The State Bar of Nevada is honored to announce that Senator Richard H. Bryan is the recipient of this year’s Presidential Award.
At 26 years old, Bryan began his legal journey as a deputy district attorney in Clark County, Nevada. Two years later, he made history as Clark County’s first-ever public defender — the youngest in the nation at the time.
In 1978, Bryan was elected Nevada’s 27th attorney general. Facing threats to Nevada’s economic lifeblood, Bryan led the charge in defending the state’s gaming regulatory structure in federal court.
As governor, and later U.S. Senator, Bryan would go on to author landmark legislation, champion environmental protection, and elevate Nevada’s voice on the national stage.
The state bar’s Membership Awards honorees will be recognized at the upcoming annual Bar Conference, which will take place June 12-13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. We invite all licensees to make plans to join us there as we recognize Senator Bryan and our other deserving recipients. These awards recognize individuals and organizations for their service to the bar and their contributions to the legal profession.