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Monday, December 29, 2014

Professor Fatma Marouf Interviewed by Las Vegas Sun

Fatma Marouf is the co-director of the Immigration Clinic and an associate professor at the William S. Boyd School of Law.

Professor Marouf recently sat down with the Las Vegas Sun for a Dec. 23 article titled “How President Obama’s immigration order might affect Las Vegas labor.”

In the article, Professor Marouf talks about how President Obama’s immigration plan can offer more protection for undocumented workers, especially here in Nevada which has the highest population share in the country.

“Obama issued a memorandum calling for ‘modernizing and streamlining’ the immigrant visa system,” explained Professor Marouf in the article. “ … This should make it easier for skilled and unskilled workers to obtain visas to work in the U.S., which will reduce fraud and exploitation, including labor trafficking … The industries where trafficking is especially common is in the hotel and service industry. We’re talking about low-tier jobs, like servers or custodians. Interestingly, health services is also one of the more predominant areas where people work in the shadows. They’ll usually be in group homes and nursing homes where people care for the mentally ill or the elderly — places that aren’t regulated heavily.”

Drawing on her extensive experience representing individuals before the Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and U.S. Courts of Appeals, Professor Marouf's research probes various problems involved in adjudicating immigration cases at all levels.

Boyd Alumna Kathryn Branson ’09 in Nevada Business Magazine

Boyd alumna Kathryn Branson ’09 was highlighted in a Dec. 17 article in Nevada Business magazine titled “Ogletree Deakins Deepens Employment Law Practice in Nevada with the Addition of Three Attorneys.”

Branson is one of three new attorneys to recently join Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters.

“Our Las Vegas office continues to attract and retain acclaimed and talented attorneys in response to client demand in the region,” said Tony Martin, managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins’ Las Vegas office, in the article. “Our capabilities are robust and reflective of the types of labor and employment issues impacting Las Vegas and Nevada-based employers.”

Branson’s experience includes representing employers in federal and state court actions involving a variety of claims, including harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Professor Ruben Garcia Quoted in Las Vegas Review-Journal

Ruben J. Garcia is a Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal on Dec. 21 published an article titled “Clark County Discrimination Case Was A Strong One” about a case in which Clark County was sued in a federal wage discrimination lawsuit.

The suit, filed by the county’s diversity director and recently settled in favor of the director, was first sent to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2007 and, in an unusual move, picked up by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

“It is not usual for the Department of Justice to get involved in cases such as this because there’s limited resources, so I think it must have been rather clear that there was liability,” Professor Garcia said.

A recognized expert in the field of labor and employment law, Professor Garcia teaches Labor Law, Employment Law, Constitutional Law, and Professional Responsibility at the Boyd School of Law. He has been quoted in the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal, among others, and has appeared on national and local radio and television programs.

Professor Ruben Garcia Interviewed by Bloomberg Radio 

Ruben J. Garcia is a Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law.

Bloomberg Radio’s “Bloomberg Law” interviewed Professor Garcia on Dec. 19 for a segment titled “L.A. Minimum Wage Lawsuit” (3:22-minute mark) about the hotel industry groups’ lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles to block its new $15.37 minimum wage law. Catherine Fisk, professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, also joined the interview.

In the interview, Professor Garcia spoke at length and presented several arguments as to why the law should not be enforced.

“… the law is preempted by federal labor law and it is common that employers and unions negotiate over terms like wages, hours and working conditions,” Professor Garcia began. “Federal labor law is intensely preemptive and so the Supreme Court has come up with a number of cases where they have said if a law interferes with the free play of economic forces between labor and management, then it can be preempted by federal law. …”

A recognized expert in the field of labor and employment law, Professor Garcia teaches Labor Law, Employment Law, Constitutional Law, and Professional Responsibility at the Boyd School of Law. He has been quoted in the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal, among others, and has appeared on national and local radio and television programs.

Professor Stacey Tovino Interviewed by Las Vegas Sun

Stacey Tovino is the Lincy Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law.

Professor Tovino recently spoke with the Las Vegas Sun for a Dec. 21 article titled “Gambling: The neglected addiction” about problem gamblers and the uphill battle they face in receiving needed help.

Professor Tovino has researched ways addicts are disadvantaged by health and disability laws and has argued that people diagnosed with gambling disorder should receive the same type of help as those suffering from other more known addictions.

“If you see someone with a severe gambling disorder, that’s all they focus on,” she said. “That’s as serious as drug addiction or alcoholism.”

Professor Tovino is a leading expert in health law, bioethics, and the medical humanities.

Professor Ruben Garcia Talks Public Employee Unions in Las Vegas Sun

Ruben J. Garcia is a Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law.

Professor Garcia recently spoke to the Las Vegas Sun about the impending legislative battle between public employee unions, Republican lawmakers, and the Nevada Policy Research Institute for a Dec. 17 article titled “Battle lines: Why unions are preparing for assault in Legislature.”

The article, which focused on the various changes conservative lawmakers and activists want to make regarding collective bargaining and arbitration, included comments from Professor Garcia concerning binding arbitration and the hope each side ends up with the best result.

“Sometimes it ends and the union isn’t happy,” Professor Garcia said. “Sometimes the employer isn’t happy. That’s the tradeoff in avoiding strikes for unrest.”

A recognized expert in the field of labor and employment law, Professor Garcia teaches Labor Law, Employment Law, Constitutional Law, and Professional Responsibility at the Boyd School of Law. He has been quoted in the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal, among others, and has appeared on national and local radio and television programs.

Boyd Alumnus Seaton Curran ’08 Promoted to Shareholder at Howard & Howard

Boyd alumnus Seaton Curran ‘08 has been made a shareholder at Howard & Howard. The law firm made the announcement on Dec. 16 in a release titled “Howard & Howard Rounds Out 2014 on a High Note; Congratulates Seven New Shareholders.”

While Curran concentrates his practice on intellectual property, he has experience preparing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications with a focus on mechanical, electrical and computer technologies. In addition to being a licensed attorney, Curran is a licensed professional engineer in Nevada.

Howard & Howard is a full-service law firm, with a national and international practice, providing legal services to businesses and business owners.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

New Boyd Graduate Tyre Gray ’14 Interviewed by Channel 8 News

In just a few hours, Boyd student Tyre Gray will become a Boyd alumnus as he joins approximately 2,000 other students at UNLV receiving their diplomas today. This morning, Channel 8 News interviewed Gray (:23-second mark) as part of their segment titled “Job market promising for new college graduates.”

According to employment experts, the outlook for graduating students looks promising. For Gray, who already has a job offer, the future looks especially bright, particularly after enduring significant health challenges.

“I think that's why the graduation date has a special tag to me, because it's a finish line - not only in completing my education, but also in kind of putting the kidney disease behind me a little bit as well,” Gray said.

UNLV Plans Gaming Center and Boyd Introduces New Master of Laws Degree

The Dec. 12 edition of CardPlayer.com featured an article titled “UNLV Planning Center on Casino Regulation” that included news about UNLV’s academic center on gaming regulation, as well as the Boyd School of Law’s new Master of Laws degree in Gaming Law and Regulation launching next fall.

CardPlayer.com is a poker information portal offering daily poker news, professionals’ blogs and tweets, videos, articles and coverage from all major poker tournaments in the world.

Dean Dan Hamilton Speaks with VEGAS INC About Planned UNLV Gaming Center

Dan Hamilton is the dean and Richard J. Morgan Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law.

On Dec. 12, Dean Hamilton was interviewed by VEGAS INC for an article titled “Planning underway for UNLV center on gaming regulation” that highlighted plans for creating a new academic center at UNLV dedicated to gaming regulation. The center will complement Boyd’s new Master of Laws degree in Gaming Law and Regulation.

A team of university officials, including Dean Hamilton, and other gaming industry professionals are working together to get the center up and running – projected to happen in time for the next academic year.

“There’s a lot we don’t know, there’s a lot we know but we haven’t put together in one place to really get a sense of the field, and there’s a lot we need to know,” he said. “This center will, we hope, act as a bridge between academia and industry and produce research that is useful to both.”

Dean Hamilton researches and writes primarily on American property ideology and the legal and constitutional issues raised by the Civil War. He has written numerous articles and reviews on American legal history.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Associate Dean Ngai Pindell Talks to Vegas Seven Magazine

Ngai Pindell is associate dean of academic affairs and professor of law at the William S. Boyd School of Law.

Vegas Seven magazine recently ran an article that highlighted Dean Pindell and the Boyd School of Law’s new Master of Laws degree in Gaming Law and Regulation. The Dec. 11 feature titled “UNLV Betting on Gaming-Centric Master’s Program: Boyd School of Law to offer advanced degrees in Gaming Law and Regulation” provided insight into the new program.

While Las Vegas has become synonymous with high-end dining, upscale shopping, swanky nightclubs, and world-class entertainment, the city is still, first and foremost, powered by the gaming industry.

Given that the gaming industry is ever-evolving and multi-faceted, it’s natural for Boyd to address its complexities with the new program.

“It makes sense to have a graduate program in gaming in a city that is so well known for gaming and that has such expertise,” said Dean Pindell. “ … We’ve designed the curriculum to highlight the depth of gaming law and policy that’s needed to effectively practice in that industry.”

Dean Pindell's research interests are in economic development and housing, and he teaches Property, Land Use Regulation, Local Government Law and Wills, Trusts & Estates.

Professor Fatma Marouf Comments on Immigration Reform in Las Vegas Sun

Fatma Marouf is the co-director of the Immigration Clinic and an associate professor at the William S. Boyd School of Law.

Professor Marouf recently spoke with the Las Vegas Sun for a Dec. 11 article titled “Why Nevada has become a leader in immigration reform.”

The article, which addresses three main reasons explaining Nevada’s impact on immigration reform, includes Astrid Silva as reason number one. Silva, the young lady who became the center of attention when President Obama shared her personal story on national television and when she introduced him during his recent Nov. 21 visit to Las Vegas, not only turned the spotlight on herself, but the state of Nevada.

“She’s become a symbol for a demographic, and I think that’s powerful for people,” said Professor Marouf in the article. “It’s a way to relate on a personal level, and that has a huge impact on how people react to the issue.”

Drawing on her extensive experience representing individuals before the Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and U.S. Courts of Appeals, Professor Marouf's research probes various problems involved in adjudicating immigration cases at all levels.

Boyd Alumna Ashley Nikkel ’12 in Reno Gazette-Journal

Boyd alumna Ashley Nikkel ‘12 was profiled in the Reno Gazette-Journal’sPeople on the Move: Dec 11” feature highlighting new hires, promotions and achievements in Northern Nevada.

Nikkel recently joined the Litigation, Trials & Appeals and Environmental & Natural Resources practice groups at the Reno office of Parsons Behle & Latimer.

Prior to joining the law firm, Nikkel clerked for the Hon. Mark Gibbons of the Nevada Supreme Court and for the Hon. Janet J. Berry of the Second Judicial District Court in Reno.

Boyd Dean Dan Hamilton and Student Shane Jackson Interviewed by Vegas Seven

Dan Hamilton is the Dean and Richard J. Morgan Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law.

Dean Hamilton and student Shane Jackson recently spoke with Vegas Seven magazine for a Dec. 10 article titled “Now’s the Time to Break into Law: Despite a daunting post-graduate job market, now is the ideal time to give law school a shot—if you’re serious.”

The article, which touches on the favorable conditions that make attending law school now so ideal, includes the theory that the “trend of fewer applicants and more schools is advantageous to prospective students.”

“This is the best time to apply and go to law school in a generation,” Dean Hamilton said in the article. “The competition is fierce, and the ability to negotiate tuition is widespread.”

Dean Hamilton researches and writes primarily on American property ideology and the legal and constitutional issues raised by the Civil War. He has written numerous articles and reviews on American legal history.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Boyd Guest Speaker and Attorney Kenneth Feinberg Speaks to KNPR’s State of Nevada

Attorney Kenneth Feinberg spoke to KNPR’s State of Nevada while in Las Vegas to deliver the Judge Lloyd D. George Lecture on the Judicial Process at the Boyd School of Law Dec. 4.

The Dec. 10 interview (:31-second mark) titled “The Value of Life: Kenneth Feinberg Talks Victim Compensation,” touches on Feinberg’s distinguished career and experience with overseeing several high-profile and emotionally charged negotiations.

As to how he began his unique legal practice of overseeing victim compensation funds, Feinberg said it was “very, very serendipitous and accidental. Nobody plans a career compensating victims of tragedy.”

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Dec. 11 Boyd Briefs Now Available

The Dec. 11 edition of Boyd Briefs is now available.

This week's edition features Professor Elaine Shoben, student Tim Revero, and alumnus Mark Weisenmiller '10.

Professor Shoben left the classroom and payroll years ago in order to retire, yet she continues to author important works, to mentor faculty colleagues, and even regularly to visit her office.

After working as a trauma nurse and mobile intensive care nurse in California and as a traveling nurse in Ohio, Revero began studying at Boyd where he currently serves as representative for his first-year class section on the Student Bar Association.

Weisenmiller is a member of Gordon Silver's Business Restructuring & Bankruptcy and Bankruptcy Litigation Departments. His primary practice is corporate restructuring and complex insolvency involving both small and large businesses.

To subscribe to Boyd Briefs, visit law.unlv.edu/BoydBriefs.

Boyd Student Tyre Gray Featured on UNLV News Center

Boyd student (and soon-to-be alumnus) Tyre Gray was recently featured on the UNLV News Center. Gray will receive his Juris Doctor degree during UNLV’s Dec. 16 winter commencement ceremony.

The inspirational Dec. 9 interview titled “Q&A: New Grad Tyre Gray,” delved into Gray’s experience attending the Boyd School of Law while facing a significant health issue, as well as touched on his passion for community service.

With commencement around the corner, Gray is looking confidently into the future thanks to his degree from Boyd.

“Academically, I have been trained by some of the best in the industry,” Gray said in the article. “Therefore, my legal skill will only be matched by other Boyd alums.”

2014 Pro Bono Awards Honor Members of Boyd Community

Three generous individuals – the school’s namesake, an alumnus, and a student – were recently honored by the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada (LACSN) at its 2014 Pro Bono Awards Luncheon held Dec. 5 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

The 14th annual event honored the efforts of pro bono attorneys and their generous donation of time and expertise to protect thousands of Southern Nevada’s most vulnerable residents.

Boyd School of Law namesake, Bill Boyd, was presented with the inaugural William S. Boyd Award of Excellence for his extraordinary service to the law school, the Legal Aid Center, and community. LACSN created the award to honor Boyd and, moving forward, to recognize a business or community leader who has been an outstanding supporter of legal aid and pro bono services.

Alumnus John Piro '10 and Bita Khamsi, both of the Clark County Public Defender, received an Award of Excellence for their efforts devoted to establishing a free community education class on sealing criminal records.

Student Bailey Bortolin was named the Public Interest Law Student of Distinction. The award recognizes a law student who has made a substantial contribution to the community through public interest law and the promotion of access to justice.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Professor Mary Berkheiser, a Juvenile Defense Trailblazer

Professor Berkheiser serves as professor of law, director of clinical programs, and director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic at the Boyd School of Law.

She was recently highlighted as a “true juvenile defense trailblazer” in an article on the National Juvenile Defender Center website commending her commitment to the juvenile defense community.

“Mary has left an indelible mark on legal education in the state,” said the article, referring to her role as a founding faculty member at the William S. Boyd School of Law. “But it’s her passion for protecting the rights of children that makes her a leader in juvenile defense, taking on issues such as waiver of counsel, shackling, and juvenile life without parole on a local, state, and national level.”

Professor Berkheiser's areas of expertise include clinical legal education and teaching, criminal procedure, juvenile law, criminal law, and appellate law.

Boyd Alumna Karissa Neff ’04 Featured in VEGAS INC

Boyd alumna Karissa Neff ’04 was featured in a VEGAS INC business article about Gun Play Vegas, Nevada’s first and only female-owned firearms training company. Neff and UNLV grad Sara Shertz started Gun Play Vegas.

The Dec. 5 article titled “These Las Vegas businesswomen take their (gun)shots seriously,” explains the motivation - “sexism and heckling in a male-dominated industry” - behind the women’s decision to start their own company, as well as details the services the company offers.

“Firearms training is intimidating enough without being berated by impersonal and militarized teaching tactics,” Neff said.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Boyd Alumna Lauren Pena ’07 Interviewed on KNPR State of Nevada

On Dec. 2, Boyd alumna Lauren Pena ’07 was one of several guests interviewed by KNPR’s State of Nevada for a segment titled “Hate It Or Love It; Single Life In Las Vegas Is One Of A Kind” (:34-second mark).

In addition to being a law professional, Pena dedicates her time to another one of her passions - matchmaking. A certified matchmaker, she is co-founder of Project Duo, a traditional yet modern matchmaking company, and recently spoke with KNPR about the unique challenges of being a successful, single professional in a city as unique as Las Vegas.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Dec. 4 Boyd Briefs Now Available

The Dec. 4 edition of Boyd Briefs is now available.

This week's edition features Professor Eleissa Lavelle, student Tyre Gray, and alumna Justine Harrison '05.

In addition to being one of the law school's gifted adjunct members, Professor Lavelle is a professional arbitrator and mediator with JAMS. At Boyd, she teaches Negotiation and Real Estate Finance courses.

Gray will be graduating from Boyd this December. Upon earning his JD, he aspires to help others secure proper health care through the practice of law.

Harrison currently works as a solo practitioner, whose practice is focused in transactional and administrative areas including corporate, real estate, health care, and aviation matters.

To subscribe to Boyd Briefs, visit law.unlv.edu/BoydBriefs.

Boyd Alumna Renee Mancino ’02 Featured on Cleveland.com

On Dec. 3, Boyd alumna and horse racing attorney Renee Mancino ’02 was featured in an article posted to Cleveland.com about her appointment to executive director of the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association.

The article, titled “Horse racing law expert Renee Mancino to head Ohio harness racing group - Horse Racing Insider,” explained how Mancino, a native of Ohio, will be returning to her home state in 2015 to assume the role of representing horsemen, as well as bring equity to horse racing. The article also stated that among Mancino’s legal specialties, which helped to bring change to California racing where she has been active since 2006, are gaming, equine, racing, wagering and racino legislation.

Boyd Alumnus Michael Esposito ’14 Joins Gordon Silver Law Firm

On Dec. 3, Nevada Business Magazine featured an announcement that Boyd alumnus Michael Esposito ’14 joined the Las Vegas office of Gordon Silver as an associate.

The announcement also stated that Esposito would be a member of the firm’s Estate Planning, Probate & Guardianship, Corporate & Securities and Real Estate Transactions practice groups. Prior to joining Gordon Silver, Esposito worked as an extern for the Nevada State District Court, Department 32 with Judge Bare.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Professor Addie Rolnick to Attend Meeting on Tribal Juvenile Justice

Addie Rolnick is an associate professor of law at the William S. Boyd School of Law.

Professor Rolnick will attend the 2014 Tribal Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Think Tank meeting in Tucson next week.

One of a select group of experts on juvenile justice in Indian country, Professor Rolnick will take part in a series of meetings designed to explore and facilitate the use of detention alternatives in tribal juvenile justice systems.

The meeting is sponsored by three organizations: the Annie E. Casey Foundation, an organization devoted to developing brighter futures for children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes; the Association on American Indian Affairs, an organization whose mission is to promote the well-being of American Indian and Alaska Natives and provide programs that support their youth/education, cultural preservation and sovereignty; and the National Indian Child Welfare Association, a private, nonprofit membership group and the only national American Indian organization focused specifically on the tribal capacity to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Professor Rolnick's scholarship focuses on bridging gaps between civil rights, Critical Race Theory, federal Indian law, and indigenous rights.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Boyd School of Law Receives A- on The National Jurist Magazine’s List of Most Diverse Law Schools

The UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law was ranked among the most diverse law schools in the November 2014 issue of The National Jurist magazine.

The Boyd School of Law received an A- score. In 2012, the school received a B+ on the same list.

The article reads, “… our analysis showed an interesting development: The drop in enrollment – caused by the souring job market for new law grads – has not been consistent among races. While the number of law students has fallen about 15 percent from 2011 to 2013, the number of minority law students did not match that decline, falling only 4.2 percent.”

To compile the list, The National Jurist looked at each school’s percentage of minority faculty, black students, Asian and Hawaiian students, Hispanic students, American Indian students, and Caucasian students.