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PILA to honor Justice Hardesty at Friday gala

Posted on | February 25, 2010 | No Comments

 Nevada Supreme Court Justice James W. Hardesty will be honored Fridayby the Public Interest Law Association (PILA) of the William S. Boyd School of Law – the first individual to be honored in the 11-year history of the association’s fundraising event.

PILA’s goal is to increase access to legal services throughout Clark County by providing grants to Boyd Law School students in public service.

 “Justice Hardesty was chosen as the first honoree because he embodies the spirit of public interest,” said PILA President Nick Portz.  “We couldn’t pick a better suited candidate as our first honoree.”

 “The Supreme Court is extremely proud that Justice Hardesty is being recognized for his achievements and his years of dedication to the law and the improvement of the justice system,” said Chief Justice Ron Parraguirre.

 Mr. Portz emphasized Justice Hardesty’s 30 years of public service as an attorney, and on the bench of the Second Judicial District Court and Supreme Court, where he serves as co-chair of the Access to Justice Commission. 

Mr. Portz noted that Justice Hardesty served a very productive term as Chief Justice in 2009 when the Nevada Foreclosure Mediation Program and other legislation expanding access to the justice system were passed. 

 PILA grants are available to Boyd students to work with non-profit or governmental organizations primarily on behalf of indigent or under-represented persons. In the past, students have worked with the Three Square Food Bank of Southern Nevada, the Friends of the Desert, Homeless pro bono program, and other events.

 While PILA’s fundraisers have been successful events for a decade, Mr. Portz said the honoring of Justice Hardesty at the event has resulted in “a great response from the legal community.”

 “This is a wonderful opportunity for the legal community to join with the Boyd student body, faculty, and staff to work toward improving our community through the law,” Mr. Portz said.

 “Funds from the auction, which is run entirely by students, provide the opportunity for Boyd Law School to give back to the community.”

 The event, entitled “Vintage Vegas,” is being held at the Fremont Hotel-Casino Ballroom from 6 to 10 p.m.  It will include both silent and live auctions.

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