UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law

Last week, Bowen welcomed law faculty, administrators, and legal education leaders from across the country for the Institute for Law Teaching and Learning's annual conference.

This year's theme, "Back to Basics: Timeless Principles and New Possibilities in Law Teaching," sparked meaningful conversations about how we prepare the next generation of lawyers through effective teaching, mentorship, and real-world learning.

We're grateful to Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Lindsey Gustafson, our faculty and staff whose leadership helped make the conference a success, and proud to partner with fellow ILTL institutions in advancing excellence in legal education.

At Bowen, we believe great legal education is built on purpose, mentorship, and practice-ready learning. Hosting conversations like these helps strengthen the profession and prepare future lawyers to lead wherever the law takes them.

He earned his law degree through UA Little Rock's part-time evening law program.

Today, Jim Hudson '96 serves in one of the highest-ranking positions in Arkansas state government.

His story is about leadership, service and a career he never planned.

Read more.

The Career Jim Hudson Never Planned Bowen alumnus Jim Hudson '96 reflects on leadership, purpose and the path that led him from Bowen's part-time evening law program to Arkansas' chief financial officer.

Scenes from the Arkansas Bar Association Annual Meeting

Not every networking opportunity comes with Tom Cruise and Marty McFly.

Bowen students Julia Capella, Daniel Burley, and Lauren Baser spent last week in Hot Springs assisting with the Arkansas Bar Association Annual Meeting and representing the law school throughout the event.

Along the way, Daniel even found time for a photo with a pair of familiar faces.

We're grateful to Julia, Daniel, and Lauren for their time, professionalism, and willingness to serve as ambassadors for Bowen during one of Arkansas's largest gatherings of legal professionals.

Thank you for representing Bowen so well.

Scenes from the Arkansas Bar Association Annual Meeting

During last week's Arkansas Bar Association Annual Meeting, Chief Justice Karen Baker '85 delivered her annual State of the Judiciary address.

Chief Justice Baker highlighted the Arkansas Supreme Court's work to expand access to justice, including the Court's Appeals on Wheels program, support for lawyer well-being through JLAP, and other initiatives serving communities across Arkansas.

We're proud to see Bowen alumni helping shape the future of the legal profession and the administration of justice in our state.

Scenes from the Arkansas Bar Association Annual Meeting

Bowen was proud to sponsor a hole during last week's Arkansas Bar Association Golf Tournament.

From student volunteers to alumni and friends of the law school, it was a great opportunity to connect with members of Arkansas's legal community outside the courtroom and classroom.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and spent part of the day with us. We enjoyed seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones.

Scenes from the Arkansas Bar Association Annual Meeting

Is this the sharpest photo from the week? Not even close.

Was it one of the best gatherings? Absolutely.

During last week's Arkansas Bar Association Annual Meeting, Dean Colin Crawford and Bowen Chief of Staff Maura Webb enjoyed the opportunity to have dinner with the students who traveled to Hot Springs to assist with the meeting.

Dean Crawford also enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with Lamar Townsend '28 and his mentor, Jonathan Warren ’95. The pair first met when Lamar was a swim instructor for Jonathan’s son, and Jonathan later encouraged him to explore law school.

We are thankful for our students, alumni, and friends whose support, mentorship, and service continue to strengthen both Bowen and Arkansas's legal community.

Sometimes the best moments of a conference happen away from the podium.

At Bowen Law, support for career success does not end at graduation. Last week, under the guidance of Danna Young ’04, director of Academic Support and Bar Success, the PASS program began in earnest. PASS, which stands for Practice, Accountability, Simulation and Support, is a supplemental bar preparation program designed to help recent graduates prepare for the bar exam.

The program combines faculty-led lectures on highly tested bar exam subjects with opportunities for graduates to write bar essays under timed conditions. Professor Young kicked off the week with a packed session. Nearly 60 prospective bar takers attended in person, while another 40 joined remotely, beginning the intensive work of mastering the material and test-taking strategies needed for success on the July exam.

One of the things that inspires us most about Bowen students is their commitment to keep going, even when the path isn't easy.

After a life-changing diagnosis and brain surgery delayed his plans to take the LSAT, Jarrett Brown refused to give up on his goal of becoming a lawyer. This spring, he completed his first year at Bowen Law, driven by a desire to advocate for others and make a difference through the law.

His story is a powerful reminder that the journey to law school isn't always a straight line, but purpose, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others can carry you farther than you ever imagined.

We're proud to see Jarrett's story featured by KATV. See his story: https://katv.com/community/little-rock-arc/little-rock-man-returns-to-ualr-months-after-brain-surgery-driven-by-diagnosis-lawyer-law-school-healthworker-tumor-lsat

Last month, we had the privilege of spending time with one of Bowen's most beloved alumni, the Hon. Joyce Williams Warren '76, during a special video project with our friends at Content Titan.

What were the cameras rolling for? We couldn't say then, but we're getting closer to sharing the news.

A remarkable honor recognizing Bowen's legacy is just around the corner, and we can't wait to tell you more. Until then, enjoy a few behind-the-scenes moments from a day spent celebrating the people and stories that make Bowen special.

Stay tuned.

The Friday Courtroom was packed today for the Honorable James G. Mixon Trial Practice Symposium.

We were proud to see members of the Bowen community sharing their expertise throughout the program, including Hon. Phyllis M. Jones ’97, Hon. Bianca M. Rucker ’06, Hon. James M. Moody ’89, Hon. Annabelle Davis Clinton Imber Tuck ’77, Bowen's Public Service Fellow and Jurist-in-Residence, and Patrick Harris, director of advocacy at Bowen Law.

From the bench to the classroom, Bowen alumni and faculty continue to shape the legal profession in Arkansas through leadership, service, and mentorship.