LOVELOCK - Sixth Judicial District Judge Michael Montero is being honored by Nevada Legal Services, a statewide nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to low income residents.
Pro bono coordinator Rita Kelly says NLS wouldn't be able to offer the access to the legal system that they do, particularly in rural Nevada, without the help of judges and attorneys who volunteer their time and legal expertise.
So, once a year, NLS recognizes those in the legal profession whose generosity with their time and expertise opens doors to the legal system for those in need.
The Champion of Justice award being given to Montero was created to give recognition to an individual who significantly supports the cause of access to justice for all Nevadans. The criteria is based on the impact of their contribution, according to Kelly.
This year, NLS said Judge Montero has been chosen as northern Nevada's Champion of Justice based on his dedicated advocacy and support of pro bono work.
Kelly said, "He's been an ongoing voice of support to encourage attorneys to take cases, assist with educational and self-help clinics, supporting long distance representation - allowing attorneys to participate at hearings via phone or video conferencing."
Kelly said, "Judge Montero recognizes the challenges faced by our rural community members to access the judicial system in rural areas, where the attorney pool can be very limited; it is imperative to have judiciary support for pro bono services to community residents."
For his part, Montero was thrilled - shocked to hear he would be honored.
"They called me to see if I would be available for the October luncheon. I thought they were looking for people to attend, but they really wanted to be sure I would be there and said, 'We want to present you with an award.'"
Montero said one thing he thinks has helped legal access is the Sixth Judicial District website.
"It's a place for people to go who are representing themselves to find forms online," he said.
Montero said that allowing attorneys to participate at hearings by phone or video was helped along by a grant from the Court Improvement Program. The grant paid for video conferencing equipment in the courtroom.
"We have the technology. We need to use it to help people," he said.
The Nevada Legal Services luncheon honoring Montero will be held Oct. 21 in Reno.
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