A Boyd Legacy: Bud and Jacob Stoddard

For Bud Stoddard (’01), the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV has always meant more than just a degree. It is where he studied in his hometown, built lifelong friendships, learned from professors who shaped his thinking, and laid the foundation for a career that led him to partnership at Albright Stoddard Warnick & Albright. Years later, watching his son Jacob walk the same halls has brought that experience full circle.

When Jacob called to say he had been admitted to Boyd, Bud was thrilled. He loved his time at Boyd Law, and the idea that Jacob would have the same rigorous academic experience while staying close to home meant a great deal to him. Seeing Jacob move through his 1L year has brought back memories of long nights, study groups, and the excitement that comes with learning the law for the first time.

Attending the same law school was not something the two planned far in advance. Growing up in Las Vegas, Boyd Law was simply a natural option for Jacob. Bud understood how competitive the admissions process could be, so while he hoped it would work out, nothing was ever assumed. When it did, it felt like the right fit for both of them.

For Bud, much of the joy has come from the small moments. He enjoys hearing about Jacob’s interactions with professors, the legal concepts he is learning, and the day-to-day rhythm of law school. What stands out most, though, is how much Jacob genuinely enjoys studying the law. That excitement is a powerful sign that he is exactly where he should be, just as Bud felt when he was a student nearly 25 years earlier.

Jacob feels the connection just as strongly. Growing up, he heard his father speak highly of his experience at Boyd Law, and those conversations played a meaningful role in his decision to apply. Now, as a first-year student, he values the opportunity to talk through his classes and experiences with someone who truly understands the demands of law school.

Jacob’s path to law school was also shaped by spending summers working at his father’s firm. Those experiences exposed him not only to the practice of law, but also to the way attorneys think through complex legal problems. During his undergraduate years, those memories kept resurfacing as he considered his future. Seeing the profession up close helped transform a general interest into a clear and realistic career path.

For the Stoddards, Boyd Law represents continuity, shared experience, and growth across generations. Their story reflects how a strong legal education can leave a lasting impression and how the excitement of learning the law can connect family members across time.