Ask me about UNLV... Forum

[AsexualChocolate]

Hi Everyone,

I've responded to a couple of posts on here regarding UNLV, so I just thought I'd make myself available for anyone who has questions about the school. I'm currently a 3L here, so I think I've got some pretty good insight about the law school, the community, and why UNLV is a great choice. If you're thinking about UNLV, don't hesitate to ask me anything you want to know.

'allo guvna! question(s): are you in a study group? if so, how did it form? what percentage of Boyd students would you guess are in study groups? approximately how many students are in each study group?

[guvna2030]

Hey there!

I wasn't really into the study group thing, although I tried it out during my first semester. Some of my classmates really benefitted from studying together, but I found that it's not as efficient and it's difficult to find a good group. I mostly created outlines by myself and then got together with one other person to talk about the outline and fill in gaps.

That said, my advice for study groups is to find a good mix of people with different levels of understanding of the material. If you really get it, find people who don't and try to explain it to them. If you don't get it, find someone who knows what's going on and have them teach you. You'll both benefit from that kind of relationship.

[Generic20101L]

Are there really only a few more than a 100 FT students each year? The LSAC site said 110 FT students matriculated.

Do you know of any students who try and go into entertainment law? Representing clients at shows? Also, do you know of anyone trying to get into working for an athletic department?

[guvna2030]

Yes, I'd say the number you provided is accurate, depending on the year. My class just graduated with 146, but that included PT and FT students.

There are a number of students who are interested in Entertainment Law at Boyd. We are fortunate to have a great adjunct professor who teaches Entertainment Law each year and he currently works in that field (he's also managing partner at the Las Vegas office of Greenberg Traurig). I don't personally know of anyone who represents performers/entertainers on the Strip, but all you have to do is ask around and I'm sure you can find out how that works. I do know a few attorneys who are in-house at casinos and they work with entertainers' contracts.

I do know a few students who are interested in sports law. In fact, I competed in a moot court competition at Tulane entitled the "Mardi Gras Sports Law" competition. I also know someone who previously worked for the Columbus Blue Jackets and is working for their legal folks this summer.

My advice about picking a field is to immediately begin networking with attorneys in that field. Find out who does sports law or entertainment law or who represents UNLV's athletic department. Then, ask them to lunch and find out how they got where they are. Trust me, it's pretty easy to get attorneys to talk about themselves . Once you know how to get where you want to go, all you have to do is make it happen.

[NickM54]

Does anyone know if the stringent residency requirement (75% or so of the class) effects the PT program as well?

[guvna2030]

I do not know whether the residency requirement is for the entire entering class or is calculated by program type.

[lawnow]

hey guvna,

thanks for fielding questions! what are the class schedules like?

[Vegas_Rebel]

hey guvna,

thanks for fielding questions! what are the class schedules like?

1L's this year have five classes (one writing, plus four substantive.) Class is Mon-Fri, usually 2-3 classes per day, between an hour and two per class.

First semester I had Torts, Criminal Law, Civ Pro 1, Property 1, and Legal Writing 1. This semester I have Property 2, Civ Pro 2, Legal Writing 2, Contracts and Con Law. M-Th I'm here from 9-3 with several hours in between most classes. Friday is 9-1:30 with a break from 10:30-12.

[guvna2030]

The response above is probably more helpful than mine, but I will add a comment about upper level courses:

One of the great things about UNLV is that it's a small community with small classes and easy access to professors. However, one side effect of having a small law school that also has a part-time program is that many upper level courses are only offered at night. This works out extremely well if you are working or completing an internship/externship program. However, if you don't schedule properly, you may have an early morning class and then break until the evening. Personally, I'm a morning person so I was not a big fan of the night classes, but most of my friends loved them.

[lawnow]

thanks for your answers guys, it is very helpful. at this time i'm still waiting on my decision... in any case its good news that i can have the opportunity to work while in the full time program.

[lawnow]

Just got the acceptance email! I will be joining you guys soon...

[Vegas_Rebel]

Just got the acceptance email! I will be joining you guys soon...

Congratulations, I think you'll really like it here.

[guvna2030]

I agree with Vegas_Rebel; I think you made a great choice.

[lawnow]

thanks fellas!

guvna, looking back, I just noticed how old this thread is. if I am correct, you have already been graduated for almost a year now. are you currently clerking for a judge like you mentioned last year? are you excited about moving on to the medium sized firm? also, just curious, do you have a specialty that you are going into (i want to go into intellectual property law)? once again, thanks for answering questions guys.

[guvna2030]

lawnow,

Yes, I'm still clerking for a judge (NV Supreme Court) and my term doesn't end until August. I recently received my "official" offer from the firm I worked for during law school, so I'll be going to work for them in September. I am very excited about the upcoming job because I enjoyed my work there during the summer. Also, they are a growing firm and there will be opportunities to work in a variety of fields.

As far as a specialty, I don't really have one at this point. Others may have had different experiences, but I think that at firms that don't have specially delineated practice areas you typically just work on whatever is available. If there's an area you'd like to ultimately specialize in, you can always ask for more work in that field and, eventually, you become the go-to guy or gal. Personally, I am interested in regulatory work but I also like the idea of being in a courtroom so I hope to work on a litigation or appellate team with some administrative/regulatory work mixed in.

Because you are interested in IP, I recommend researching the firms that do that work in the place you want to practice (if it's Las Vegas, there are several firms with that practice area). Network with them and also take any IP classes available during law school. While you may not jump straight into IP the day you graduate, at least you'll be prepared. Also, be open to new fields you never considered before. The more I learn about criminal law the more interested I am in that field. One of my friends took a federal tax class in law school and now she wants to get an LLM in tax; something I'm sure she never considered before she took the class.

Best of luck in your legal career and don't hesitate to ask any additional question as they come up.

[lawnow]

guvna,

Thank you very much for your reply and your insight. I'm sure I will have more questions as I venture into this new career. I do agree with you about the specialties in general, and I will definitely look into IP classes while attending. Thanks again!

[jhal]

I've enjoyed reading this thread. I'm from Idaho but am really interested in UNLV. After reading previous posts about not even applying, I feel a little worried. I my numbers aren't exactly stellar. I was just curious - lawnow, guvna, and vegas_rebel ... are you all from Nevada? Would you mind sharing your numbers? I'm just wondering about my chances. I haven't heard from them yet ... I have a 158/3.6.

[guvna2030]

jhal,

I was a Nevada resident when I applied and my numbers were identical to yours. If you're interested in UNLV, you should definitely apply because you never know what might happen. I was rejected by several schools ranked below 50 but was accepted by a top 30 school. Sometimes, your resume and personal statement can really make an impact on an admissions committee.

Best of luck!

[Vegas_Rebel]

I've enjoyed reading this thread. I'm from Idaho but am really interested in UNLV. After reading previous posts about not even applying, I feel a little worried. I my numbers aren't exactly stellar. I was just curious - lawnow, guvna, and vegas_rebel ... are you all from Nevada? Would you mind sharing your numbers? I'm just wondering about my chances. I haven't heard from them yet ... I have a 158/3.6.

Sure jhal. I went to undergrad at UNLV, so I was a NV resident when I applied, yes. I had 75% numbers for both, but really wanted to stay in Vegas so Boyd it was.

I haven't followed the news about this cycle too closely (pesky law reading and whatnot) but if the LSN site is still accurate you should be in a good spot (it's got pretty old numbers, tho, so I dunno.) 158 seems to be median, and your GPA seems to be about 65%, so you've got both of those going for you. Some strong letters of rec and a good PS and you should be good.

[lawnow]

Hey jhal,

Yes, I am also a NV resident. my numbers are also very similar to yours. Here is a thread for this year's class that you might want to take a look at:
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 7&t=137429

I would still apply, if you have strong letters, you never know!

[jhal]

Thank you all for your quick and helpful responses! Much appreciated. I can't wait to hear back from them. My wife and I were just talking today about UNLV being one of our top picks. I got a fee waiver for all of the schools to which I've applied so it really didn't cost me a thing. Anyway, thank you very much and good luck to you all.

[brandonNV]

My stats are in my profile, but I have an LSAT of 161 and a UG GPA of 3.6 with a LSAC GPA of 3.2 (eek I know). I have been in review status for almost 3 weeks and sent a letter of continued interest with no word back yet from the school (the letter was about a 5 days ago). Is this a normal sign or a bad sign? I'm just dying to hear back.

[Vegas_Rebel]

My stats are in my profile, but I have an LSAT of 161 and a UG GPA of 3.6 with a LSAC GPA of 3.2 (eek I know). I have been in review status for almost 3 weeks and sent a letter of continued interest with no word back yet from the school (the letter was about a 5 days ago). Is this a normal sign or a bad sign? I'm just dying to hear back.

Boyd took quite a while to get back to people last term; I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Nathan tries to be accessible, so I'm sure you could call him if you have specific questions. I remember how badly waiting sucks, but try to avoid the urge to check in every week. Confirming receipt of an addendum, however, shouldn't be a problem. Particularly if you have other questions you'd like to ask.

[brandonNV]

So Boyd recently changed their website and now there is no link to check your application status.. anyone notice this or am I the only super compulsive one who checks theirs daily? Also if there IS a way to still check it please let me know.

[gokickrocks]

So Boyd recently changed their website and now there is no link to check your application status.. anyone notice this or am I the only super compulsive one who checks theirs daily? Also if there IS a way to still check it please let me know.

I had the same problem last week. Here you go: http://www.law.unlv.edu/prospective-stu ... ation.html

Look for the link near the bottom of the page. I hope to hear from them soon. If I get in, I'm 90% sure that I'll be attending.

For those currently attending, their FAQ mentions that most applicants won't hear back until April. Is that accurate?