History of Monday's Motion Day

Motion Monday has long a tradition in Las Vegas. I miss it. It started as a calendaring effort, in our 8th Judicial District of Nevada. It began as the day for motions, long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away...or something like that. It's not like there were a lot of cases in Clark County, so motions were calendared for Monday, trial stacks began on Tuesday and probate was set for Friday. Got it? However, when the Discovery Commissioner got on board, he heard disputes anytime. If you don't remember Monday Motions, you were either stuck in a hole or not part of it.

The result is that Monday was intense and awesome all at the same time, with a lot of socializing. The line into the building could really get long. You had to time it right, but if you didn't, no matter, you just hung out with friends and colleagues. If you were alone in line, it did not take long to meet a new friend. If you didn't have anything to talk about, just listen to the guys in front or behind you. There were the occasional line 'cut', usually by guys from the DA's office or the PD's office. Once you got to your courtroom, which involved checking in to several departments and letting them know you'd be back. The courtroom was packed full of attorneys, even sitting in the jury box and for the slow judge, they were there for hours. It was really the time for the judge to shine and show their efficiency or their lack of organization. No matter, a little chit chat in the galley made up for it.

Friday was also a fun day. The department would change as judges moved through the building, but the Probate Commissioner stayed the same. It really seemed like it was a huge shake up when Judge Leavitt went to the Supreme Court and the Probate Comm used the Discovery Comm's bench. WOW. That seems like nothing, with the recent changes there.

Now, however, with a new building, so many out of state firms, too many judges and cases, probate in the Phoenix building and the advent of 'specializations', it is all gone.

As I've described it in prior posts: Historically, Mondays used to be "motion day" in Las Vegas Courts. Since the RJC was built, this collegial culture has slowly disappeared and newer attorneys don't even know that it ever existed. In years gone by, though, Mondays were the days that we all went to Court before 9:00 am (civil hearing times), we would stand in line and talk, we would meet out front on the steps, we would enjoy a quick cup of coffee, we would engage in good conversation and promote a slap of gossip. This would continue into the Courtrooms where there was always a lot of chatter about the judges, attorneys, firms and staff. That is all gone. In that memory, here I'll give a weekly summary of all things Vegas legal . . some news . . . some gossip . . . some blog review . . . submissions suggested . . . just like the old days.

So Monday's Motions are my attempt to throw together some talk, some rumors, some news, some fun, from the prior week. It keeps us all up to date and gives us good conversation around the courthouse and in the office. Enjoy!!