The White House has nominated George Kelesis, a seasoned defense attorney from Las Vegas, to serve as the U.S. attorney for Nevada. Kelesis, aged 70, boasts a legal career spanning 45 years and is currently a partner at Cook & Kelesis. His bipartisan credentials include chairing the Nevada Tax Commission since 2023, an appointment by Republican Governor Joe Lombardo. Kelesis was also a member of the commission from 2002 to 2020.
Should the U.S. Senate confirm his nomination, Kelesis would assume the role of Nevada’s chief federal prosecutor. This marks the first permanent appointment by Donald Trump’s administration for the position during his second presidential term. Sigal Chattah, a former Republican National Committeewoman, has been serving in an “interim” and “acting” capacity since March. Her appointment has faced substantial legal and ethical challenges.
In a recent ruling, a federal judge declared Chattah’s appointment to the acting position as unlawful. The case is currently under appeal at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which recently heard arguments regarding the legality of her appointment.
The White House’s choice of Kelesis is seen as an effort to select a candidate with bipartisan appeal, especially following opposition from Nevada Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto to Chattah’s nomination.
Rosen’s office stated they are currently reviewing Kelesis’ nomination, while Cortez Masto’s office indicated plans for a rigorous interview process. Kelesis has not provided any comments following his nomination.
Career and Experience
Kelesis began his legal journey in the early 1980s after earning a master’s degree in tax law from New York University, which complemented his law degree from the University of the Pacific and a bachelor’s from UNLV. His tax law expertise was unique in Las Vegas at the time.
His career took root at a law firm led by Ted Manos and Michael Cherry, who later became Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice. Cherry recalls, “I said, ‘Ted, I’m going to make this guy a trial lawyer,’” marking the beginning of Kelesis’ extensive career in law.
Throughout his career, Kelesis has worked on diverse legal matters, primarily focusing on tax law but also handling corporate and business transactions. He has been recognized with the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell, an esteemed evaluator of legal professionals.
Recently, Kelesis represented Jim DeGraffenreid, a Republican National Committeeman, in a case concerning Nevada’s “fake electors” from the 2020 presidential election.
Political Associations
Kelesis, registered as nonpartisan, has made financial contributions to both Democratic and Republican figures. He has consistently participated in Nevada elections, except for the 2020 general election.
Notable contributions include $500 to Las Vegas City Councilman Brian Knudsen, $1,000 to George W. Bush’s 2000 campaign, and $1,400 to Cortez Masto’s 2015 Senate campaign. His law firm has also supported candidates from both parties, contributing to their campaigns.
Chattah’s interim role is subject to expiration unless the appeals court rules otherwise. If the nomination process for Kelesis is unsuccessful, the Justice Department suggests Chattah could continue in her role for an additional 210 days.
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The Nevada Independent is a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization. We are committed to transparency and disclose all our donors. The following people or entities mentioned in this article are financial supporters of our work:
- Joe Lombardo – $2,174
- Michael Cherry – $2,000
- STEVEN WOLFSON – $1,023
- Brian Knudsen – $1,000
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This story was originally published by The Nevada Independent and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
