Boyd Law School Receives New Gift To Fund Small Business Initiatives

Long-term donors to the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, Tom and Leslie Thomas, pledged a transformational gift to establish a Small Business Initiatives Endowment Fund, named after them, within the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic.

Clinical legal education is a teaching method where students learn substantive law and practice in the context of real cases. The Tom and Leslie Thomas Small Business Initiative Endowment Fund will help students develop the skills necessary to become legal professionals, understand professional rules, and advocate for small businesses.

“Community support is essential to helping our programs grow and thrive, and this important gift to the Boyd School of Law from Tom and Leslie Thomas will bolster our efforts to give local small businesses the legal guidance and education they need to be successful,” said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield.

“We are extremely grateful to Tom and Leslie Thomas for this impactful gift,” said Dean and Richard J. Morgan Professor of Law Leah Chan Grinvald. “Their generosity will make a critical difference in the Law School’s efforts to assist small businesses in the community with their various legal issues.”

Tom has previously chaired the UNLV Presidents Associates and currently serves as a Trustee on the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees.

UNLV Vice President of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and UNLV Foundation President Rickey N. McCurry wholeheartedly echoes the gratitude expressed by Dean Grinvald. “The Thomas family has a long legacy of generosity towards UNLV. A commitment of this magnitude will advance our students’ education and benefit community members beyond the confines of campus. Their support continues to leave an indelible mark on the university.”

At the request of the donors, the total commitment amount will remain confidential.