On Monday, the Nevada Independent reported how influential personal injury lawyer group Nevada Justice Association “flexed its political might during the 2024 election cycle, giving more money to state legislators than any other donor,” shining light on  how trial lawyer associations are influencing political activity through massive donations in the state.

The Nevada Justice Association (NJA), through its political arm Citizens for Justice, donated more than $320,000 directly to state lawmakers during the 2024 cycle, about $30,000 more than the next highest donor, Boyd Gaming. About 73 percent of the donations went to Democrats.

Citizens for Justice also donated nearly $500,000 to PACs associated with prominent Democratic legislators. 

This means that the total money spent by the group alone would rank eighth among all industries in donating to legislators and leadership PACs in 2024, outpacing the money donated by the energy industry, finance sector or education groups.

The article also notes the sizable influence the NJA has amassed in the state legislature: 

The group has considerable influence in the halls of the Legislature, weighing in on a broad scope of bills, from legislation affecting company liability to measures that might dictate people’s access to trials.

The group’s most significant political activity did not go directly to legislators, but instead to PACs led by lawmakers that are not subject to the normal contribution limits.

Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager’s (D-Las Vegas) Nevada Strong PAC received $220,000 from Citizens for Justice. Next up was Assm. Sandra Jauregui (D-Las Vegas), the number three in the Assembly whose Nevada Para Todos PAC received $115,000. Assm. Daniele Monroe-Moreno (D-North Las Vegas), the number two in the Assembly, also received $100,000 through her Sapphire Leadership PAC.