Tahoe Township Judge Johnson builds expertise at National Judicial College

Tahoe Township Justice Court Judge Michael K. Johnson recently completed an intensive two-week Special Court Jurisdiction: Advanced course for judges at the National Judicial College. The immersive course aims to provide judges with a solid foundation in courtroom leadership, judicial ethics, evidence, case management, judicial security, and decision-making. Graduates can earn credit hours toward a Master of Judicial Studies degree.

“For many judges, the transition from bar to bench is very swift and there is no ‘how-to guide’ available,” Judge Benes Z. Aldana (Ret.), president of the National Judicial College, said. “Judges must be lifelong learners and build a network of relationships with other judges they can reach out to on a regular basis. We were pleased to welcome Judge Johnson to the College and hope we can continue to serve as a resource throughout his judicial career.”

During the Special Court Jurisdiction: Advanced course, judges learn from top faculty recruited from the judiciary as well as subject matter experts from around the country. In addition to classroom-style learning, the course frequently breaks into small discussion groups that allow judges to have in-depth conversations and work through issues currently before them.

“Although I have been presiding judge of the Tahoe Court for more than a year, attending this course at the NJC has been invaluable in improving my skills and knowledge. Aside from the advanced curriculum, I have enjoyed comparing practices with other judges from several states around the country,” Judge Johnson said.

Judge Johnson’s attendance at the course was required by Nevada law. Retired Judge Glasson filled in as the Tahoe Township Judge while Judge Johnson was at The National Judicial College for two weeks.

Judge Johnson was appointed to the bench in 2023. He is a Justice of the Peace in Tahoe Township Justice Court.