About
Erika Mendoza is running to be retained as District Court Judge, Dept. 27
Erika Mendoza is a distinguished legal professional currently serving as a Judge in the Eighth Judicial District Court, Department 27, in Clark County, Nevada. Appointed by Governor Joe Lombardo in March 2024, Erika brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to justice to her new role on the bench.
Erika's journey in the legal field began with her education at the University at Buffalo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Legal Studies in 2004. She then pursued her Juris Doctor at the UNLV Boyd School of Law, graduating in 2011. During her time in law school, Erika was a member of the Public Interest Law Association and worked with the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada to provide free legal education to the public. She also gained practical experience through externships with Judge Douglas Herndon and the Las Vegas City Attorney's Office.
Upon passing the Nevada Bar in 2011, Erika embarked on her professional career as a law clerk in the Appellate Unit of the Clark County District Attorney's Office. Her responsibilities included conducting legal research and writing for criminal post-conviction matters, which honed her skills in critical legal analysis and managing complex case histories. In April 2012, she was promoted to Deputy District Attorney in the General Litigation Team, where she prosecuted a wide range of crimes, including murder, sexual abuse, crimes against children, drug crimes, domestic violence, and financial crimes. Her role involved handling daily court calendars, representing the State in various court proceedings, and leading trials for serious offenses.
In June 2018, Erika transitioned to the Gun Crimes Unit as a Chief Deputy District Attorney where she handled approximately 350 cases. She specialized in prosecuting complex felony gun crimes using vertical prosecution, managing cases from arraignment to sentencing. Erika's expertise in handling high-profile cases involving multiple defendants and events, such as robberies and shootings, earned her a reputation for thoroughness and dedication. She also played a crucial role in the Major Violators Unit, which included responsibilities like reviewing and approving PEN Register applications and responding to officer-involved shootings.
Erika's leadership skills were further recognized when she was promoted to Team Chief of the Gun Crimes Unit. In this capacity, she supervised and evaluated a team of attorneys, reviewed and assigned cases, coordinated training related to firearms prosecutions, and acted as a liaison to outside law enforcement agencies. As part of the Clark County District Attorney's Office Legislative Committee she worked with other prosecutors to strategize responses to legislative issues and provide valuable feedback on proposed laws.
Erika has demonstrated a commitment to justice and community service. She was born and raised in upstate New York, but has been a resident of Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, for 18 years. She has been with her husband, a born and raised Las Vegan and local business owner, for over 10 years and they have 2 young sons. In her free time Erika enjoys watching football, traveling, and fitness activities.
As a newly appointed Judge in the Eighth Judicial District Court, Erika Mendoza continues to serve the community with integrity and a deep understanding of the law. Her appointment to Department 27 marks a significant milestone in her career, and she is now running to be retained in this position in the upcoming 2024 election. Erika's journey from a dedicated prosecutor to a respected judge reflects her unwavering commitment to upholding justice and serving the people of Clark County