About Joe Gorman

Story of Service

More than anything, serving as a judge is a calling. For me, it began with a single call more than ten years ago, when I was contacted by the Business Council of the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe asking if I’d serve as a judge to preside over tribal election challenges. I was in private practice at the time, and welcomed the chance to serve on a three-judge panel. 

Following the next tribal election I was invited back to serve in the same role. This time, however, they were only seeking a single election judge, and they invited me to apply. I was later invited to apply to serve as judge in the tribal court, and eventually I was appointed as Chief Judge for the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone tribal court. In this role, I presided weekly over all the criminal and civil cases in the tribal court, where I was honored and gratified by the trust that community placed in me.

I loved being a judge. In 2019 I decided to take on a judicial role full time in Washoe County as Probate Commissioner for the Second Judicial District Court. Since being appointed to this position almost seven years ago, I have presided over thousands of cases from routine estate matters to complex trust litigation, treating each case like it’s the most important case before the court, because for the parties involved, it is. I’m proud of the efficiency and competence I’ve brought to each probate case in the Second Judicial District Court.

My experience in these roles has given me the skills and the experience to serve the people of Washoe County with excellence as a District Court Judge, and I’m asking for your support.

Background

Together with my wonderful wife Lauren, I am proud to have raised my family in this community. We love spending time outdoors together skiing, hiking, and hunting waterfowl. When I can’t be outside, I enjoy supporting Reno’s vibrant arts community and participating in the many events and celebrations that make Reno and Washoe County a special place to live. 

I earned my law degree at Stanford Law School after obtaining a Masters Degree in Education from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University. 

Prior to serving as Probate Commissioner, I engaged in the private practice of law focused on business transactions, estate planning and probate, and civil litigation. 

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to supporting the legal profession and serving the people of Washoe County. I have served as a member of the Northern Nevada Disciplinary Board for the State Bar of Nevada, and I am a past president of the State Bar of Nevada’s Solo and Small Practice Section. For the past four years I have been a contributing author to the Nevada Civil Practice Manual, and I currently serve on the State Bar of Nevada’s High School Mock Trial Committee. In 2015 I was recognized for my commitment to legal services when I was named “Pro Bono Attorney of the Year” by Nevada Legal Services. 

In the wider community, I’m proud to have served on the board of directors of the Reno Jazz Orchestra and KWNK Community Radio in Reno and on the board of trustees for the Reno Host Lions Club Charity Foundation. Running for District Judge is a natural outgrowth of my commitment to this community and all it has given to me and my family, and I am thrilled by this opportunity.