The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) has elected Judge Michael Montero of the Sixth Judicial District in Humboldt County, Nevada to its Board of Directors. Judge Montero is the only judge presiding over the Sixth Judicial District of Nevada, where his caseload is composed of every civil and criminal case that originates in or proceeds to the District Court level in Humboldt County.
“As a judge, I have a profound responsibility to lead with integrity, ensuring my work makes a meaningful impact on the lives of the children and families we serve,” said Judge Montero. “I am looking forward to contributing to the NCJFCJ Board of Directors and honored to bring my experience and passion to furthering the NCJFCJ’s mission.”
Judge Montero was born and raised in Winnemucca, Nevada, and brings a wealth of experience and a strong educational background to his judicial role. Earlier in his career he practiced law in Reno, Nevada, specializing in litigating personal injury claims, premises liability, and insurance coverage matters. In 2008, he was elected as District Judge in the Sixth Judicial District Court, Department II, where he has since played a pivotal role in promoting justice and serving the community.
Judge Montero created the first transitional living center operated by a juvenile justice agency in the state of Nevada. He spearheaded the creation of a truancy diversion program and a family treatment court in 2017. In October 2022, Judge Montero opened a groundbreaking non-secure transitional housing center for youth involved with juvenile services. By repurposing a portion of the secure juvenile detention center, he created a safe and supportive environment staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The center, which is the first-of-its-kind in Nevada, reflects Judge Montero’s commitment to the well-being and rehabilitation of young individuals.
“Judge Montero is noted by his colleagues for his willingness to engage in conversations and take actions that have led to long-term behavior change and improved outcomes for youth,” said Judge Robert Hofmann, NCJFCJ president. “We are excited to have him on board to help support the NCJFCJ in its purpose and vision.”
In addition to his judicial duties within this district, Judge Montero currently serves as a Nevada delegate to the National Conference of State Trial Judges of the American Bar Association, serves on the Nevada Supreme Court’s Children’s Commission, the Nevada Children’s Justice Act Taskforce, the Nevada Court Improvement Program Select Committee, the Nevada Interagency Advisory Council on Homelessness to Housing, and the Nevada Specialty Court Funding and Policy Committee. Judge Montero has shared his expertise at conferences, including the National Association of Drug Court Professionals conference in 2019 where he joined other rural judges to discuss the importance of rural treatment courts and their role in community improvement. His work was recognized in 2023 as the recipient of the Innovator of the Year Award at the NCJFCJ’s 9th annual Justice Innovation Awards.
Judge Montero holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and resource economics from Oregon State University and earned a law degree from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas.
More than 4 million families are impacted by the work of the NCJFCJ every year. For more information, please visit the NCJFCJ website.
About the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ):
Founded in 1937, the Reno, Nevada-based National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges is the nation’s oldest judicial membership and education organization focused on improving the effectiveness of our nation’s juvenile and family courts. A leader in continuing education opportunities, research, and policy development in the fields of juvenile and family justice, domestic violence, and domestic relations, the 2,000-member organization is unique in providing practice-based resources to jurisdictions and communities nationwide. The NCJFCJ serves an estimated 30,000 juvenile and family court professionals in state and tribal courts throughout the country, who impact more than 4 million families.
