From Dean Sara - February 25, 2022

Last night, we were excited to once again gather in person for the 23rd Annual Public Interest Law Association (PILA) Silver State Auction. This signature Boyd event raises funds to support students who are doing important public interest work during the summer and also recognizes members of our legal community who have made significant contributions to public interest in Nevada. It is my honor to congratulate and thank the following award recipients: 

• Silver Embrace Award: Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevada
• Silver Service Award: Marisa Rodriguez, Esq.
• Silver Smith Award: Associate Dean for Experiential Legal Education and Professor of Law Anne Traum
• Silver Staircase Award: Joyce Mack Professor of Law Michael Kagan

I also want to extend my gratitude to PILA President Mary ("Kate") Groesbeck, Executive Vice President Robert John ("RJ") Lemus, Vice President of the Auction Jessica Recarey-Valenzuela, VP of Donations Jaden Braunagel, and all of the student and staff event volunteers for hosting such a fantastic event. I also want to thank all of our sponsors and those who donated to PILA to support our law students.

On March 3, the UNLV Immigration Clinic within the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic will officially open the doors to its new off-campus Community Advocacy Office in Downtown Las Vegas. Our Immigration Clinic offers law students real world experience practicing immigration law, provides free legal services to members of the campus community, and defends adults in detention and unaccompanied children against deportation. This new office, made possible by an appropriation from the Nevada Legislature and a matching allocation from the Clark County Commission, allows the Immigration Clinic to deliver expanded free legal services in a location that is easily accessible to all members of our community.

Finally, the Boyd Chapter of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) was once again recognized as BLSA Chapter of the Year by the Western Region of the National Black Law Students Association (WRBLSA) during WRBLSA’s 54th annual convention. Congratulations to Boyd’s BLSA students on this recognition for their continued work and dedication to promoting social justice and equality.