Rule 39 Inherent powers of courts

Courts have built-in authority over lawyers because lawyers play a key role in helping the justice system work. This means the courts, not any other branch of government, get to decide who can become a lawyer in Nevada and who can be punished or removed from practicing law.

In Nevada, this power belongs only to the courts. No other group or agency shares this authority. The rules laid out in this part of the Nevada Supreme Court Rules are the only rules that control how lawyers are licensed, supervised, and disciplined in the state.

If you're dealing with a lawyer complaint or wondering who oversees attorney conduct in Nevada, this rule explains why it's the Nevada Supreme Court that handles these matters, not the legislature or any other agency.