LV attorney Bernhard named to Ethics Commission

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn today named Las Vegas lawyer Peter Bernhard to the state Ethics Commission, replacing Mary Boetsch of Reno, who did not want another term.

Bernard, in his law practice, has handed a wide variety of cases, including civil, bankruptcy and administrative actions. He will join the part-time commission immediately.

Guinn said Bernhard is "very judicious. He's the kind of guy who takes the time to examine all sides of any issue that comes before him.

"He has the reputation for fairness and wisdom," Guinn said.

Bernhard said he was pleased Guinn had the confidence in him to warrant the appointment. "I look forward to working under the expanded resources which the new legislation provides to the commission.

"I expect the commission will continue the diligent work it has been performing under Chairwoman Boetsch, maintaining the confidence of the citizens of Nevada and their public officers and employees that ethical issues are addressed promptly, fairly, and consistently in accord with the requirements of the law."

The 1999 Legislature, at the request of Guinn, expanded the commission from six to eight members and gave it an increased staff. The new law stiffens some of the penalties and requires the commission to make its decisions within deadlines instead of allowing cases to linger for months.

The commission will select a new chairman from among its members to succeed Boetsch.

Bernhard graduated from Harvard University in 1971 with a bachelor of arts in government and from the National Law Center at George Washington University in 1975. After completing a judicial clerkship with U.S. District Judge Roger D. Foley, Bernhard entered private practice and is currently a member of Bernhard & Leslie, Chtd.

He has served as a lawyer representative of the State Bar of Nevada to the 9th U.S. Circuit Judicial Conference.

archive