Alumnus Becomes United States Magistrate Judge

California Western is pleased to announce that Maximiliano D. Couvillier III ’01 was selected to be United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Nevada, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of V. Cam Ferenbach. Maximiliano will assume the position on January 8, 2024; the term of appointment is eight years.

Regarding the appointment, Maximiliano said, “It has always been my dream to become a federal judge. The application and selection process were lengthy and highly competitive, with numerous worthy candidates. I am grateful for this privilege.” 

Maximiliano was a Founding Partner of Kennedy & Couvillier, PLLC, a personal injury law firm. Prior to establishing Kennedy & Couvillier, PLLC, he was a Partner at Lionel Sawyer & Collins and Managing Partner at Black & LoBello. He served as the General Counsel of The LegalAid Center of Southern Nevada (2011-2013) and then as President of the Board of Directors(2014-2023). Maximiliano also served as President of the Nevada Latino Bar Association and Chair of the State Bar of Nevada Litigation Section.

In September 2013, Maximiliano was recognized by the Nevada State Bar and the Latino Bar Association with the “Lifetime Achievements and Contributions Award” for advancing the standing of Hispanics in the legal profession. 

While attending California Western, Maximiliano served as a judicial extern to The Honorable James F. Stiven of the U.S. District Court for Southern California and was a Summer Honors Associate for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C.