Jasmin Lilly-Spells Judge: Clark County District Court Department 23
Before becoming Jasmin Lilly-Spells, judge of Clark County District Court Department 23, she spent ten years with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office, eventually serving as chief deputy public defender. During that time, she represented clients through complex criminal proceedings, protected constitutional rights, and developed firsthand knowledge of how the justice system affects defendants, victims, families, and public safety.
Her path to the legal profession began with becoming the first member of her family to graduate from college. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine, before receiving her Juris Doctor from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Raised by a small business owner and a carpenter, and now the mother of four children, Judge Lilly-Spells often brings a practical perspective to the bench. The decade she spent trying cases before becoming a judge continues to influence the decisions she makes today, and that experience is reflected in her work in Department 23.
Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells Department 23 and the 2026 Election
As Clark County prepares for the Lilly-Spells 2026 election, voters have an opportunity to review both Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells’ record in Department 23 and the legal experience she brought to the bench. Her years overseeing civil and criminal cases, combined with a decade of courtroom practice before becoming a judge, provide a record that voters can evaluate as Election Day approaches.
Judicial races may not receive the same level of public attention as statewide or national contests, but the decisions made in Department 23 affect Clark County residents every day. Understanding the department’s responsibilities, learning about the judge’s experience, and reviewing her record can help voters make an informed choice before casting their ballots.
Join the campaign or donate today to help keep Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells on the bench in Clark County.