William H. Bowen School of Law /law/ ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:04:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 A Future Reclaimed: Jon-Austen Linch’s Path from Addiction to the Law /law/2026/04/16/part-time-law-program-second-chance-arkansas/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:59:55 +0000 /law/?p=42808 Jon-Austen Linch works just feet away from the iconic marble steps inside the Arkansas State Capitol, where his days are spent advising, communicating, and helping shape public policy at the ... A Future Reclaimed: Jon-Austen Linch’s Path from Addiction to the Law

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Jon-Austen Linch works just feet away from the iconic marble steps inside the Arkansas State Capitol, where his days are spent advising, communicating, and helping shape public policy at the highest levels.

It’s a place defined by structure—by process, order, and systems built to hold everything in place.

Nearly a decade ago, Linch was sleeping in his car.

Growing up in Little Rock with a loving family and a diploma from Catholic High, Linch’s path initially looked like that of many Arkansans: he headed to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas.

But after a year of battling an undiagnosed anxiety disorder and a growing dependence on substances, he flunked out. That setback spiraled into years of addiction, homelessness, and brushes with the law. “I really thought life was over,” he said.

It wasn’t.

Through the grace of a compassionate prosecutor and a passionate defense attorney, Linch was offered a second chance instead of a criminal record. He took it.

That second chance led him to Renewal Ranch, a faith-based recovery program in Perryville. For the first time in years, he saw what he describes as “a glimmer of hope.”

He stayed, completed the program, and later joined the organization in fundraising and marketing. From there, he returned to school and earned his psychology degree from Central Baptist College. With that progress came a new goal. Linch began to see law school as the path forward, a way to help others the same way he had been helped.

“I knew I wasn’t done,” Linch said. “I wanted to keep going, but my grades from Fayetteville followed me. On paper, law school just didn’t seem possible.”

Part-Time Law Program for Working Professionals

At Bowen, that path became possible. When Linch learned about the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law’s LEAP Program, a six-week pathway for students whose transcripts might not reflect their true potential, he saw an opening. He applied, got in, and found the momentum he’d been missing.

“LEAP demystified law school,” he said. “I walked into my first day with study partners, real experience, and six weeks of contracts under my belt. It changed everything.”

From there, his path began to take shape.

Linch is now a second-year part-time student at Bowen, balancing coursework with a full-time role as Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs for Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge. He worked on Rutledge’s early campaign before addiction sidelined his future. She has remained a consistent supporter, something Linch says is rare in politics.

His experiences have shaped his focus.

“I’ve been to 11 funerals in five years,” he said. “Friends who didn’t make it. I had access to a resource that changed my life. That was a good attorney. I want to be that for someone else.”

At Bowen, Linch has found more than academic redemption. He’s found a community that meets students where they are and pushes them forward.

He points to professors like John Cook, who teaches legal writing and analysis, as a defining part of that experience. Cook is known for meeting with students after class ends at 9 p.m. or on weekends, doing whatever it takes to help them succeed.

That mentorship has already made a tangible impact. Linch is now a member of ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Law Review, and his note has been selected for publication, an opportunity he credits in part to Cook’s encouragement to join and strengthen his writing.

Even while undergoing cancer treatment, Cook adjusted his own schedule to ensure students were prepared for finals. That level of commitment left an impression. “He’s the best educator I’ve ever had,” Linch said. “He wants you to understand it, not just get through it.”

For Linch, that kind of support isn’t the exception. It’s part of what makes Bowen different.

The part-time program at Bowen has made that path possible. It allows Linch to work full time at the Capitol while continuing his legal education, balancing coursework with the responsibilities that matter most at home.

He and his wife, Ellie, recently welcomed their first child, adding a new layer of purpose to an already demanding season of life. Grounded in his faith, Linch approaches that responsibility with a clear sense of direction and calling.

It is not easy.

But it is exactly the kind of path Bowen is designed to support, one where students can build a career that matters without putting their lives on hold.

Learn more about Bowen’s Part-Time Program.

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Sen. John Boozman Secures $750K for ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Bowen School of Law Veterans Legal Services Clinic /law/2026/04/15/boozman-750k-ua-little-rock-bowen-law-veterans-clinic/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:17:22 +0000 /law/?p=42805 The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law will receive $750,000 in federal appropriations to support its Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The funding, championed by U.S. Senator John ... Sen. John Boozman Secures $750K for ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Bowen School of Law Veterans Legal Services Clinic

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The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law will receive $750,000 in federal appropriations to support its Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The funding, championed by U.S. Senator John Boozman as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 federal spending package, will expand the clinic’s capacity to deliver trauma-informed, no-cost legal advocacy to veterans across Arkansas.

The announcement was made April 9 at a press conference held on the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ 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.

“This vital investment in Bowen’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic reflects a powerful truth: public legal education can and must serve the public good,” said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. “By expanding access to legal support for those who served our country—many of whom face complex bureaucratic and personal hurdles—we 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.”

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.

“Establishing 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,” said Boozman. “I’m pleased to have championed this funding and expand upon the resources Arkansas veterans can depend on through a trusted entity such as ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock, and I look forward to seeing its impact unfold in the years to come.”

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.

“The 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,” Baumgarten said. “This 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.”

The federal investment supports Bowen Law’s 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’s commitment to community-centered legal training and responsive legal education.

About the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law
Located in Arkansas’s capital city, the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law provides a nationally recognized, practice-ready legal education deeply connected to the state’s legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen’s 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.

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Bowen School of Law Announces Admissions Leadership Updates /law/2026/04/10/bowen-school-of-law-announces-admissions-leadership-updates/ Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:07:03 +0000 /law/?p=42777 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law is strengthening its admissions leadership team with the continued service of Assistant Dean for Admissions and Enrollment ... Bowen School of Law Announces Admissions Leadership Updates

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law is strengthening its admissions leadership team with the continued service of Assistant Dean for Admissions and Enrollment Management MaryScott Timmis and the appointment of Gabriela Wells as director of admissions.

Timmis, who joined Bowen in late 2025, has spent the past several months leading the law school’s admissions and enrollment strategy. In her role, she oversees recruitment efforts, applicant engagement, and initiatives designed to support prospective students as they pursue legal education.

Prior to joining Bowen, Timmis practiced at Wright, Lindsey & Jennings as a registered patent attorney. She earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of Law, where she served as executive articles editor for the Mississippi Law Journal, chair of the Interprofessional Education Board, and a member of the Moot Court Board. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering, cum laude, from the University of Mississippi. A Little Rock native, Timmis is a graduate of Pulaski Academy.

“Working with prospective students is the most meaningful part of this role,” Timmis said. “I enjoy getting to know each person’s story, reading their experiences, and helping them see what’s possible for their future. I look forward to supporting students as they begin their journey toward becoming attorneys who make a difference in their communities.”

Wells recently stepped into her role as director of admissions after serving in the Bowen Admissions Office since 2023. A 2025 graduate of Bowen Law and a concurrent graduate of the Clinton School of Public Service, she brings a recent and personal perspective to the admissions process.

A first-generation college and law student from Pascagoula, Mississippi, Wells understands the challenges prospective students may face when considering legal education and is committed to making that path more accessible.

“I know firsthand how overwhelming the law school admissions process can feel, especially for students who may not see themselves reflected in the legal profession,” Wells said. “In this role, I’m committed to making that path more accessible by providing clear guidance, personal support, and encouragement every step of the way. I want every prospective student to feel that Bowen is a place where they belong and can succeed.”

Wells and Timmis are joined by Amy Rhea, who recently began serving as office coordinator for the Office of Admissions and Records. In this role, Rhea provides administrative support and serves as a first point of contact for prospective students, families, and visitors.

Rhea brings more than seven years of administrative experience in higher education, most recently serving as executive assistant in the Graduate School at the University of Missouri. A Little Rock native, Rhea holds a Master of Arts in professional and technical writing from ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock.

About the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law
Located in Arkansas’s capital city, the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law provides a nationally recognized, practice-ready legal education deeply connected to the state’s legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen’s 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.

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Penn Named 2026 Faculty Excellence University-Level Award Winner /law/2026/04/07/suzanne-penn-faculty-excellence-award/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:07:21 +0000 /law/?p=42733 Suzanne Penn, supervising attorney and assistant clinical professor of legal education, has been named the recipient of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Social ... Penn Named 2026 Faculty Excellence University-Level Award Winner

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Suzanne Penn, supervising attorney and assistant clinical professor of legal education, has been named the recipient of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Social Justice, which recognizes faculty whose work advances equity, opportunity, and meaningful access for individuals and communities.

Penn is recognized for her decades of work expanding access to justice for underserved Arkansans through clinical legal education and community advocacy. She directs the Delta Divorce Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to individuals seeking divorces in counties across the Arkansas Delta where access to legal services is limited.

The clinic travels to rural communities to assist individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation or travel long distances to seek help. Through this work, Penn has helped expand access to critical legal services while addressing barriers faced by individuals in underserved regions.

At the same time, the clinic provides law students with hands-on experience working with real clients and navigating complex legal processes. The program has assisted hundreds of Arkansans facing challenging circumstances—including individuals experiencing domestic violence or financial hardship—while preparing students for client-centered legal practice.

“This award reflects the work of the many law students who have participated in the Delta Divorce Clinic and the Delta Experience Intersession since 2015,” Penn said. “Their dedication has made it possible to serve clients across more than a dozen counties in eastern Arkansas who might otherwise be unable to afford or access legal assistance. The clinic was designed to help people who are often left without options by the system. Together, we are making access to justice a reality.”

Penn was first selected as the Bowen School of Law’s recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice. She was then chosen as the university-level award winner, the highest honor awarded to faculty at ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock. She previously won the university-level award for public service in 2017.

The Social Justice Award was sponsored by Scott and Amy Schuh, Katherine Shoulders and an Anonymous Donor.

About the Awards
Established in 1989, the Faculty Excellence Awards have recognized outstanding faculty achievement for 35 years. The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Board of Visitors selected the university-wide winners from a pool of faculty members representing their respective colleges and the William H. Bowen School of Law. Each university-level award recipient will receive a $5,000 prize.

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Bowen Law Faculty Recognized with 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards /law/2026/04/01/2026-faculty-excellence-awards/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:47:22 +0000 /law/?p=42709 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Five faculty members from the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law have been selected as recipients of the university’s 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards, recognizing ... Bowen Law Faculty Recognized with 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Five faculty members from the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law have been selected as recipients of the university’s 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in the categories of research, teaching, public service, social justice, and rising faculty.

The honorees will be recognized during the Faculty Excellence Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 2, on the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock campus.

“These faculty members represent the very best of Bowen Law and the vital role legal education plays in strengthening our communities,” said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. “Through their scholarship, teaching, and service, they are expanding access to justice, advancing knowledge, and preparing students to lead with integrity and purpose.”

Faculty Excellence Award for Research
Joshua M. Silverstein, professor of law, has been selected as the winner of the Faculty Excellence Award for Research.

Silverstein is recognized for his scholarship in business law and legal education theory. He has produced a body of scholarship addressing complex issues in commercial law, including contract interpretation, empirical legal methods, and bankruptcy law. His work has influenced legal debate in courts and academic literature, including citation by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2024 Purdue Pharma case.

“Legal scholarship plays an important role in clarifying complex issues and strengthening the institutions that shape our justice system,” Silverstein said. “It’s an honor to contribute to these conversations and to be part of a community that values thoughtful inquiry.”

He is a co-author of Problems in Contract Law: Cases and Materials, the most widely used casebook in contracts law education.

Silverstein earned a J.D. from New York University School of Law and a B.A. from Hamilton College.

Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching
Lindsey Gustafson, associate dean for academic affairs and Nadine Baum Professor of Law, has been selected as the winner of the Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching.

Gustafson has spent nearly three decades shaping the legal education experience for generations of students. Her teaching focuses on developing the analytical and professional skills students need to succeed, combining foundational legal instruction with innovative methods such as team-based learning, which emphasizes collaboration and practical application.

In addition to her classroom teaching, Gustafson serves as a co-director of the Institute for Law Teaching and Learning and as a founding editor of the Journal of Law Teaching and Learning, mentoring faculty nationwide and advancing evidence-based approaches to legal education.

Gustafson earned a J.D. and a B.A. from Brigham Young University.

Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service
Anastasia Boles, professor of law, has been selected as the winner of the Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service.

Boles is recognized for her leadership in advancing access to justice and expanding opportunities for students to engage in public service. She co-founded the Bowen Center for Racial Justice and Criminal Justice Reform and leads initiatives such as Court Observation Arkansas, a statewide project that trains students to observe court proceedings and gather data to better understand how the justice system operates across Arkansas.

“Through my work with the Center, I am able to connect academic research and teaching to the real needs of communities,” Boles said. “We aim to expand access to justice while giving students meaningful opportunities to engage with the legal system and serve the public.”

Her work also includes the Bowen Pathway Project, a pipeline program that prepares underrepresented students for law school through LSAT preparation and pipeline programs.

Boles earned a J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.A. from Stanford University.

Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice
Suzanne Penn, supervising attorney and assistant clinical professor of legal education, has been selected as the winner of the Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice.

Penn is recognized for her decades of work expanding access to justice for underserved Arkansans through clinical legal education and community advocacy. She directs the Delta Divorce Clinic, which provides free legal assistance in rural communities where access to legal services is limited, while giving students hands-on experience working with real clients.

“Access to justice is a fundamental principle of our legal system,” Penn said. “The Delta Divorce Clinic provides meaningful opportunities for students to serve their communities while helping individuals navigate difficult legal situations.”

The program has assisted hundreds of Arkansans facing complex legal challenges, including domestic violence and financial hardship, while providing students with practical training in advocacy and client-centered legal practice.

Penn earned a J.D. from Tulane University and a B.A. from Hendrix College.

Faculty Excellence Award for Rising Faculty
Laura Bates, assistant professor of law, has been selected as the winner of the Faculty Excellence Award for Rising Faculty.

Bates is recognized for her contributions to legal education, scholarship, and service during her early years on the faculty. She teaches Research, Writing, and Analysis and Law and Literature, emphasizing practical assignments, one-on-one mentoring, and the development of strong legal writing and critical thinking skills.

“Teaching and mentoring students is the most rewarding part of my work,” Bates said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help students build the skills, confidence, and judgment they need to successfully enter the legal profession, as well as to challenge them to think critically about the law and engage in thoughtful discussions of what the law should be.”

Her scholarship focuses on parental leave laws, and she is active in academic and community service, including leadership with the American Red Cross serving Greater Arkansas.

Bates earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an M.A. from the University of Arkansas, and a B.A. from Ouachita Baptist University.

About the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law
Located in Arkansas’s capital city, the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law provides a nationally recognized, practice-ready legal education deeply connected to the state’s legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen’s 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.

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Student Spotlight: Madalyn Dowell /law/2026/02/25/student-spotlight-madalyn-dowell/ Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:37:18 +0000 /law/?p=42515 Madalyn Dowell 3L and Veterans Legal Services Clinic Student “Fostering trust and collaborating with clients is a universal skill in all facets of law, and it’s one I will carry ... Student Spotlight: Madalyn Dowell

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Madalyn Dowell

3L and Veterans Legal Services Clinic Student

“Fostering trust and collaborating with clients is a universal skill in all facets of law, and it’s one I will carry with me throughout my career.”


For Madalyn Dowell, the Veterans Legal Services Clinic has provided a grounded, hands-on view of what legal practice looks like beyond the classroom.

Working directly with veterans navigating lengthy disability claims through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, she has seen firsthand how complex and time-consuming the process can be. Many clients face delays that stretch for months or longer, often becoming discouraged as their cases move slowly through federal systems.

Through regular client interviews and status updates, Madalyn has learned that effective advocacy begins with clear communication and steady support. While the work often involves detailed paperwork and procedural navigation, she says the most meaningful moments come from the relationships built along the way.

“It is easy to get lost in the paperwork,” she said. “But the difference you make is not always on the page. Clients are grateful to have someone walking alongside them through the process.”

The experience has sharpened her professional skills while reinforcing her sense of purpose. By fostering trust and maintaining open dialogue, she has strengthened a core competency that will serve her across every area of practice.

Her time in the clinic has also clarified the kind of lawyer she hopes to become: one committed to creating positive change in the lives of others.

At Bowen Law, clinics, externships and practicums are the capstone of how we prepare practice-ready lawyers. For Madalyn, that preparation has meant stepping into real advocacy, real responsibility and real impact before graduation.

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Arnold Lecture Brings Celebrated Legal Scholars to Discuss Executive Power /law/2026/02/10/arnold-lecture-2026/ Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:39:16 +0000 /law/?p=42274 The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law will host the 2026 Arnold Lecture and Symposium: The Reach and Limits of Executive Power, on Tuesday, March 10, from 5 ... Arnold Lecture Brings Celebrated Legal Scholars to Discuss Executive Power

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The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law will host the 2026 Arnold Lecture and Symposium: The Reach and Limits of Executive Power, on Tuesday, March 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. The event will begin with check-in and opening reception at 5 p.m., followed by a welcome and keynote conversation at 5:30 p.m. featuring two of the most distinguished constitutional scholars in the United States.

This year’s 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.

“This lecture provides a timely forum for informed discussion on the constitutional boundaries of executive power,” said Colin Crawford, dean of the William H. Bowen School of Law. â€śBy hosting legal scholars with contrasting ideological and political perspectives, we aim to foster thoughtful dialogue that reflects Bowen’s commitment to public service, professionalism and legal understanding.”

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’s 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 ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, honors the late Judge Richard Arnold and Judge Morris “Buzz” 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 .

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Student Spotlight: Fouz Abu-Obeid /law/2026/01/30/student-spotlight-fouz-abu-obeid/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:42:20 +0000 /law/?p=42116 Fouz Abu-Obeid 3L and two-year RWA Teaching Assistant “That moment when something finally clicks for someone else — that’s why I love being a TA.” Fouz Abu-Obeid is a third-year ... Student Spotlight: Fouz Abu-Obeid

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Fouz Abu-Obeid

3L and two-year RWA Teaching Assistant

“That moment when something finally clicks for someone else — that’s why I love being a TA.”


Fouz Abu-Obeid is a third-year student at the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and a two-year teaching assistant in Research, Writing, and Analysis. Known for her thoughtful communication and steady encouragement, she has supported fellow students through challenging assignments by offering practical feedback and building their confidence one step at a time.

During her 1L year, Fouz Abu-Obeid found herself drawn to the challenge of legal writing. She enjoyed breaking down complex research tasks and developing her skills in structure and clarity. But it wasn’t just the content that resonated — it was the chance to help others succeed. After regularly walking through assignments with her peers, she realized she loved the teaching side too.

As a two-year RWA teaching assistant, Fouz has met regularly with students navigating everything from predictive memos to appellate briefs. One student, facing difficulty with a major writing assignment, asked for help — and Fouz responded with a series of weekly meetings that turned writing into a manageable, confidence-building process. “Meeting once isn’t always enough,” she said. “For some students, consistent and individualized support makes a bigger difference.”

Teaching has also deepened her own skills. “When I help someone work through an argument or organize a brief, I have to explain why something works, and that’s made me more intentional about my own writing.”

After graduation, Fouz plans to continue building her legal writing skills in a career focused on contract drafting, rulemaking, legislative editing, or compliance. She also hopes to mentor law students and, one day, return to the classroom to teach RWA.

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Bowen Law Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates with Hooding Ceremony and Keynote from Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge /law/2026/01/07/fall-2025-hooding-ceremony/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:32:26 +0000 /law/?p=41605 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law honored its Fall 2025 Juris Doctor graduates during a hooding ceremony held Friday, Dec. 12, in ... Bowen Law Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates with Hooding Ceremony and Keynote from Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law honored its Fall 2025 Juris Doctor graduates during a hooding ceremony held Friday, Dec. 12, in the school’s Friday Courtroom. The event marked a milestone for the graduates, their families, and the Bowen community.

Dean Colin Crawford opened the ceremony by reflecting on the perseverance shown by the graduating class. Many had completed their degrees through Bowen’s part-time evening program while balancing full-time jobs and other responsibilities, a commitment Crawford described as “very special” to Bowen’s faculty and staff. “Most of these students have been laboring at this for at least four years while also holding a full-time job,” 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’s close-knit legal community, urged graduates to seek mentors and stay curious, and reminded them to prioritize personal well-being alongside professional achievement.

“As you begin your legal careers, I hope the advice from my class to yours serves you well,” she said. “Play the long game. Ask for help. Find mentors. And don’t be so focused on the pursuit of success that you sacrifice your health or your family.”

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

A reception followed the ceremony in the Law Library. Graduates also participated in ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock’s 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’s 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.

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ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Bowen School of Law Ranked a Top School for Public Service in Government /law/2025/12/18/top-law-school-public-service-government/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:15:31 +0000 /law/?p=41515 The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law has been named one of the nation’s top law schools for public service in government by National Jurist for the ... ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Bowen School of Law Ranked a Top School for Public Service in Government

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The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law has been named one of the nation’s top law schools for public service in government by National Jurist for the 2025–26 academic year, ranking #8 nationally for preparing students for careers in government legal service.

The ranking, published in the Fall 2025 issue of preLaw Magazine, evaluates law schools on three primary factors: job placement in public service roles, government-focused curricula, and student loan affordability. Bowen Law stood out for its high placement in public sector roles and its robust experiential offerings rooted in service.

“Many of our students arrive at Bowen with a strong interest in public service, and the law school provides the opportunities to put that commitment into practice,” said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. “Through close engagement with Arkansas’s legal system, our students gain the experience and judgment to step into government roles where they can serve the state and its people with distinction.”

Bowen’s location in the heart of Arkansas’s capital city provides students with direct access to hands-on opportunities in state agencies, courts, and nonprofit legal organizations. Through the Public Service Externship Program, students earn academic credit while working alongside judges on the Arkansas Supreme Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court, as well as attorneys at agencies such as the ACLU of Arkansas, the Department of Energy & Environment, and Disability Rights Arkansas.

These placements are supported by a seminar course led by Associate Dean Kelly Terry, giving students the chance to reflect on their fieldwork and develop deeper professional skills.

Bowen’s recognition in the government category follows multiple national rankings for public service in recent years, including being named a Top Public Service School by preLaw Magazine in 2016-17, 2021–22, and 2022-23, and a Best Public Interest Law School in 2018 and 2023–24. The school’s consistent national visibility reflects its core commitment to public service, access to justice, and professionalism.

As part of its mission, the law school continues to offer a high-quality, affordable legal education that prepares graduates to serve the people of Arkansas and beyond through careers in government, advocacy, and community leadership.

About the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law
Located in Arkansas’s capital city, the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law provides nationally recognized, practice-ready legal education deeply connected to the state’s legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen prepares graduates to lead in courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities across Arkansas and beyond.

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