By Chief Justice Douglas Herndon
Science and technology continue to reshape nearly every aspect of modern life, and the practice of law is no exception. In Nevada, the appellate courts have made notable progress in adopting new tools that improve access to justice, enhance efficiency, and strengthen public trust in the legal system.
One significant advancement is the integration of artificial intelligence within the Administrative Office of the Courts’ Self-Help Center. The self-help chatbot leverages AI to provide support in more than 50 languages. Online forms are now available in several languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Tagalog, allowing self-represented litigants to receive assistance for a wide range of legal issues. By meeting individuals in the language they understand, the courts continue to close the distance between justice and the communities they serve.
We are also moving beyond forms toward guided interviews, creating legally sufficient pleadings through a question-and-answer format. We continue to expand the topics available, including the recent release of an appellate module on the revamped website. From January through October 2025, the self-help website hosted a total of 10,577 complete guided interviews, including 5,807 case eligibility reviews and 4,771 file-ready case packets. The most common guided interviews are name change and divorce eligibility. Joint divorce and protection orders are the top two pleadings.
Technology is also transforming guardianship oversight. Nevada is the first state in the nation to launch a guardianship reporting portal that enables financial institutions to import financial data directly into court systems. This innovation simplifies reporting, saves time, and provides court staff with analytical tools to identify potential risks. More importantly, it strengthens judicial oversight by allowing early detection of suspicious activity and timely protection for vulnerable individuals.
These developments represent more than simple upgrades. They reflect a continuing commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service. The use of AI and data integration tools helps the judiciary fulfill its mission to deliver fair, timely, and accessible justice more effectively than ever before.
As members of the State Bar of Nevada, we are witnessing an important moment in the evolution of our legal system. From courtroom technology to digital filings and AI-assisted resources, innovation challenges each of us to consider how we can apply similar tools in our own practices to better serve clients and the public. The future of law in Nevada is one where technology and justice advance together—and that future has already begun.
About the author
Chief Justice Douglas Herndon was elected to the Supreme Court of Nevada in 2020, beginning his first term in January 2021. He assumed the role of Chief Justice on January 6, 2025. He previously served as a district judge in the Eighth Judicial District Court, from 2005 to 2020.
About the article
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Dec. 2025), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. The printed magazine was mailed out to CCBA members during the last week of November 2025.
The articles and advertisements appearing in Communiqué magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the CCBA, the CCBA Publications Committee, the editorial board, or the other authors. All legal and other issues discussed are not for the purpose of answering specific legal questions. Attorneys and others are strongly advised to independently research all issues.
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