Eighteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Michael J. Watanabe
Retention Year: 1990
Recommendation:Â Retain
Judicial Performance Commission’s recommendation: Should Be Retained.
Judge Watanabe was admitted to practice law in 1979. He served as deputy legislative counsel in Nevada for one year, as a deputy district attorney in Colorado for five years, and was in private practice for two years. He was appointed to the district court in 1987. He is assigned to approximately 1,200 cases in the civil, probate and mental health area, and the grand jury. Prior to this appointment, he served in the criminal division.
Several respondents commented he lacked sensitivity in some matters; more indicated he is a well prepared, professional judge who works very hard. He manages his docket efficiently and is courteous.