Sandoval names Tao to Clark County bench

(AP) - Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has named Jerome Tao to the Clark County District Court bench.

Tao is a chief deputy in the Clark County public defender's office. He was among three finalists chosen by a judicial selection committee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge David Wall in August.

Sandoval, himself a former federal judge, announced the appointment Thursday. The governor noted Tao's experience with more than 100 trials, and says he'll bring legal reasoning and insight to the bench.

Tao will have to run for election in 2012 to retain the seat.