Boyd School of Law Launches Bar Success Fund to Support Graduating Students

Written By: Tommy Gugino & Heather Rappaport

Boyd Law has launched the Bar Success Fund, a new initiative designed to help graduates tackle the Nevada Bar Exam with confidence and a little less financial strain. The program provides support to students in their final semester to help offset bar prep costs and other expenses during those intense final months before the exam. In addition to demonstrating financial need, recipients are chosen for their grit, perseverance, and commitment to the demanding preparation process that leads to bar success. 

The results? They speak for themselves. This year, Boyd graduates achieved the highest bar passage rate for first-time takers in the school’s history — 83%. 

“I really felt supported in my bar preparation, and I was proud to share that my school assisted me through the Bar Success Program,” said alumnus Jonah Gavish (’25), one of this year’s Fund recipients. “Thank you for helping me on the final step in achieving my goal of becoming an attorney.” 

Recently, the Nevada Bar Foundation recently awarded the Bar Success Fund a $10,000 grant, along with an additional $10,000 in matching funds to double the impact of private donations. 

“With the help of this grant, we hope to significantly expand the reach and impact of the Bar Success Fund in 2026,” said Nachman Gutowski, Associate Professor-in-Residence and Director of the Academic Success Program. 

H&P Accident and Injury Lawyers also joined the effort with a $5,000 donation to the initiative. “We want to help students prepare for professional success in the legal field,” said Marjorie Hauf (’02), partner at H&P Law and a proud member of Boyd’s charter class. An award-winning personal injury attorney, Hauf passed the bar exam on her first attempt and has been a dedicated advocate for clients throughout her career.