August 4, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid announced today that he has appointed Reno attorney David Kladney to the United States Commission on Civil Rights.  

“Throughout his career, David Kladney has fought for the most vulnerable in our society,” said Reid. “He is a leading advocate for the disability community in Nevada, and has worked to ensure that people with disabilities are treated fairly.  I am confident that Dave will bring an important perspective to the work of this distinguished Commission.”

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights investigates charges of civil rights violations and discrimination throughout our nation.  They provide annual reports to the President and Congress on federal policies that protect individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or disability.  The Commission has eight members, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, who serve six year terms.  The President appoints four members, with leaders of the House and Senate appointing the other four.  As Senate Majority Leader, Reid was able to make one appointment.

Dave Kladney has practiced law for nearly four decades, and at one time had the largest Social Security Disability practice in Nevada.  Under the Administration of Governor Richard Bryan, Kladney was a Deputy Attorney General and a litigator for the Nevada Division of Investigations.  Kladney was named 2004 Attorney of the Year by the Nevada State Bar Association Access to Justice for his pro-bono work.  The Washoe County Bar Association named Kladney as their 2003 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year.

Kladney will fill the seat being vacated by Dina Titus, who was appointed by Senator Reid last year.  In 2005, Senator Reid appointed Arlen Melendez, the Chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony to this position.