Brent T Adams

Brent Thomas Adams (June 3, 1948 - November 2, 2022) was a judge in Nevada's Second Judicial District Court, located in Reno, Washoe County. He served for 25 years, becoming Chief Judge and innovating programs such as the Washoe County Drug Court, Early Case Resolution Program, and Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. Adams also served as the first business court judge in Nevada's specialized business court track, advocating for active case management to reduce litigation costs and duration. Before his judicial career, Adams was an assistant federal public defender for five years and practiced law privately in Reno for 17 years. He began his career as a reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal while an undergraduate, earning the Charles E. Murray Award for Outstanding Reporter of the Year. Adams earned his undergraduate degree with honors from Northern Arizona University in 1972 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona College of Law in 1974. He was a Frances I. Borozon scholar, elected student body president at Northern Arizona University, and excelled in debate competitions, including winning Nevada state high school debate championships. Adams taught judicial education for over 20 years as a core faculty member of the National Judicial College, instructing judges on evidence, trial tactics, legal ethics, and settlement techniques. He also conducted international judicial training in countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Colombia. He served as chairman of the Nevada State Democratic Party from 1982 to 1984 and advocated for barring judges from soliciting campaign contributions. Adams received numerous ...