UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law received full accreditation today (Feb. 10) from the American Bar Association's House of Delegates during its meeting in Seattle.

"We are, of course, thrilled with this much-anticipated news," said UNLV President Carol C. Harter. "A great many people have worked hard to make the William S. Boyd School of Law a first-rate center for legal education and a wonderful resource for our community. Our dedicated faculty and staff, as well as our donors, regents, several governors, and the Nevada Legislature, are to be commended for building such a successful and well-regarded program. We are also grateful for the tremendous support we have received from the community, including numerous professional and business organizations."

Richard Morgan, dean of the Boyd School of Law, said that the awarding of full accreditation is confirmation of the school's high quality of education.

"Our goal was to achieve full accreditation as soon as possible under the ABA's guidelines," he said. "Happily, we have now achieved this just four and a half years after opening our doors to students. While the decision of the House of Delegates is not surprising, coming as it does following unanimous votes from the ABA Accreditation Committee and the ABA Council of the Section of Legal Education, it is still very satisfying. To earn the approval of this prestigious organization is very, very meaningful for our law school."

Morgan added that with the rigorous accreditation process complete, the law school will continue to enhance its programs.

"As a result of the accreditation process, an already strong law school has been improved, and we have justified our admission to the select ranks of this nation's accredited law schools. Of course, accreditation is just a step - a major step - in building an excellent law school for Nevada. We will continue to improve our program and its service to our community."

The Boyd School of Law is the only law school in Nevada. It was created by the Nevada Legislature in June 1997 and opened its doors to students in August 1998. It received provisional accreditation from the ABA in July 2000, which means that its graduates have been eligible to sit for bar examinations throughout the United States. In May 2001, the school celebrated the graduation of its first class of students.

The school moved into its permanent home in the William S. Boyd Hall and the James E. Rogers Center for Administration and Justice in August 2002. The law school also houses the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic, which offers free legal services to low-income people who otherwise would not have access to representation. It focuses on legal areas related to children and families, including juvenile justice, child welfare, and capital defense cases.