For Judge Robert Lane, a small newspaper advertisement helped set the course for more than three decades in Nye County. After finishing law school, he applied for a deputy district attorney position in Tonopah, beginning a career that would eventually bring him to the district court bench in Pahrump. Now seeking reelection as Nye County District Court Judge, Department 2, Lane is reflecting on that experience while considering another way the court could serve the community.
Lane said his interest in continuing includes discussions about establishing a specialty court for people facing mental health challenges and veterans who could benefit from treatment and additional support. Alongside that possibility, he described a continued focus on explaining court proceedings, treating people fairly and issuing decisions that clearly connect the facts of a case to the law.
“I like people, and so I think as a judge, it shows in court that I like people,” Lane said.
Raised in Henderson, Lane graduated from Basic High School in 1977. One of six children, he worked two full-time jobs during high school to help his mother support the family. He later joined the U.S. Navy, hoping military service would provide a path to a college education.
His six and a half years in the Navy included submarine service and isolated duty assignments. After completing a church mission, he returned to Nevada and began attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas at age 28.
Lane completed his undergraduate degree in political science in two years, graduating with honors while working and participating in campus activities. Those activities included serving as elections board chairman and writing a weekly article for the university newspaper.
Lane continued his education at the University of Utah’s law school, taking additional classes each semester to complete the program in two and a half years. At the time, he said, Nevada offered its bar examination only once a year, during the summer. He received permission to take the exam after his second year of law school and passed before returning to Utah to finish his final semester.
The deputy district attorney opening in Tonopah brought him back to Nevada. During seven years in that position, Lane said he handled 35 felony trials, along with misdemeanor cases and some civil work.
When a new district court department was established in Pahrump, he ran for the open seat and won. Lane said he has now spent approximately 26 years on the bench, handling criminal, civil, family, juvenile, probate and child welfare matters.
That range of responsibilities brings people into the courtroom under many different circumstances. Lane said he tries to make the process understandable, particularly for those appearing without an attorney.
“I make sure that they’re relaxed in court and I explain everything to them,” he said.
Lane described preparation as a central part of his work. Before reaching a decision, he and his law clerk review the parties’ filings, research the applicable law and consider how it relates to the facts presented. He said his written orders explain the basis for his decisions so those involved can understand the reasoning, including if they choose to pursue an appeal.
He also allows attorneys to appear by video for brief matters when appropriate, reducing the need to travel from Las Vegas or elsewhere for a short proceeding. Lane credited his longtime staff members, some of whom he said have worked with him for 15 to 20 years, with helping the court operate.
His interest in specialty courts began earlier in his judicial career. Lane said he started the local drug court in 2002 and oversaw it for about a decade before asking Judge Kim Wanker to take over for a year so he could have a break from those responsibilities. When he later asked to resume overseeing the program, he recalled receiving an enthusiastic refusal. “No way, I’m having fun. I’m keeping it,” Lane said she told him. Although he did not return to that role, his interest in treatment-focused programs has continued, leading to his recent discussions about establishing a mental health and veterans specialty court.
More recently, Lane has been in discussions with the district attorney about the possibility of a mental health and veterans specialty court. He described a program that could help eligible participants access medication, therapy and other treatment through a structure similar to drug court.
The idea remains under consideration. For Lane, it reflects concerns he encounters in court and an interest in connecting people with services that address their circumstances.
Outside the courthouse, Lane’s life is closely tied to his family. He and his wife have four children and four grandchildren, all of whom he said were born in Nye County and continue to live in the area.
Caring for his wife, who has health challenges, and his autistic son occupies much of his time away from work. Lane spoke fondly about taking his son on outings to Walmart, where familiar employees stop to greet him. He said he also supports activities for people with special needs whenever he can.
Earlier in his career, Lane was involved with the Chamber of Commerce board and Rotary. Although family caregiving has reduced the time available for those commitments, he said he continues attending community events and contributing financially when possible. His church also remains an important part of his life.
There are a few interests residents might not associate with his courtroom role. Lane plays guitar and sings harmony, and he recalled forming a band with friends, in his younger years, that won a talent show. He also enjoys following national and community news, an interest connected to his political science education.
As he considers another six-year term, Lane said this would probably be his last, although he has not made a final decision about retirement. For now, his plans center on continuing the daily work of the court and exploring whether a new specialty program could expand the support available locally. After building his career and raising his family in Nye County, he is asking voters for the opportunity to continue that work.
Early voting is underway ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
In Pahrump, early voting is available at the Bob Ruud Community Center, 150 N. Highway 160, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19–23 and Oct. 26–30, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24. The location is closed Sundays. Early voting is also available at the Pahrump Senior Center, 1370 W. Basin Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 21 and 28.
