Washoe County Law Library
About the Law Library
The mission of the Law Library is to assure equality of access to the law for attorneys judges (and courts) government employees and the general public by providing an array of legal materials in a variety of formats and the assistance of professional staff that select and maintain the materials and aid in their use.
Board of Trustees
The Washoe County Law Library Board of Trustees was established in 1915.
The Board of Trustees is governed by the provisions in the Nevada Revised Statutes.
2014 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates • February 5th
• May 7th
• September 3rd
• December 3rd
Please contact Joey Orduna Hastings, District Court Administrator and Clerk of Court, with any questions about the Law Library Board of Trustees.
Collection
The Law Library pursues a full range of books and technologically enhanced services that provide timely accurate and efficient access to the sources of law including local state and federal government resources. The Law Library is a partial selective depository for U.S. government documents. Click here to search the library's online catalog.
Hours
The Law Library is open to the public courts and county staff during the day and some evenings.
Monday and Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - Noon
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Closed on all legal holidays listed in NRS 236.015 every Sunday and Saturdays on holiday weekends. The library closes early at 5:00 pm on the eve of holidays. Please call the law library for current hours.
Location
The Law Library is located on the first floor of the Historic Washoe County Courthouse in downtown Reno. Enter the courthouse at 75 Court Street. For directions click on map.
Phone: 775-328-3250.
Street Address:
Washoe County Law Library
Second Judicial District Court
75 Court Street Room 101
Reno NV 89501
Parking
Look for metered parking on Virginia Sierra or Court streets or park at the Gallery Parking Lot on the corner of First Street and Sierra Street. The Law Library does not validate for parking. After 5:00 pm and on weekends parking is permitted in the Washoe County parking lot across from the Courthouse at 75 Court Street. The County lot is not available for public parking Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and your vehicle may be towed.
1. Is the Washoe County Law Library open to the public?
Yes the Law Library serves the courts, the bar, and the general public.
2. May I use my Washoe County Library Card to check out books from the Law Library?
No. The Washoe County Law Library is a separate institution from the Washoe County Library. To check out books from the Law Library you must have a law library circulation card. Library cards are distributed per the Patron Circulation Card Policy.
3. How many days may I keep books checked out?
The loan period for all checked out materials is seven days. The due date is stamped in the book. Books not returned after seven days are considered overdue. The law library does allow renewal of books once for seven days if any overdue fees are paid. The library charges a fine of $1 a day/per book beginning the eighth day after a book has been checked out.
4. Does the library have a room for quiet research and study?
The boardroom at the law library may be used for quiet research and study Monday and Thursday from 8:00 - 5:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00-4:30 pm, and Friday from 8:00-12 pm when not reserved for other meetings. This room may not be used for private meetings unless reserved. To find out about renting the boardroom please review the Boardroom Policy and call the library at 775-328-3250 to reserve.
5. Is the use of cell phones permitted in the Law Library?
No. Please turn your cell phone off or to vibration when entering the Law Library and step outside into the hallway should you need to use your cell phone.
6. May I use my laptop computer in the law library?
Yes. Some of the study carrels in the law library have power outlets to plug in a laptop computer.
NEW!! FREE EBSCO access anywhere -- anytime with a Law Library circulation card.
Descriptions & List of Titles
EBSCO Legal Information Reference Center: Providing online full text for many of the top consumer legal reference books more than 310 full-text publications and thousands of legal forms. Many of the full-text legal reference books are provided through Nolo the nation's oldest and most-respected provider of legal information for consumers and small businesses. Click Here to Search Ebsco (will open a new window).
EBSCO Legal Collection: Containing full text for more than 300 of the world's most respected scholarly law journals this database is an authoritative source for information on current issues studies thoughts and trends of the legal world. Includes American Bar Association publications and most law reviews.
•Click here for list of titles in the EBSCO Legal Collection(will open a new window)
If you have an Ebsco User ID and Password click on the EBSCO Host Icon to login to the database or call 775-328-3250 for immediate temporary access.
EBSCO databases were provided by a grant from: The Institute of Museum and Library Services an independent federal agency that grows and sustains a \"Nation of Learners \" because lifelong learning is critical to success. Grant administered through the Nevada State Library and Archives.
Westlaw - FREE Access at the Law Library
Databases include state and federal statutes and cases law reviews secondary legal resources such as \"American Jurisprudence\". Call the law library for more information (775)328-3250.
Nevada Law Library from the Legislative Counsel Bureau on CD-ROM
The"Official Nevada Law Library from the Source" from the Nevada Legislature.
This CD includes the Nevada Reports Nevada Revised Statutes with Annotations Nevada Attorney General's Opinions Nevada Administrative Code Nevada Court Rules Nevada and U.S. Constitutions U.S. Court Rules for Nevada and the Ninth Circuit Nevada City Charters Gaming Regulations and the Statutes of Nevada. Due to licensing restrictions may be used at the law library only.
Nevada Law Legislative History - Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau Library
Tip: free access to Nevada Revised Statutes is available on the Nevada Legislature`s website.
Federal Law
This collection of United States Government websites provides links to federal codes regulations courts and government agencies. International Law websites are also included at the bottom of the page.
United States Codes Regulations and Legislation
- Charters of Freedom - Constitution Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights
- Code of Federal Regulations - Cornell Legal Information Institute
- Code of Federal Regulations - National Archvies and Records Administration
- Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) - search GPO site. LSA - list of CFR sections affected
- Congressional Record - the official record of the proceedings and debates of the U.S. Congress
- Federal Register - rules proposed rules and notices of federal agencies
- Federal Register - NEW improved version of website released in 2010
- Public and Private Laws - laws enacted from the 104th Congress (1995-6) to present Congress
- United States Code (USC) - online access
- THOMAS: Legislative Information - bills and other legislative information
- United States Congress:House of Representatives|Senate
- US Congressional Documents and Debates - historical records of the Continental Congress the Constitutional Convention and the United States Congress from 1774-1875; includes Statutes at Large
United States and Federal Courts | Guide to the U.S. Federal System
- Federal Courts - Judicial Opinions
- Federal Courts of Appeal - opinions on Findlaw
- Federal Court Locator - federal judiciary websites
- Inside the Federal Courts - how they work
- Federal Judiciary (Court of Appeals) - map of circuits
- Federal Rules - includes appellate bankruptcy civil criminal and evidence
- Federal Judicial Center - judges biographical database
- Supreme Court of the United States - includes opinions
- Supreme Court opinions via Cornell Legal Information Institute
- Supreme Court via The Oyez Project - audio recordings of oral arguments
- United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit - opinions
- United States Court of Federal Claims - opinions and rules
- United States Tax Court | Information Video
United States Government Information
- FedLaw - use for federal legal research
- FedWorld - agency locator
- Forms.gov - federal agency forms
- Fed Stats - statistics from agencies
- GPO Access - Government Printing Office
- Catalog of Government Publications
- USA.gov - official web portal and index to federal agencies
Government Agency Websites
- Bureau of Citizen and Immigration Services - electronic filing case status
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Social Security Administration - retirement benefits SSI and disability and medicare
- US Copyright Office - searchable database register a work
- US Department of Justice
- US Department of Labor
- elaws advisors - employment laws assistance for workers and small businesses
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)>compliance assistance laws and regulations safety & health
- US Patent and Trademark Office - search for pending and registered patents
Disclaimer: The information on this web page should NOT be construed as providing legal advice; any inquiries relating to legal issues should be directed to legal counsel.
Seminars on Video and DVD
- The Legal Seminars are available in various formats including video-on-demand DVD or VHS (older videos). These may be checked out from the Law Library with a Law Library Circulation Card.
Washoe Channel
- Seminars done in prior years are on VHS tape and may be checked out from the Law Library.
Video-on-Demand
Newer seminars (2008 and later) may be watched on video-on-demand by clicking any title below that has a link. After a new seminar is videotaped it will be several weeks before the newest video is available here.
Seminars done in prior years are on VHS tape and may be borrowed from the law library.
2011
- Legal Research (Jan 2011) Speaker: Hon. Wes Ayres
- Termination of Parental Rights & Adoption in Nevada (Feb 2011) Speaker: Muriel Skelly Esq.
2010
- Bankruptcy Law Seminar (FEB 2010). Speaker: Patricia Phair Esq. Handout
- Child Custody and Visitation (SEPT 2010). Speaker: Muriel Skelly Esq. Handout
- Discovery Process in Civil Cases (AUG 2010). Speaker: Honorable Wes Ayres Discovery Commissioner Second Judicial District Court. Handout
- Guide to Debt Collection Law for the Consumer (OCT 2010). Speaker: Geoffrey Giles Esq. Handout
- Questions & Answers on Landlord Tenant Law (JUNE 2010).
- Guardianship Law in Nevada (APR 2010). Speaker: Ryan J. Earl Esq. Handout
- Nevada Homeowner's Association Law with 2009 Nevada Legislative Updates (MAY 2010). Speakers: Gayle Kern Esq. and Sara Barry CM CMSA PCAM. Handout
- Small Claims 101: How to Present Your Case or Defend It. (JULY 2010). Speaker: Honorable Kevin G. Higgins Handout
- Starting and Running a Small Business AND Top 10 Legal Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make (MAR 2010). Speakers: Jeanne H. Yamamura CPA MIM PHD and Mark Smallhouse Esq. Handout
- What Can You Do About Your Conviction? (JAN 2010). Learn About appeals sealing records writs & pardons. Speaker: Richard Cornell Esq. Handout
2009
- DUI the Legal System and You 2009. Speaker: Roger Whomes Esq.
- General Overview of Nevada Foreclosure Law for the Homeowner (Mar. 2009). Speaker: Doug Flowers Esq.
- Recent Updates to Nevada Foreclosure Law for the Homeowner (Nov. 2009). Speaker: Doug Flowers Esq.
- A General Overview of Probate Law in Nevada (2009). Speaker: Stanley Brown Jr. Esq.
- Wills & Trusts: How to Safeguard Your Assets (2009). Speaker: William O'Mara Esq.
- Kids Nowadays Can you Believe the Things They Do? Juvenile Justice System in the 21st Century Speaker: Ryan Sullivan Esq. Washoe County Public Defender.
- Landlord Tenant Matters in Reno Justice Court: Including Recent Updates in Nevada Law (July 2009) Speaker:
- Nevada's Labor Law : an Evening with the Labor Commissioner (2009). Speaker: Michael Tanchek Labor Commissioner.
- Preparing Your Case for Trial in District Court (2009). Speaker: Judge Jerome Poloha.
2008
- The American Jury System and the Right to a Jury Trial (2008). Speaker: Judge Jerome Polaha.
- Duties & Responsibilities of a Personal Representative of an Estate (2008). Speaker: Stanley Brown Jr. Esq.
- How to Resolve a Dispute Using Mediation (2008). Speaker: Lance Allen and Neighborhood Mediation Center Program Director
- Immigration Law (2008). Ian Silverberg Esq.
2007
- Basics of Living in a Homeowner's Assocation (2007). Speakers: Michael T. Schulman Esq. and Sara E. Barry CM CMCA PCAM.
- Consumer's Guide to the Debt Collection Process (2007). Speaker: Thomas Brooksbank Esq.
- What does the Probate Commissioner's Office do? (2007) Speaker: Linda Bowman Esq. Washoe County Probate Commissioner.
2006
- District Court Procedures: Both Civil and Criminal (2006). Speaker: Judge Jerome Polaha
- Representing Yourself in Family Court (2006). Speaker: Muriel Skelly Esq.
- The Residential Purchase Agreement: Buying or Selling a House (2006). Speaker: Melody Luetkehans Esq.
- Roles and Responsibilities for Homeowners Associations (2006). Speakers: Sara E. Barry CAM CMCA PCAM.
- Social Security Disability Law (2007). Speaker: Dennis Cameron Esq.
2005-2002
- Consumer Construction From A-Z (2002). Speaker: Charles Woodman Esq.
- Forming a Nevada Business (2002). Speaker: Michael Morrison Esq.
- Presenting Your Small Claims Case: Justice Court Procedures (2007). Speaker: Hon. Barbara K. Finley.
- Real Estate Predatory Lending (2004). Mark Krueger Sr. Deputy Attorney General Nevada Attorney General`s Office.
- What to do When you Get Injured on the Job (2005). Speaker: Herb Santos Jr.
Use the 'Ask a Librarian' tab at the top to request a monthly e-mail notification of the seminar topics. Please e-mail Ask a Law Librarian or call the Library at 775-328-3250 with any questions about seminar video access.
Disclaimer: The information on this web page should NOT be construed as providing legal advice; any inquiries relating to legal issues should be directed to legal counsel.
Washoe County Law Library
Ask a Law Librarian
If you need immediate assistance call the law library at (775)328-3250.
Welcome to the online reference service of the Law Library. This service is designed for specific questions with brief factual answers.
The Law Library staff does not perform legal research nor give legal advice. For more complex questions please visit the Law Library in person.
For legal advice please consult an attorney.
We will try to respond to you by the close of the following business day except on weekends and holidays. Of course some questions may require more time or a referral to someone else.
The Law Library respects your privacy and will not disclose or share your e-mail address or question with other organizations. Only click the send button once it will go through to the law library.
Washoe County Law Library
Forms and Pleadings for Nevada Courts
Washoe County Law Library has created sample pleadings for Washoe Co. Second Judicial District Court using Rule 10 of the Rules of Practice for the Washoe County District Court of the State of Nevada.
These samples were created using MS Word. Click on the title below to view.
Sample Family Court Heading Sample General Heading
You can create your own pleadings in MS Word using the Pleading Instructions found at the Nevada Supreme Court Law Library.
You may want to visit your nearest law library for legal resources such as the Nevada Revised Statutes. Click here for locations in Nevada that provide legal research materials.
Please contact the specific court with any questions about the forms listed below
Click on About the Nevada Judiciary to learn more about Nevada Courts and to determine the jurisdiction for your legal matter.Nevada Courts by County
Carson City Nevada Courts
- First Judicial District Court - Justice and Municipal Court - All Forms - includes Sealing Criminal Records forms
Churchill County Nevada
Clark County Nevada Court Forms
- Eighth Judicial District Court
- Arbitration Forms
- Civil Criminal and Probate Forms Library
- Discovery Forms
- Family Court Self Help Center
- Probate Forms
- Protection Order Forms
- Small Claims
- Landlord Tenant
Clark County Law Library forms Directory is an index of forms on court web sites and in books. To use any of these forms search the Washoe County law library catalog for the book title.
Sealing of Criminal Records in Clark County Instructions and Forms
Las Vegas Nevada Forms Las Vegas Township Justice Court
Douglas County Nevada
Douglas County District Court- Stateline Nevada Tahoe Justice Court
- Minden Nevada East Fork Justice Court
Esmeralda County Nevada -
Esmeralda County CourtsLyon County Nevada Lyon County Courts
Storey County Nevada Forms Available
Washoe County Nevada - Second Judicial District Court
Reno Nevada
Sparks Nevada
Other Forms for Use in Washoe County
Sealing Criminal Records
Unemployment Appeals form. Petition for judicial review and instructions (unemployment appeals) provided from Nevada Legal Services. This packet also requires a Summons form available from the District Court. Please contact Nevada Legal Services with any questions about your unemployment appeal.
Application to Waive Fees and Costs and Order Regarding Waiver of Fees and Costs (Approved by the Nevada Supreme Court for Nevada courts.)
Other Forms for Legal Matters
Power of Attorney
- Power of Attorney - statutory form power of attorney that has the meaning and effect prescribed by NRS 162A.200 to 162A.660 inclusive. This file includes a cover page for filing the document at Washoe County Recorder's Office.
- Power of Attorney Information from the Washoe County Senior Law Project.
- Power of Attorney Brochure from the State Bar of Nevada.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare - the Nevada Center for Ethics & Health Policy (NCEHP) website. Nevada Form.
Homestead
- Homestead Form - for filing with Washoe County Recorder.
- Abandonment of Homestead Form - for filing with Washoe County Recorder
- Declaration of Homestead Information from Washoe County Senior Law Project.
- Filing a Homestead brochure from the State Bar of Nevada. English | Spanish
Nevada Supreme Court
Nevada Supreme Court provides standardized Nevada Court Forms for use in any state court forms that can be found at these links are: Appellate forms for Pro Se in Nevada Supreme Court; Divorce Forms; Domestic Violence Protection Orders; Family Division Forms; Guardianship; Landlord Tenant: Apartments; Landlord Tenant: Mobile Homes; Stalking Harrassment and Workplace Violence Forms.
Application to Waive Fees and Costs and Order Regarding Waiver of Fees and Costs
Nevada Supreme Court Law Library - provides an index of Forms by Subject
Nevada Department of Public Safety - Criminal History Records Depository
- Sealing of Criminal Records in Nevada. Please check with the court where you were charged for specific requirements. On this page go to Clark County Carson City County or Washoe County.
Federal Courts Bankruptcy Court and United States Supreme Court
- United States Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada - Bankruptcy forms - includes revised and local forms
- United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit - All Forms
- United States District Court District of Nevada - Forms
- United States Supreme Court - Case Handling Guides
Disclaimer: The information on this web page should NOT be construed as providing legal advice; any inquiries relating to legal issues should be directed to legal counsel.