Nevada Legal Resources

Comprehensive directory of legal resources for Nevada, including attorneys, courts, law schools, legal aid organizations, bar associations, paralegals, and judicial information.

11

Judicial Districts

1

Law School

5+

Legal Aid Organizations

1928

Bar Founded

Attorneys & Legal Services

Nevada has a robust legal community with the State Bar of Nevada providing resources to help you find qualified legal representation for various legal needs.

Finding Licensed Attorneys

The State Bar of Nevada provides attorney referral services and maintains resources to help connect you with licensed attorneys in the state. You can search by location and practice area to find qualified legal professionals.

State Bar of Nevada

Specialized Attorney Practice Areas

  • Criminal Defense Attorneys - Defense representation for criminal charges and DUI/DWI cases
  • Personal Injury Attorneys - Auto accidents, workers compensation, and wrongful death claims
  • Family Law Attorneys - Divorce, custody, adoption, and domestic relations matters
  • Gaming Law Attorneys - Nevada specialty focusing on gaming and hospitality
  • Business & Corporate Attorneys - Business formation, contracts, and corporate governance
  • Real Estate Attorneys - Property transactions, landlord-tenant disputes, and foreclosure

Additional Attorney Resources

State Bar of Nevada

Established in 1928, the State Bar of Nevada exists to regulate licensed attorneys in Nevada and improve the practice of law in the state. The bar provides a wide variety of programs including lawyer referral, law-related education, and access to justice initiatives.

Contact Information

Website: www.nvbar.org

The State Bar of Nevada provides attorney referrals, professional resources, and access to justice programs for Nevada residents.

Bar Services & Benefits

  • Attorney referral and lawyer search services
  • Law-related education programs
  • Access to Justice Commission initiatives
  • Professional responsibility and ethical guidance
  • Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs
  • Disciplinary proceedings and professional oversight

Pro Bono Opportunities

Attorneys belonging to the State Bar of Nevada who want to provide pro bono legal work can do so through pro bono programs and events organized by the State Bar's Access to Justice Commission. The Nevada Bar Foundation also provides grants and support for legal services initiatives.

Paralegal Division

The State Bar of Nevada operates a Paralegal Division that enhances paralegals' participation in the administration of justice. It is the first statewide organization of working, attorney-supervised paralegals in Nevada and promotes professional standards and ethical conduct.

Courts & Judicial System

Nevada's judicial system is organized into multiple levels to handle civil, criminal, family law, and other legal matters throughout the state.

Court Structure & Levels

Nevada Supreme Court
The highest court in the state serving as the court of last resort. The primary responsibility is to review and rule on appeals from District Court cases. Also interprets state laws and sets legal precedents for future cases.
Court of Appeals
Created in 2014, this court operates on a "deflective" model where cases are assigned to it by the Supreme Court rather than being received directly on appeal from lower courts.
District Courts
Nevada's trial courts of general jurisdiction where criminal, civil, family, and juvenile matters are resolved through arbitration, mediation, and bench or jury trials. Nevada's 17 counties are organized into 11 Judicial Districts served by 82 judges. Also serve as appellate courts for cases decided in justice and municipal courts.
Municipal & Justice Courts
Limited jurisdiction courts handling small claims, traffic violations, misdemeanors, and other minor matters in their respective jurisdictions.

Federal Courts in Nevada

  • U.S. District Court - District of Nevada - Federal trial court jurisdiction throughout Nevada
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court - District of Nevada - Handles bankruptcy proceedings
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit - Appeals court covering Nevada

Self-Help Legal Resources

Free Legal Resources: The Nevada State Self-Help Center provides free and low-cost legal help and information for self-represented litigants. Visit Nevada Self-Help Center for forms, guidance, and resources.

Learn more about courts throughout the United States

Law Schools in Nevada

Nevada is home to the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, Nevada's only ABA-accredited law school, which offers comprehensive J.D. and LL.M. programs.

William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV

UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Established: 1998

The William S. Boyd School of Law is Nevada's first and only ABA-accredited public law school. Established in 1998, it is named after William S. Boyd, a prominent Nevada businessman and philanthropist.

Programs Offered
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.): Full-time day program, part-time day program, and part-time evening program
  • Dual Degrees: JD/MBA, JD/Master of Social Work, JD/PhD in Education
  • LL.M. in Gaming Law & Regulation: The only such program in the United States with more gaming courses than any other law school
Clinics & Practical Experience
  • Economic justice & small business clinic
  • Immigration clinic
  • Survivor representation clinic
  • Tenants' rights clinic

Rankings & Admissions

U.S. News Ranking 2025
Tied for 79th of 195 ABA-accredited schools
Part-Time Ranking
Tied for 18th of 67 part-time law schools
Legal Writing Program
Ranked #1 in the nation
Dispute Resolution
Ranked #9
Health Care Law
Ranked #36
Acceptance Rate
40.5%
Median LSAT Score
160
Median GPA
3.76

Related Educational Resources

Paralegal Associations & Certifications

Nevada has multiple paralegal associations and professional organizations supporting legal assistants throughout the state with certification opportunities and professional development.

Nevada Paralegal Associations

  • Nevada Paralegal Association (NPA) - Affiliated with NALA, comprised of members from the Las Vegas Valley
  • Las Vegas Valley Paralegal Association (LVVPA) - Serves paralegals and legal assistants in the Las Vegas Valley, committed to promoting the paralegal profession locally and nationally
  • Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals (SNAP) - Serves paralegals in the Reno and Sierra Nevada areas
  • Paralegal Division - State Bar of Nevada - First statewide organization of working, attorney-supervised paralegals in Nevada, enhancing paralegals' participation in the administration of justice

Paralegal Certification & Education

Certification Status: Nevada has no statewide requirements for becoming a paralegal or legal assistant. However, many paralegals seek voluntary national certification to enhance job competitiveness and demonstrate professional achievement.

National Certification Exams

  • PACE - Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (offered by NFPA)
  • PCCE - Paralegal Core Competency Exam (offered by NFPA)
  • CLA/CP - Certified Legal Assistant / Certified Paralegal (offered by NALA)
  • APC - Advanced Paralegal Certified (offered by NALA)

Professional Standards

Nevada paralegal associations encourage high standards of ethics and education. The Nevada Paralegal Association (NPA) specifically encourages voluntary certification through NALA's CLA/CP exam as a mark of professional achievement and dedication to the paralegal profession.

Learn more about paralegal careers and associations nationwide

Additional Legal Resources

Government Resources
Reference & News

Frequently Asked Questions

The State Bar of Nevada provides attorney referral services. Visit www.nvbar.org to search for licensed attorneys or contact the bar for referrals. You can search by location and practice area to find qualified legal professionals specializing in your legal needs.

Nevada has multiple legal aid organizations serving different regions: Nevada Legal Services (statewide), Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Northern Nevada Legal Aid, Southern Nevada Senior Law Program (for seniors 60+), and Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevadans (VARN). Contact the Nevada Legal Resources Directory or Nevada 211 for information about services in your area.

Nevada's court system consists of the Nevada Supreme Court (highest level), a Court of Appeals, District Courts (trial courts of general jurisdiction), and Municipal/Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction). Nevada's 17 counties are organized into 11 Judicial Districts served by 82 judges. Appeals from District Courts go directly to the Supreme Court.

Nevada has one ABA-accredited law school: the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV in Las Vegas, established in 1998. It offers J.D. programs (full-time, part-time day, and part-time evening) and an LL.M. in Gaming Law & Regulation, the only such program in the United States.

Established in 1928, the State Bar of Nevada regulates licensed attorneys and improves the practice of law in the state. It provides attorney referral services, law-related education programs, access to justice initiatives, and pro bono opportunities through its Access to Justice Commission.

Yes, the Nevada State Self-Help Center provides free and low-cost legal help, forms, and information for self-represented litigants. Visit Nevada Self-Help Center for comprehensive resources and guidance for handling civil legal matters on your own.

Nevada has no statewide requirements for becoming a paralegal or legal assistant. However, paralegals may pursue voluntary national certification through NALA (CLA/CP, APC), NFPA (PACE, PCCE), or AAPI to enhance job competitiveness and demonstrate professional achievement.

UNLV Boyd School of Law offers the only LL.M. in Gaming Law & Regulation in the United States, with more gaming law courses than any other law school. This specialization reflects Nevada's unique position in gaming and hospitality law. Many Nevada attorneys also specialize in gaming law.

Nevada has several paralegal associations: Nevada Paralegal Association (NPA), Las Vegas Valley Paralegal Association (LVVPA), and Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals (SNAP). The State Bar of Nevada also has a Paralegal Division for attorney-supervised paralegals. These organizations provide professional development, networking, and support for paralegals.

The Southern Nevada Senior Law Program (SNSLP) provides legal services at no cost to individuals age 60 or older living in Southern Nevada (Clark, Nye, Lincoln, and Esmeralda Counties). They specialize in senior legal issues. Contact SNSLP or Nevada Legal Services for assistance.

USA Law and Legal Resources > Nevada Legal Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025