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Without any white smoke or any other fanfare today, Judge David Barker was voted to be the new chief judge of the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court. A vote was taken during the personnel session of an all-judges meeting. From outside the doors of courtroom 12A at the Regional Justice Center, a loud cheer could be heard. Judges trickled out passing on the news. The vote was unanimous for Judge Barker.

The new chief will officially move into the role on Jan. 1 next year. He succeeds Chief Judge Jennifer Togliatti who is term-limited after serving in the role for four years. “I am honored and appreciate the unanimous vote of confidence from my judicial colleagues for me in this leadership role of chief judge,” said Judge Barker. “I want to continue to advance efficiencies and technology at the Eighth Judicial District Court. Chief Judge Togliatti has done an exceptional job of addressing challenging issues and bringing technological advancements to the court. I will continue the momentum to improve court operations and services, and look forward to the challenges the role of chief judge brings.”

Judge Barker took the District Court bench in 2007. He has served on the judicial executive committee for several years, helping to set goals and chart a strategic plan for the court. Prior to serving as a judge, he worked for the District Attorney’s Office and spent some time in private practice. During the last 15 years as a Chief Deputy District Attorney, Judge Barker worked in numerous divisions including, criminal track team chief, screening, and Grand Jury/Financial crimes. He graduated from the University of California Irvine, and received his Juris Doctorate from the Pepperdine School of Law.

Throughout his career, Judge Barker has generously given time to the Bar and Community as a member of the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board and as a coach with Nevada State Bar sponsored High School Mock Trial program and other programs to advance education on the justice system.

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