A student participating in a mock trial as peers observe

William S. Boyd School of Law News

The William S. Boyd School of Law prepares students for the competent and ethical practice of law, offering three- and four-year programs for the Juris Doctor degree.

Current Law News

Dean Grinvald, Justice Douglas, and Will Sykes stand by law school signage
Campus News |

William T. and Brianne M. Sykes donate $60,000 to William S. Boyd School of Law pre-law program in honor of Justice Michael L. Douglas.

UNLV XMAS
Campus News |

This month’s frosty headlines and highlights from the students and faculty of UNLV.

Alan Feldman of the International Gaming Institute speaks with someone not shown while standing outside
Research |

From promoting megaresorts to championing responsible gaming practices, Alan Feldman has made his mark in an industry he never planned to enter. Now his contributions are immortalized with a national Hall of Fame induction.

unlv pumpkins
Campus News |

A monthly roundup of the top news stories at UNLV, featuring the presidential election, gaming partnerships, and much more.

Joyce Mack and her daughter Marilynn smile for a photo
UNLV History |

The philanthropist and her family bet on UNLV's success with contributions to help establish the campus, build the Thomas & Mack Center, and advance the law school.

UNLV professor Francine Lipman
Business and Community |

As Congress and presidential candidates debate hospitality worker wages, UNLV tax law expert Francine Lipman parses the pros and cons for businesses, customers, and employees in Nevada and beyond.

Law In The News

Las Vegas Review Journal

President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on launching the largest deportation in American history, but the details of how he could get it done once he takes office remain fuzzy — and would likely require the help of state and local officials who are either wavering or uncommitted.

KTNV-TV: ABC 13

Isaac Velasquez knows what it’s like to be undocumented in the United States. The Guadalajara, Mexico native was in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program before getting permanent U.S. residency, joining the U.S. Army and earning his citizenship.

Nevada Independent

The 119th Congress’ first policy order of business was to bring back an old bill that had passed the House last year — the Laken Riley Act, named for the University of Georgia student murdered in 2024 by a migrant who had entered the U.S. illegally and had a previous arrest record. The bill would mandate the detention of undocumented immigrants who have been charged with theft or burglary.

Nevada Current

Nevada’s Democratic House delegation backed federal legislation that allows undocumented immigrants to be detained for nonviolent offenses like shoplifting, and at least one of Nevada Democratic senators says she’ll vote for the bill when it is heard in that chamber.

National Jurist

University of Nevada, Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law has received a gift from alumnus William Sykes and his wife Brianne to support first-generation students in their journey to becoming legal professionals.

ABA Journal

After 2024’s seismic shifts in the bar exams around the country, aftershocks will continue to roll through the new year, experts say. The ABA Journal spoke with several such experts; these are 10 of their predictions for 2025.

Law Experts

An expert in international intellectual property law and conflict of laws.
An expert on civil rights, race theory, and the Indian and tribal law, juvenile justice, and criminal law.
A legal expert specializing in immigration, domestic violence, and family law.
A renowned expert on labor, employment and constitutional law; immigration policy; and critical race theory.
An expert in free speech, the media, and First Amendment issues.
An expert in sports betting, gaming policy and regulation, legislative affairs, and workplace sexual harrassment. 

Recent Law Accomplishments

Eve Hanan (Law) presented her paper, "Epistemic Closure: The Role of Emotions in Miscarriage Prosecutions," at the Law and Emotions Seminar hosted by the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. 
Professor Nachman Gutowski (Law) co-authored a new white paper, "The Keystone State Should Forge a New Path to Lawyer Licensure."
Professor Nantiya Ruan (Law) was a speaker at the Arc of Career Program - Transcending Law School Faculty Hierarchies at the 2025 Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Annual Meeting. 
Professor Eve Hanan (Law) was a speaker on Pregnancy Crimes: New Research and Advocacy at the 2025 Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Annual Meeting. 
Professor Mary Beth Beazley (Law) was a discussant for the Discussion Group - The ABA Reexamines Faculty Employment Security and Status, and the Academy Needs to Pay Attention at the 2025 Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Annual Meeting. 
Professor Rachel Anderson (Law) has joined the Board of Directors for Nevada Legal Services.