Access in Action: Boyd Law's Rural Initiative
Many rural areas in Nevada face a shortage of legal professionals, creating "legal deserts" where residents have limited access to legal services. The William S. Boyd School of Law is working to close this gap through innovative programs that prepare and support students to serve in underserved communities.
Each summer, the Samuel S. Lionel Externship Program places students in public interest roles across Nevada. Students who extern in rural public defender or district attorney offices are named Lionel Fellows and receive a $5,000 summer scholarship. Those placed in rural public defender offices may also qualify for a $6,500 stipend from the Nevada Department of Indigent Defense Services (DIDS) to help cover relocation and living expenses.
Boyd complements these opportunities with a curriculum focused on rural and tribal legal issues, faculty engagement, mentorship pipelines, and a task force dedicated to expanding access to legal education statewide.
- Carson City District Attorney
- Carson City Public Defender
- Churchill County Public Defender
- Douglas County District Attorney
- Elko County Public Defender
- Lincoln County District Attorney
- Nevada State Public Defender
- Nye County District Attorney
- Seventh Judicial District Court
Extern Spotlights
Kelsey Lamph ('23)
Nevada State Public Defender's Office (Summer '23)
“I got to learn a lot about how the criminal justice system works in our small rural counties. This was especially interesting since small town relationships play into the system more than you would expect. My mentor and I worked really hard to get some of our clients out of custody that were being detained in violation of Valdez-Jimenez. I am clerking after graduation for a judge with a criminal docket. I am excited to view it from the perspective of a judge starting in the fall of 2024.”
Field Supervisor Spotlights
Jason Gunnell & Sondra Brower
Jason Gunnell, Senior District Attorney for Nye County, mentored Boyd Law student, Sondra Brower ('25) during her Fall 2024 externship with the Nye County District Attorney's Office. Throughout the semester, Brower gained hands-on legal experience under Gunnell's guidance- drafting motions, observing courtroom proceedings, and engaging in trial preparation- and ultimately served as second chair in a felony jury trial.
Gunnell shared, "This is a fantastic opportunity for Sondra to gain invaluable real-world experience in the courtroom. It is a testament to Sondra’s abilities and dedication. I believe it showcases the commitment of both the Boyd School of Law and the Nye County District Attorney’s Office to providing practical learning experiences. Sondra was eager to take on this challenge during her winter break. This speaks volumes about her work ethic and enthusiasm for the legal profession."