The William S. Boyd School of Law, which commenced classes in August 1998, is the first state-supported law school in Nevada history and the only law school in the state. The school offers three juris doctor degree programs: a full-time day program, a part-time evening program, and a part-time day program, and three dual degree programs: a J.D./M.B.A., J.D./M.S.W. and J.D./Ph.D. in Education. These programs are designed to train ethical and effective lawyers and leaders for Nevada and for the legal profession. The curriculum emphasizes professionalism, community service, and dispute avoidance/dispute resolution through a combination of skills training and traditional pedagogy and exposure to different public policy players and sources of law.
The mission of the William S. Boyd School of Law is to prepare students for the competent and ethical practice of law. At the same time, the Boyd School of Law recognizes that the skills and knowledge acquired in the juris doctor program may be transferred easily to other fields of endeavor and that many students seek legal training for the value it may have in pursuits other than the practice of law. The Boyd School of Law is dedicated to preserving, transmitting, and advancing the current state of legal knowledge, to developing programs that meet the changing needs of society, and to encouraging its graduates to apply the knowledge they gain for their own personal development and for the good of society. The curriculum responds to the needs of the students as well as the needs of the profession. In the early stages of legal education, the curriculum stresses professionalism, community service, and the roles and importance of lawyers in our society, all in an effort to acquaint students with the nature and nobility of the legal profession and with the opportunity that lawyers have to improve the society in which they live. Throughout the curriculum, emphasis is placed on writing, professionalism, and community service. In its clinical and externship programs, the law school provides students with the opportunity of a substantial lawyering experience under close supervision.
Sara Gordon, Interim Dean
Plans
Dual Degree: Master of Business Administration & Juris Doctor
Dual Degree: Doctor of Philosophy - Special Education & Juris Doctor
Dual Degree: Doctor of Philosophy - Higher Education & Juris Doctor
Dual Degree: Doctor of Philosophy - Educational Psychology & Juris Doctor
Dual Degree: Master of Social Work & Juris Doctor
Juris Doctor Dual Programs
Juris Doctor Program Information (This program is accredited by: ABA. More information can be found at: unlv.edu/provost/vpaa/accreditation)
Master of Law (LLM) in Gaming Law and Regulation
School Information
William S. Boyd School of Law Faculty
William S. Boyd School of Law Courses
School Website
Dean’s Office