Cory A. Santos, Sr.

Why did you select the UNLV Boyd School of Law?

Choosing Boyd was not easy. After graduating from the University of Nevada, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer like my father, Herb Santos, Sr., and two older brothers. When I was younger, my dad took me to court and I saw how he helped people. I saw that enjoying what you do comes naturally when you are helping people. However, I had to attend law school first and to attend Boyd, I had to wait a year for the doors to open. At the time, I had scholarship offers from several schools, including my brother’s alma matter, McGeorge in Sacramento.

My dad strongly encouraged me to attend Boyd as he felt being in the charter class was historical and that Boyd had the support it needed to become a prominent law school. Then Senator Bill Raggio also urged me to attend Boyd. He stressed that this was going to be a significant moment in Nevada history. After being admitted and receiving a scholarship from Boyd, I met with the Boyd Deans who welcomed me like family.

How do you keep everything balanced and organized? 

Frankly, as the owner of Santos Law, PLLC., the days are long. Add to that four beautiful children and my wife Theresa, who is also an attorney. Clearly, time is a valuable commodity. I sit on the World Boxing Council Clean Boxing Program which works to keep boxing drug free; I am a board member of the Boxing Hall of Fame, Las Vegas; plus serve as an editor for Boxrec.com. Additionally, I am a boxing judge. Theresa and I often feel there is little time for rest; however, my dad tells me “life is a race”, so we keep moving. For us, the key is division of duties with the ability to adapt to schedule changes, as needed.

Have there been particular moments which stand out in your legal career?

First, arguing before the Nevada Supreme Court en banc when I was still a new attorney.
Second was winning a precedent-setting case before the Court in Flamingo Hilton v. Gilbert. Lastly, in 2019, I became one of the first attorneys to become certified by the Nevada State Bar in the new workers’ compensation specialization.

There have been times when I was able to help someone struggling with a life-changing decision. Once, I met with an upset individual. The day after our meeting, he called and thanked me. He shocked me when he stated that, prior to our meeting, he had resolved that if I could not help him, he was going to commit suicide.

You’re having coffee with a small group of recent Boyd graduates. What advice would you share?

I would explain that one cannot know everything starting out. As such, seek out a mentor. Second, work with other attorneys as sometimes being “gung ho” hurts your client. Learn to listen to find common ground and be willing to grant continuances because, if you do not, you quickly will be labeled. Lastly, no matter how careful you are, do not put food or drinks on your work desk. Your desk is for working so take the time to be good to yourself and get up from your desk to enjoy your meal.