1/9/2025

A Father/Son Duo

Toby Yurek (‘08) & TJ Yurek (‘26)

TJ and Toby Yurek
TJ and Toby Yurek

Written By Shan Bates

Nevada State Assemblyman Thaddeus (Toby) Yurek III ('08) and his son TJ ('26) are proud to make law school a family affair. TJ is currently enrolled in UNLV's dual Juris Doctorate/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA) degree program, and the two spoke with Boyd Law Magazine about their experience at Nevada's law school. 

Boyd Law Magazine: Tell us what drew you to Boyd Law School. 

Toby: I am a first-generation college graduate with an undergraduate degree in pastoral ministry. I transferred into law enforcement with the Henderson Police Department; I anticipated earning my master's degree and spending my police retirement in academia. During my master's program, I realized I enjoyed learning, and my employer had a tuition reimbursement program. I investigated a PhD program; a mentor suggested a Juris Doctorate. I soon realized law school presented many options, and Boyd's accommodating part-time program was an excellent fit for my wife, three kids, and my full-time job. During my four-year program, I worked during the day and studied nights and weekends. After commencement, I passed the bar, though I had no interest in practicing law at the time. I retired from the force after 20 years and decided to go into the actual practice of law, serving police, firefighters, and first responders at GGRM, Nevada's largest workers' compensation law firm. 

TJ: I was born and raised in the valley, and my educational interests involved science and technology. My undergraduate was at Biola University's Torrey Honors College, a general education program in the liberal arts featuring classical reading and Socratic discussion. Here, I spent a lot of time thinking about significant issues and challenges throughout history. One of the books we studied, Democracy in America, articulated why the attorney class is important in America—attorneys serve society. I am an engineer, and this opened my eyes.  Of course, I spoke with my dad and learned how law school mirrors the type of study I did in my undergraduate work. How do old texts—and laws—shape the modern world? Today, I run GGRM's IT department. I am enjoying law school so far, and I am interested in additional opportunities to leverage technology in the firm. 

Boyd Law Magazine: What was/is your time at Boyd like?

Toby: While engagement in campus life was somewhat limited with my full-time job, I did serve in the Campus Legal Clinic (in child welfare and education). I also externed with the City of Henderson's prosecutor's office; here, I had the opportunity under Rule 51 to practice law (under city attorneys), gaining practical experience. 

I'm passionate about the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. I had a nagging desire to research and write, and Boyd's capstone requirement allowed me to put the work to use. I found a professor to sponsor an independent research project with three personal goals: earn an A, craft a paper so well-written that a law review picks it up, and the Nevada Supreme Court cites it when overturning the law. One of my greatest accomplishments was to do all three; it was an excellent opportunity to have direct influence for all Nevada police officers.

TJ: In Fall 2023, I completed community service projects to see how extracurricular activities impact programs. My passion is technology and the way it can improve efficiency and lower costs.

Toby: I made some good friends in my cohort—we were working professionals struggling together. Now I count classmates as friends, and we refer business to each other. 

Boyd Law Magazine: Why was Boyd Law the right choice for you?

TJ: I knew I'd be working in Vegas, and Boyd has one of the highest-ranking part-time programs. The law school also boasts a great writing program, a gap in my background. Since I have a full-time job, the dual program's part-time nature appeals to me.

Toby: I have genuine gratitude for what Boyd did for me and my family. The legal profession has changed my life and my capability to serve people. In the last five years, my firm and I have created over 100 new jobs in the legal profession; it's changed everything. I'm also grateful for the chance to run and become a Nevada State Assemblyman, where I can serve the people in District 19. 

 

Update: Toby’s twin sons, Tyler and Trey, are currently 1Ls at Boyd Law.