Federal appellate clerkships are among the most competitive opportunities for law graduates. Clerks work closely with federal appellate judges on complex legal research, analysis and writing in cases before the court. Maggerise said his interest in appellate work began during his first year at Bowen Law.

鈥淪ince the second semester of my 1L year, when I first had the opportunity to engage in appellate advocacy through researching, writing, and arguing an appellate brief, I knew that clerking at the federal appellate level was something I wanted to pursue,鈥� Maggerise said. 鈥淭o now have that opportunity, and to do so for a judge with Judge Shepherd鈥檚 experience and perspective, is a true privilege.鈥�

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Maggerise moved to Arkansas for law school and quickly found both professional opportunity and community at Bowen.

鈥淏owen stood out because of its strong connection to the legal community in Little Rock and across the state,鈥� he said. 鈥淏eing in the capital city, Bowen gives students access to courts, judges, law firms, government, and opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere.鈥�

During law school, Maggerise has built an extensive record of legal experience through clerkships with several Arkansas law firms, including Rainwater Holt & Sexton, Gill Ragon Owen, Wright Lindsey Jennings, Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull, and Friday, Eldredge & Clark.

In addition to his practical experience, Maggerise developed a strong interest in legal writing and administrative law through Bowen鈥檚 Law Review and Moot Court programs. His Law Review Note examines the Federal Aviation Administration鈥檚 revised color-vision policies and the legal framework for challenging agency action under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Before pursuing law, Maggerise originally planned to become a pilot. After being unable to pass the color-vision portion of the FAA鈥檚 first-class medical exam, he began exploring a legal career while continuing to follow developments in aviation policy.

鈥淭hat framework gave me a legal basis to evaluate and challenge the FAA鈥檚 new policy, and it ultimately became the foundation of my Note topic,鈥� Maggerise said. 鈥淚 learned a lot through the writing process and gained a new interest in administrative law.鈥�

The Note, which was supervised by Colin Crawford, dean of the law school, and selected for publication in the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Law Review, helped further strengthen Maggerise鈥檚 interest in appellate advocacy and judicial clerkships.

鈥淛ustin distinguished himself through the quality of his legal writing, his thoughtful approach to complex administrative law questions, and his commitment to appellate advocacy,鈥� Crawford said. 鈥淛udge Shepherd鈥檚 chambers attract exceptionally strong applicants, and this opportunity reflects the seriousness and discipline Justin has brought to his work at Bowen Law.鈥�

Maggerise credited Bowen鈥檚 faculty mentorship, Moot Court program, and experiential learning opportunities with helping prepare him for the clerkship.

鈥淛ustin has approached every opportunity during law school with professionalism and initiative,鈥� said Diana Snyder, assistant dean for career services. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to see him continue building on that success during his clerkship with Judge Shepherd.鈥�

鈥淗aving the opportunity to clerk for Judge Shepherd is evidence of Justin鈥檚 hard work and success at Bowen,鈥� said Laura Bates, assistant professor of law. Bates previously clerked for Judge Shepherd after graduating from Harvard Law School.

Maggerise said he looks forward to continuing to develop his legal writing and analytical skills during the clerkship and throughout his legal career. 鈥淚 know this experience will further shape the way I think about the law, legal writing, and advocacy throughout the rest of my career,鈥� he said.

The post Bowen Law student selected for highly competitive Eighth Circuit clerkship appeared first on William H. Bowen School of Law.

Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Cody Hiland, a 1998 Bowen graduate, delivered the keynote address and encouraged students to begin building the habits and character that will shape their legal careers.

Hiland emphasized hard work, resilience, civility and integrity as qualities that students will need throughout law school and in practice. He reminded students that achievement alone will not determine their success and encouraged them to approach their legal education with consistent effort.

鈥淵our effort matters,鈥� Hiland told the students, noting that employers look not only for legal ability, but also for evidence of hard work, character and integrity.

He also encouraged students to develop resilience as they encounter challenges and setbacks. Not every academic or professional goal will unfold as expected, he said, but learning to respond constructively to disappointment is an important part of becoming a lawyer and a leader.

Hiland urged students to have confidence in their ideas while maintaining civility and respect for others. Law school, he said, gives students an opportunity to learn how to make thoughtful arguments, engage differing viewpoints and advocate effectively without sacrificing professionalism.

Dean Colin Crawford also addressed the incoming students, emphasizing that their professional reputations begin on their first day of law school. He encouraged them to be thoughtful about the choices they make, including how they present themselves in public and online, and reminded them that professionalism is a skill developed over time.

Crawford introduced Hiland as an example of Bowen鈥檚 commitment to public service and professionalism, noting his distinguished career in law and service to Arkansas.

Hiland then led the students in reciting Bowen鈥檚 Pledge of Professionalism, through which they committed themselves to respect for the law and legal institutions, service without prejudice, integrity without compromise, and civility and professionalism in their interactions with others.

Following the pledge, students received Bowen pins as a visible reminder of the responsibilities and values they accepted as they began their legal education.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the students鈥� journey into the legal profession and reinforced Bowen鈥檚 commitment to preparing lawyers who are ready to serve clients, communities and the justice system with skill and integrity.

Through hands-on learning, mentorship from experienced legal professionals and direct connections to Arkansas鈥檚 legal system, Bowen students develop the knowledge, judgment and professional skills needed to build legal careers with purpose and make a meaningful difference wherever the law takes them.

The post Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland Welcomes New Bowen Law Students at Pinning Ceremony appeared first on William H. Bowen School of Law.

The announcement was made April 9 at a press conference held on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus as part of $12.75 million in federal funding secured for various programs and research. While in Little Rock, Senator Boozman also visited the law school where he attended a Veterans Legal Clinic class, met with students and faculty, and discussed their work providing legal services to Arkansas veterans. Students also engaged the senator with thoughtful questions about his background, public service, and work on issues affecting veterans, creating a meaningful exchange about the role of legal advocacy in supporting those who have served.

The Veterans Legal Services Clinic serves former servicemembers who have experienced service-related injuries or trauma, offering legal representation in VA disability compensation appeals and discharge upgrade cases. Under the supervision of a VA-accredited attorney, Bowen students in the clinic gain hands-on legal experience while providing meaningful service to veterans in need.

鈥淭his vital investment in Bowen鈥檚 Veterans Legal Services Clinic reflects a powerful truth: public legal education can and must serve the public good,鈥� said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. 鈥淏y expanding access to legal support for those who served our country鈥攎any of whom face complex bureaucratic and personal hurdles鈥攚e uphold our mission to train ethical, service-oriented lawyers. I am grateful to Senator Boozman for recognizing the importance of this work and ensuring that veterans in Arkansas receive the assistance they deserve.鈥�

As one of only a handful of legal clinics in the nation that offer a pro bono resource center along with their clinic, Bowen is able to assist over 200 veterans a year facing VA and civil legal issues.

鈥淓stablishing a full-service legal clinic for veterans housed at the Bowen School of Law will help ensure Arkansans who have served our nation can access reliable and quality legal support,鈥� said Boozman. 鈥淚鈥檓 pleased to have championed this funding and expand upon the resources Arkansas veterans can depend on through a trusted entity such as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and I look forward to seeing its impact unfold in the years to come.鈥�

Senator Boozman serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and has long supported veterans’ issues and public legal services.

Zach Baumgarten, director of the Veterans Legal Services Clinic, expressed appreciation for the expanded support.

鈥淭he Veterans Legal Services Clinic and Pro Bono Center are honored to receive this federal appropriation, and we are grateful to Senator Boozman and his staff for their support,鈥� Baumgarten said. 鈥淭his funding will allow us to expand our statewide program and strengthen outreach so veterans in every Arkansas county know they can turn to Bowen for help with VA disability claims, discharge upgrades and other civil legal needs. It is a meaningful way to give back to those who have served.鈥�

The federal investment supports Bowen Law鈥檚 core mission of advancing access to justice, public service, and professionalism. As part of its nationally respected clinical program, the Veterans Legal Services Clinic reinforces the law school鈥檚 commitment to community-centered legal training and responsive legal education.

About the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law
Located in Arkansas鈥檚 capital city, the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law provides a nationally recognized, practice-ready legal education deeply connected to the state鈥檚 legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen鈥檚 hands-on approach is grounded in mentorship and real-world experience. Graduates are prepared to lead in courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities across Arkansas and beyond.

The post Sen. John Boozman Secures $750K for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Bowen School of Law Veterans Legal Services Clinic appeared first on William H. Bowen School of Law.

This year鈥檚 lecture brings together Professor John Yoo of the University of California at Berkeley and Professor Vikram Amar of the University of California, Davis, for an in-depth discussion on the scope of executive authority in the American legal system. Both are widely published legal thinkers whose perspectives offer valuable insights into the evolving balance of powers between the executive branch, Congress and the courts.

鈥淭his lecture provides a timely forum for informed discussion on the constitutional boundaries of executive power,鈥� said Colin Crawford, dean of the William H. Bowen School of Law. 鈥淏y hosting legal scholars with contrasting ideological and political perspectives, we aim to foster thoughtful dialogue that reflects Bowen鈥檚 commitment to public service, professionalism and legal understanding.鈥�

About the Speakers

John Yoo is the Emanuel Heller Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He is also a distinguished visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin鈥檚 School of Civic Leadership and a senior fellow at its Civitas Institute. A former law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Yoo served in the U.S. Department of Justice on 9/11 and has worked in all three branches of government. He has authored more than 100 academic articles and numerous books and is a frequent contributor to major national publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the Washington Post.

Vikram Amar is the Daniel J. Dykstra Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Davis School of Law. He previously served as dean of the University of Illinois College of Law and has held faculty positions at Berkeley, UCLA, and Northwestern, among others. Amar clerked for Justice Harry A. Blackmun of the U.S. Supreme Court and is a widely cited scholar in constitutional law, federal courts and civil procedure. He is a contributing columnist for Justia and SCOTUSblog, and a co-author of leading legal treatises and casebooks.

About the Arnold Lecture

The Arnold Lecture series, an occasional event hosted by the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, honors the late Judge Richard Arnold and Judge Morris 鈥淏uzz鈥� Arnold, distinguished Arkansas jurists appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. In past years, the Arnold Lecture has welcomed U.S. Supreme Court justices and other celebrated legal scholars to Arkansas to examine issues central to the rule of law and democratic governance.

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Reserve your seat at .

The post Arnold Lecture Brings Celebrated Legal Scholars to Discuss Executive Power appeared first on William H. Bowen School of Law.

Dean Colin Crawford opened the ceremony by reflecting on the perseverance shown by the graduating class. Many had completed their degrees through Bowen鈥檚 part-time evening program while balancing full-time jobs and other responsibilities, a commitment Crawford described as 鈥渧ery special鈥� to Bowen鈥檚 faculty and staff. 鈥淢ost of these students have been laboring at this for at least four years while also holding a full-time job,鈥� he said.

Judge Wendy Scholtens Wood of the Arkansas Court of Appeals delivered the keynote address. A 1996 Bowen alumna and accomplished attorney, Judge Wood offered graduates heartfelt advice rooted in both personal experience and the collective wisdom of her peers. In preparing her remarks, she consulted ten of her former classmates, now serving across sectors including public defense, nonprofit leadership, the judiciary, and private practice.

Her classmates included a federal magistrate judge, a venture capitalist, a nonprofit executive director, and attorneys in government and private roles. Wood emphasized civility as essential in Arkansas鈥檚 close-knit legal community, urged graduates to seek mentors and stay curious, and reminded them to prioritize personal well-being alongside professional achievement.

鈥淎s you begin your legal careers, I hope the advice from my class to yours serves you well,鈥� she said. 鈥淧lay the long game. Ask for help. Find mentors. And don鈥檛 be so focused on the pursuit of success that you sacrifice your health or your family.鈥�

Special guests at the ceremony included Chief Judge Phyllis M. Jones 鈥�97 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, who was joined by her judicial clerk, Louis Houser 鈥�25; and Paul Wood 鈥�96, husband of keynote speaker Judge Wendy Wood.

A reception followed the ceremony in the Law Library. Graduates also participated in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 university-wide commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Fall 2025 Bowen School of Law Graduates
Juris Doctor

• Samuel Patrick Bell
• Kristen Mary Corley
• Christina Marie Doncell, magna cum laude
• James Daniel French II
• Sonora Faye Gillespie
• James Thomas Herrod
• Sarah Khatib
• Elizabeth Jayne Kimble
• April Rene Muhammad
• Natalie Christine Rachel
• Kirsten Richey
• Johndrea Earlisha Tatum
• Verenice Perez Taylor, summa cum laude
• Mark Steven Young

The ceremony reflected Bowen鈥檚 mission to prepare students for meaningful legal careers grounded in public service, professionalism, and access to justice. As these graduates step into their legal careers, they carry forward that mission into courtrooms and communities across Arkansas and beyond.

The post Bowen Law Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates with Hooding Ceremony and Keynote from Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge appeared first on William H. Bowen School of Law.

2025 Honorees

The program will celebrate alumni and friends whose leadership exemplifies Bowen鈥檚 values of access to justice, public service, and professionalism. This year鈥檚 honorees were selected by the Bowen Law School Alumni Board.

Leslie Rutledge 鈥�01, Distinguished Alumnus Award. Arkansas Lieutenant Governor and the state鈥檚 first female Attorney General, Rutledge has devoted her career to public service through roles that include deputy counsel in the Governor鈥檚 Office, deputy prosecuting attorney, and attorney for the Division of Children and Family Services.

Brig. Gen. John Payne, U.S. Army, retired 鈥�97, Outstanding Alumnus in Public Service. A veteran of Operation Just Cause and former commander of the 77th Aviation Brigade, Brigadier General (Ret.) Payne currently leads the Civil Division in the Office of Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin. His military awards include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

Edith Chavez De Oseguera 鈥�20, Emerging Leader Award, A partner at United Law Group and an immigration and family law attorney, Chavez De Oseguera serves as a contractor for Arkansas Access to Justice, manages the Arkansas Free Legal Answers program, and supports the Mexican Consulate and nonprofits across the state. She has been recognized with Bowen鈥檚 Dean鈥檚 Distinguished Public Service Award and LALSA鈥檚 Alumni of the Year Award for Public Service.

Byron M. Eiseman, Jr., Friend of Bowen Award, A longtime partner at Friday, Eldredge & Clark and an adjunct professor at Bowen Law for 50 years, Eiseman helped found the Tax Section of the Arkansas Bar Association and has held leadership roles across civic, faith-based, and cultural organizations, including the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the Baptist Health Foundation.

鈥淭hese four honorees reflect the best of Bowen Law. Their leadership and service strengthen Arkansas and the legal profession,鈥� said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. 鈥淲e are proud to recognize their achievements and the example they set for our students.鈥�

鈥淭he Alumni Luncheon is more than a celebration of our accomplished honorees,鈥� said Molly McNulty 鈥�12, director of development and external relations. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a bridge between Bowen鈥檚 proud history and the future we鈥檙e building through our students. Every ticket, every table, every gift is an investment in the next generation of lawyers. This event brings our community together to honor excellence and extend opportunity.鈥�

Tickets are available at .

The post Bowen Law to Recognize Four Honorees at Annual Luncheon appeared first on William H. Bowen School of Law.

Leaders from both institutions formalized the partnership on August 29 during a ceremony at Centenary’s Hall of Fame Room. The agreement guarantees admission to Bowen Law for Centenary students who meet specific academic criteria: a bachelor’s degree from Centenary, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher, and a minimum LSAT score of 154 within five years of starting law school.

“Bowen Law is proud to join Centenary College as our first 4+3 partner outside the state of Arkansas,” said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preparing talented students for meaningful legal careers.”

Bowen Law’s capital city location gives students unique access to state government, nonprofit organizations, and leading legal employers. Recognized by preLaw Magazine as a Best Value Law School and a Top Public Service School, Bowen continues to expand its reach through partnerships that align with its core values: access to justice, public service, and professionalism.

Centenary College President Christopher Holoman described the agreement as “path-breaking” and shared how excited students were to engage with Dean Crawford during their campus visit.

鈥淚 attended our annual activity fair, Campus Connections, earlier this week and talked to one of the students at the pre-law table. She was so excited about this opportunity and for the chance to really talk to the leadership of the law school during their visit to Centenary this week,鈥� Holoman said.

During the ceremony, Dean Crawford gave special thanks to Dr. Cragin “Craig” Shelton, a 1971 Centenary alumnus and current Bowen Law student, who helped facilitate the partnership and was present for the event. Crawford also praised the Centenary undergraduates he met during his two-day campus visit.

“I spent much of yesterday with many of your students in different settings,” Crawford said. “They were so impressive and so eager to learn about law. I really hope we鈥檒l be welcoming them to the Bowen School of Law and look forward to this collaboration.”

The post Law School Reach Expands with First Out-of-State 4+3 Partner appeared first on William H. Bowen School of Law.

Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Rhonda K. Wood, a 1999 Bowen graduate, delivered the keynote address. She encouraged the new students to act with integrity, serve the public, and help promote trust in the justice system throughout their careers.

Justice Wood then led the students in reciting the Pledge of Professionalism, a shared commitment to ethical conduct and personal responsibility. Afterward, she invited them to wear the Bowen pin as a visible reminder of the values that will guide them through law school and beyond.

Dean Colin Crawford also spoke, reflecting on Bowen鈥檚 proud alumni network and the importance of professionalism in legal education and practice. He introduced members of the Bowen faculty and welcomed them as mentors for the journey ahead.

The ceremony marked an important beginning for the newest members of the Bowen community. With hands-on training, close mentorship, and a deep connection to Arkansas鈥檚 legal system, Bowen students are preparing to build legal careers that make a difference鈥攊n courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities across the state and beyond. A reception followed, hosted by Dean Crawford, offering students and faculty a chance to connect and celebrate the start of the academic year.

The post Bowen Law Welcomes New Students with Pledge of Professionalism and Pinning Ceremony appeared first on William H. Bowen School of Law.

The law school鈥檚 Day of Service is a long-standing Bowen tradition that kicks off orientation with a clear message: public service is not just part of the curriculum, it is a foundational value.

At Dunbar, students painted a basketball court and chalkboard wall, refreshed landscaping, assembled bookshelves, and installed bulletin boards and picnic tables. They also supported school programs through the delivery of more than 100 freezer-sized nutrition bags, 10 bags of donated clothing, and more than 100 hygiene products for Brian鈥檚 Closet.

鈥淭he legal profession is, at its best, a profession of service,鈥� said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. 鈥淎t Bowen, we begin cultivating that commitment from day one. Our Day of Service is more than symbolic; it reflects a deeper reality of who we are as a law school. Each year, our students deliver thousands of hours of pro bono legal service to Arkansans, and this early experience reminds them that their legal education is not separate from the needs of the community. We are proud to partner with schools like Dunbar and to contribute, in a small but tangible way, to the city we call home.鈥�

Dunbar Middle School shared a message of thanks following the event: 鈥淔rom sprucing up our spaces to showing genuine care for our students and staff, their efforts have left a lasting mark on our school community. Their generosity and hard work didn鈥檛 just improve our physical environment 鈥� they reminded us what it means to come together in service and support.鈥�

The project was a collaboration between Bowen Law and Dunbar Middle School, with support from local businesses. The Good Earth Garden Center donated mulch, rock, and potting soil, while Southern Lawn provided transportation for large flowerpots. Bowen contributed new flowers and flowerpots for the entry, new flags and picnic tables, along with other supplies, materials, and labor.

Organizers said the event gave students an immediate connection between their legal ambitions and their role in the broader community.

The post New Students Begin Legal Education with Community Service at Dunbar Middle School appeared first on William H. Bowen School of Law.

Bowen ranked:

• #34 in Legal Writing (tied)
• #48 in Alternative Dispute Resolution (tied)
• #90 in Clinical Training (tied)

“糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Bowen School of Law prides itself on our extensive practical training and experiential and clinical education opportunities,鈥� said Colin Crawford, Dean of the Bowen School of Law. 鈥淭hese rankings are evidence of our commitment and success in these areas. We are proud of the faculty who make this possible – and for our outstanding, dedicated students.鈥�

U.S. News & World Report evaluates graduate programs across the country based on faculty quality, student outcomes, peer assessment, and other academic indicators.

Bowen鈥檚 recognition in Legal Writing and Alternative Dispute Resolution highlights the law school鈥檚 emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and strong communication skills鈥攃ritical tools for successful legal practice. The ranking in Clinical Training acknowledges the school鈥檚 ongoing investment in experiential education, which allows students to work directly with real clients under faculty supervision.

The full list of Bowen’s rankings is available on the .

The post Bowen School of Law Earns National Recognition in U.S. News & World Report Rankings appeared first on William H. Bowen School of Law.