Rawlinson sworn in as U.S. district judge

"This is a historic day for the state of Nevada, because we need judges very badly," said Sen. Harry Reid, who recommended Rawlinson for the job. "We need more judges than just Johnnie."

President Clinton nominated Rawlinson on Jan. 27, and the Senate confirmed her 65 days later. Her nomination was the fastest moving for a U.S. district judge seat this year.

"Johnnie Rawlinson is a brilliant person," Reid said Friday. "She has an academic record that is significant."

Reid, D-Nev., said U.S. District Judge Lloyd George paved the way for Rawlinson's selection by taking senior status, a sort of semi-retirement, in December.

About 400 people crowded into the Clark County Commission chambers for Rawlinson's investiture. Others watched the ceremony on a television in the hallway outside.

Rawlinson, 45, has worked at the Clark County district attorney's office since 1980, going from deputy district attorney to chief deputy district attorney in 1989 and assistant district attorney in 1995.

She has a degree in psychology from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and a law degree from McGeorge School of Law in California.

archive