Biography

In November 2020, Kathleen Sigurdson was elected to preside in Department 10 of the Second Judicial District Court. Ms. Sigurdson is deeply honored to be elected to serve the citizens of Washoe County in this role. Being a Judge in this community has been a long-time goal for Ms. Sigurdson, and she looks forward to working on behalf of the citizens of this great community.

Judge Sigurdson received both her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from San Diego State University. In 1984, she received her Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy. In 1986, she earned her Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Following graduation, she worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor until she entered law school in 1995 at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. She obtained her law degree in 1998. Judge Sigurdson was admitted to practice law in Nevada in 1998, the United State District Court in 1998, and Arizona in 1999.

As a Rehabilitation Counselor, Judge Sigurdson worked with people suffering from injuries and disabilities to return to viable employment. During this time, she served on the National Association of Rehabilitation Counselors an organization that provided education, professional development and networking opportunities. She worked in this field until she entered law school.

After law school, Judge Sigurdson gained broad experience as an attorney for an insurance defense firm, plaintiff's law firm, and family law firm. In 2002, Judge Sigurdson opened her own Reno law firm. She initially practiced in Bankruptcy, Family law, Personal Injury and Worker's Compensation. Over the years, Judge Sigurdson limited her practice areas to focus on Personal Injury and Worker's Compensation law. She practiced in rural Nevada courts, Federal Court, Washoe County District Court and the Nevada Supreme Court.

Throughout her professional life, Judge Sigurdson has always been involved in organizations that directly impact her profession and the community. For instance, she has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Rehabilitation Counselors and the Muscular Dystrophy. She served as a board member and as President of the Nevada Justice Association. Ms. Sigurdson has often been a speaker at the People's Law School, the Nevada Justice Association's Convention, as well as Washoe County Bar Association. She is especially fond of the Marine's Toys for Tots organization and has annually hosted an open house to receive and donate toys.

Judge Sigurdson understands and will focus on providing efficient, fair, honest administration of justice under the law of Nevada. It will be her mission to administer, timely, well-reasoned justice as she applies the laws to the facts of each case. Judge Sigurdson is a compassionate person and will administer the law with kindness and professionalism.

Judge Sigurdson has been the owner of a beautiful horse in her life for 10 years. Her name is Cinnamon Tea and has filled Judge Sigurdson's life with great joy and taught her so much. Judge Sigurdson now has retired Cinnamon Tea and has two geldings she rides regularly. With each ride, Judge Sigurdson learns something about herself. Judge Sigurdson believes that horses teach us truth and honesty and how to live in the moment. They are very kind and forgiving animals and have much to give us.

Judge Sigurdson lives with her pets including, a cat LadyBug and a dog Manny. They are perpetual loving creatures and bring boundless joy to her life. She has shared her life with her Domestic Partner, Jeff, for 31 years.