UNT Dallas Law Admissions

I'm a full-time 3L and Dallas native. I graduated from SMU in 2019 with a political science major and a human rights minor. I also worked in the security technology industry for a local company while in undergrad and during my first year of law school.

I chose UNTDCOL because of their innovative approach to student development and commitment to diversity, as well as the affordable tuition cost. My favorite thing at the school is the comradery. The sense of community at UNTDCOL is unmatched by any other school in the region. I've always felt welcomed by my classmates and teachers since the very beginning, and Covid has done very little to change that. Both inside and outside of class, the school has found ways to remain a connected and vibrant community, especially when some of our classmates got sick. This network of friends will remain with me long after graduation.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones and practicing my photography skills. I particularly enjoy landscape, macro, and cityscape photography.

Artichala Wise is a third-year, full-time student at UNT Dallas College of Law. She chose UNTDCOL for three reasons. First, the affordable tuition of the law school was unbeatable. Second, she met a former (current student at their time of meeting) student, Julia Dotter, at a Starbucks while studying for the LSAT and Julia’s impression of the COL greatly influenced her decision. Third, she loved the diverse atmosphere of the school.

Artichala is a current law clerk for the Fifth District Court of Appeals, Dallas. She is a Pupil with the Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn American Inn of Court, Law Student Representative for the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Board of Directors, and Career Peer for the Office of Career and Professional Development. She also participated in moot court competitions, winning one with her favorite classmate Marvin!

Artichala’s favorite thing about the COL—besides the friends—are her professors. She loves how invested they are with the mission of the COL, how they answer her annoying questions, and how they motivate her to excel at the highest level. Professor Owsley is the glue to keep her hot mess express together.

Outside of the law school, Artichala enjoys anything involving people. She is an avid book reader and tries to read a new book every month. She also enjoys her 6 am kickboxing classes at Fit Theorem. Her family and friends are her entire world, and she tries to give them as much of her attention as she can via Facetime, text, or phone calls.

My name is Zachary Klement and I am a full time 1L student.

I chose to attend UNT-Dallas College of Law because I believe in the school’s mission. Specifically, the goal to advance the understanding of best legal education practices. I believe that UNT-Dallas College of Law’s approach to the classroom environment is unique as far as law schools go and puts students and learning first. On top of all of that, the school is in Dallas, which I have called home my whole life so it was a no brainer for my wife and me.

In the short amount of time that I have spent at the school, I have been absolutely blown away by the community here. My fellow classmates build each other up and are happy to see each other succeed which is refreshing in such a competitive field. The faculty is as helpful as can be and want nothing more than to see students succeed. The professors bring a level of engagement and enthusiasm to class on a daily basis that I haven’t experienced at any level of my educational experience thus far. UNT-Dallas College of Law has fostered a special environment that I am proud to be a part of.

When I am not deep in Professor Crockett’s Contracts textbook or pondering tortious scenarios laid out in Professor Conway’s class: I enjoy spending quality time with my wife Bailey, sampling new bourbons with my dad, or watching football with my buddies.

I am a 4th year evening student in the part-time program. As a single mother of two daughters, working full-time, UNTDCOL afforded me the privilege to study law because: (1) they made it affordable, and (2) they understand that some of the best potential future lawyers will need to be part-time. Without the evening part-time program, I would not have had the privilege to study law. Our school opened its doors with the purpose of serving a diverse community and offering an affordable legal education. When touring the school, it was evident that UNTDCOL was breaking barriers, driving innovation through their pedagogy, and challenging the status quo as to who would have the potential to be a successful lawyer - and not just those who score high on an admissions test. I am an example of just that: Proudly a Board of Advocates member, I am also the RSO President for Women in Law Student Association (WILSA), and a recipient of a National Cali Award.

​There are so many "favorite" things about this school; however, arguably my favorite thing is that UNTDCOL reflects the community that they serve; evidenced in the diversity of their staff, students but also in academia and pedagogy. Moreover, UNTDCOL serves our community through experiential learning programs and community engagement opportunities. UNTDCOL has also impressed upon me since day one, that they care not only about ensuring the best legal education, but also about the health and overall well-being of EACH and EVERY one of their students. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and have been the first person in my immediate family to graduate with a college degree and the first to study law. I am proudly a reflection of the community that UNTDCOL serves.

Outside of school, is equally busy! I am a proud mom of two young ladies ages 8 and 15. They are both amazing athletes respectively. My youngest is an elite cheerleader at Spirit of Texas in Coppell that takes us around the US for traveling competitions. My oldest is a Varsity Wrestler at her high school, she received her first varsity letter as a Freshman! I'm privileged to also have an amazing career as a Human Resources Director at the Michaels organization (crafting), where I support over 380 stores on the east coast. We also have 2 cats, Prince and Ozzy, along with a Golden Retriever named Stevie.

Happy thanksgiving giving everyone! We are grateful for everyone and hope you have a great day.

Desiree Malone is a third-year, full-time student at UNT Dallas College of Law. Desiree is the Editor-in-Chief of the On the Cusp law journal, secretary for the Christian Legal Society, and a legal intern for the Community Lawyering Center (CLC). She chose to attend UNTDCOL after attending an on-campus visit with the UT Arlington Pre-Law Society organization. At the event she fell in love with the school’s mission and beautiful downtown Dallas location. The low cost of tuition was a plus too! Her favorite things about UNT Dallas College of Law are the opportunities to network, availability of the professors, dedication to introducing bar style questions and essays from day one, and accessibility to the DFW legal community. Life outside of school for Desiree includes being married to her best friend and biggest supporter, hanging out with her niece and sister, clerking at a firm in Fort Worth, Texas, volunteering at her church, and binge watching Netflix shows.

Meet the Admissions Team! We look forward to helping you and answering your questions!

Meet BLSA President, Ideisha Shanklin and National BLSA Regional Representative, Jeffrey O'Neal for a conversation about the best ways for you to build community during and beyond law school.



This Zoom event will be recorded and housed on the UNT Dallas College of Law YouTube channel.

To register, visit this link: https://untdallas.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUufuGtqjMpGtf9pwWpA6utyxnwzHlCr6Er

Proud to serve law students at UNT Dallas College of Law alongside fellow Marine and Dean of the College of Law, Felecia Epps. She's displaying her Marine Corps lapel pin on this, the 246th Marine Corps Birthday. Happy birthday to all our fellow Marines. Semper Fi

Want someone to talk to regarding the Admissions process? Schedule a time to meet with one of our fantastic admissions specialists today!

Just a reminder that applications to join us in Fall 2022 are now open! What are you waiting for?! Apply early and secure your seat.