Hon. Michael Villani

Michael Villani served as a judge for Department 17 of the Nevada 8th Judicial District Court from April 9, 2007 until July 15, 2022. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (B.A., 1979) and California Western School of Law (J.D., 1982), Villani built a legal career that spanned private practice and public service. In private practice he specialized in criminal defense, personal injury, and insurance law. He also held several public roles, including deputy district attorney, justice of the peace pro tem, small claims court judge, and alternate municipal court judge. His judicial tenure was marked by electoral success, including a 2013 retention rating of 77 percent and victories in the 2014 and 2020 elections. Villani’s career reflects a deep commitment to the Nevada legal community and a broad range of courtroom experience.