After 10 years as a Nevada District Court Judge and 32 exceptional years in public service, Judge David Barker retired from the bench in 2017 to focus on developing a private ADR practice. He was a steadfast figure on the Eighth Judicial District Court having served two years as chief judge and six years on the court executive committee. During his tenure on the bench, he handled thousands of cases and conducted jury and bench trials on all matters within his jurisdiction. He also worked tirelessly to help people settle their lawsuits by conducting hundreds of settlement conferences. The attorneys who appeared before him found him to be even-handed, respectful and efficient. Consequently, Judge Barker was one of the most highly ranked judges in the Las Vegas Review Journal, “Judging the Judges Survey.”

Judge Barker began his public service career in 1984, when he was sworn in as a Clark County Deputy District Attorney and was promoted in 1989 to Chief Deputy District Attorney supervising the Major Fraud Division. In that role, he worked in numerous divisions including criminal track team chief, screening and Grand Jury/financial crimes. In 1991, he left the District Attorney’s Office for private practice with a local prominent law firm. He later returned to the District Attorney’s Office where he served until his appointment to the District Court in 2007.

In addition to his work as an attorney and judge, Judge Barker has donated countless hours to the Bar and community as a member of the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board and as a coach with the Nevada State Bar sponsored High School Mock Trial program. His efforts have served to open doors for many young people interested in legal careers. He has an unwavering commitment to his family, career and his country. As a result, so many people comment on how he is “a consummate professional,” “a huge asset to the court,” “isn’t afraid to make the tough decisions,” and that “he will always hear you out and show you great respect.” These are the qualities that make him successful as a neutral and it’s why he is so highly regarded and respected across both sides of the aisle.

In 2017, Justice Barker retired from public service to focus on developing a private ADR practice. He will be available full-time to serve as a mediator, arbitrator, private judge and special master on a variety of disputes including Business/Commercial, Construction Defect, Employment, Personal Injury, Professional Liability and Real Property. He will also continue his service to the judiciary as a senior judge on an “as needed” basis. With his stellar reputation and immense expertise, he will be the perfect choice to serve as a neutral.