Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Nevada that provides Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). You can use the following list to pick a school that fits your needs. These law schools in Nevada are ranked based on the student reviews, alumni surveys, assessment of peer institutions, and official data reported by each law college. In addition, we also provide average LSAT scores, GPA and acceptance rates for each of these law schools in Nevada.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Nevada
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 78 | University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV) Acceptance rate: 21.3% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 157-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.12-3.64 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $24,752 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $35,752 per year Enrollment (full-time): 324 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 93.2%
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All Law Schools in Nevada
Nevada is home to one law school: the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). This school is known for its commitment to public service, innovative programs, and focus on areas like dispute resolution, gaming law, and public interest law. As the only law school in Nevada, it plays a critical role in the state’s legal community.
1. William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
Overview
The William S. Boyd School of Law, founded in 1998, is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite being relatively young compared to many other law schools in the United States, Boyd Law has established itself as a well-respected institution, particularly known for its strong programs in dispute resolution, health law, and gaming law. The law school is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).
Boyd Law is deeply integrated with the Las Vegas legal community, offering students numerous opportunities for externships, internships, and networking with professionals in government, private practice, and public interest law. The school’s small class sizes foster a supportive learning environment where students can engage closely with faculty and peers.
Degree Programs
The William S. Boyd School of Law offers several degree programs designed to prepare students for a variety of legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The three-year J.D. program at Boyd Law provides a solid foundation in legal theory and practice. Students can pursue concentrations in key areas such as:
- Dispute Resolution
- Health Law
- Gaming Law
- Public Interest Law
- Environmental Law
- Business Law
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: This program is offered in conjunction with the Lee Business School at UNLV, allowing students to earn both a law degree and a Master of Business Administration. It is ideal for those interested in corporate law or business management.
- J.D./Ph.D. in Education: Boyd Law partners with the UNLV College of Education to offer a dual degree for students interested in the intersection of law and educational policy.
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration): This program is designed for students interested in law and public administration, preparing them for leadership roles in government or nonprofit organizations.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.):
- LL.M. in Gaming Law and Regulation: This program is particularly noteworthy because it focuses on the legal issues surrounding gaming, an industry that is central to Nevada’s economy. It is one of the only LL.M. programs in the country focused specifically on gaming law.
- Clinical Programs and Externships: Boyd Law emphasizes practical legal training through its nationally recognized clinical programs and externship opportunities. These programs allow students to gain hands-on legal experience while earning academic credit. Some of the key clinics and externships include:
- Immigration Clinic
- Mediation Clinic
- Children’s Rights Clinic
- Education Advocacy Clinic
- Externships with state and federal courts, government agencies, and nonprofits
Admission Requirements
Admission to the William S. Boyd School of Law is competitive, and the school seeks applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service. The school takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering not only LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA but also personal statements, letters of recommendation, and work experience.
- Average LSAT Score: 159
- Average GPA: 3.57
- Application Components:
- LSAC Application: All applicants must submit their application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
- Personal Statement: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement that outlines their reasons for pursuing a legal education and their interest in attending Boyd Law.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two to three letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic or professional sources who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications and potential for success in law school.
- LSAT Score: The LSAT is required for all J.D. applicants. While the average LSAT score for admitted students is around 159, the admissions process considers the full range of an applicant’s background and qualifications.
- Resume: Applicants should submit a resume that highlights their academic achievements, work experience, leadership roles, and community service.
- Optional Diversity Statement: Boyd Law values diversity and encourages applicants to submit an optional diversity statement that explains how their unique background or experiences will contribute to the law school community.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of the William S. Boyd School of Law have strong employment prospects, particularly in Nevada and surrounding states. The school’s focus on practical training and its connections to the local legal community help students secure jobs in various fields, including private practice, government, and public interest law.
- Private Sector: $70,000 – $125,000
- Graduates who work in private law firms, particularly in the larger firms in Las Vegas or in specialized areas such as gaming law, can expect starting salaries in this range. Those entering larger markets or specialized fields such as intellectual property or corporate law may command higher salaries.
- Public Sector: $50,000 – $75,000
- Many Boyd Law graduates pursue careers in public interest law, government positions, or nonprofit organizations. Starting salaries in these sectors are generally lower than in private practice but can still be competitive, particularly for those working in areas like criminal defense, public defense, or civil rights advocacy.
- Judicial Clerkships: $55,000 – $70,000
- Judicial clerkships are a common career path for Boyd Law graduates. Clerkships with state or federal judges provide valuable experience early in a legal career and are often a stepping stone to other prestigious positions. Starting salaries for judicial clerks are generally in the range of $55,000 to $70,000.
- Gaming Law: $85,000 – $130,000
- Given Boyd Law’s strong focus on gaming law, many graduates enter this specialized field, where starting salaries can be particularly high, especially for those working in legal compliance, regulatory affairs, or gaming operations.
Practical Learning Opportunities at Boyd Law
One of the hallmarks of the William S. Boyd School of Law is its strong emphasis on experiential learning. Through its clinical programs, externships, and simulation courses, students gain practical legal skills while making valuable connections in the legal community.
Clinical Programs
Boyd Law’s clinical programs are a key part of the curriculum, allowing students to represent real clients in legal matters under the supervision of licensed attorneys. These programs are particularly valuable for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in areas such as immigration law, family law, and dispute resolution. Some of the most notable clinics include:
- Immigration Clinic: Students in this clinic provide legal representation to immigrants facing deportation or seeking asylum. The clinic gives students valuable experience in immigration law while helping vulnerable populations navigate the legal system.
- Mediation Clinic: This clinic focuses on alternative dispute resolution, with students acting as mediators in a variety of civil disputes. This experience is especially useful for students interested in dispute resolution or negotiation as a career.
- Children’s Rights Clinic: Students represent children in cases involving abuse, neglect, and delinquency. The clinic provides experience in family law and child advocacy, while also giving students a chance to make a positive impact on young lives.
- Education Advocacy Clinic: Students work on legal matters related to educational rights, often representing children with disabilities who need access to appropriate educational services. This clinic allows students to gain experience in both education law and civil rights law.
Externships
Externships are another crucial part of the learning experience at Boyd Law. Students have the opportunity to work in a variety of legal settings, gaining real-world experience while earning academic credit. Externships are available with:
- Judges: Many students extern for judges at both the state and federal levels, assisting with legal research, drafting opinions, and observing court proceedings. Judicial externships provide invaluable insights into the judicial process and can lead to post-graduate clerkship opportunities.
- Government Agencies: Externships with state and federal agencies allow students to gain experience in regulatory law, criminal law, or public policy. Agencies such as the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, Clark County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office offer externship opportunities for Boyd Law students.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Students interested in public interest law can extern with various nonprofit organizations, focusing on areas such as civil rights, environmental law, or legal services for low-income individuals.
Career Support and Alumni Network
The Career Development Office (CDO) at Boyd Law provides a wide range of resources to help students and alumni navigate the legal job market. Services include:
- Career Counseling: The CDO offers one-on-one career counseling sessions to help students explore career paths, develop job search strategies, and prepare for interviews.
- Job Search Assistance: The CDO maintains a job board with postings for internships, externships, and full-time legal positions, and assists students in identifying potential employers.
- Mock Interviews: To help students prepare for interviews, the CDO offers mock interviews with career counselors or alumni, providing valuable feedback on both content and presentation.
- Networking Events: Boyd Law hosts numerous networking events throughout the year, including career fairs, alumni panels, and receptions where students can connect with practicing attorneys, judges, and potential employers.
Alumni Network
The alumni network at Boyd Law is an invaluable resource for current students and graduates. Boyd Law alumni are active in Nevada’s legal community and beyond, often returning to the school to mentor students, participate in networking events, and offer career advice. The school’s alumni work in various sectors, including private practice, government, corporate legal departments, and nonprofit organizations, providing a broad array of networking opportunities.
Commitment to Public Service
Boyd Law places a strong emphasis on public service, encouraging students to engage in pro bono work and community service. The school’s Public Interest Law Association (PILA) offers fellowships to students pursuing public interest internships, and the law school has a Pro Bono Honors Program that recognizes students who complete a significant amount of volunteer legal work during their time at Boyd Law.