CONSiDEr THE
BOwEN
SCHOOL
OF LAw
access to justice... public service... professionalism in the heart of Arkansas’ capital city
WILLIAM H. BOWEN
SCHOOL OF LAW
TABLE
WILLIAM H. BOWEN
OF
SCHOOL OF LAW
CONTENTS 2
Dean’s Message
4
Our Location
5
Our Value
6
Our Programs
14
Our Students
16
Our Faculty
18
Our Clinics
19
Our Support
20 Applying
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DEAN’S
MESSAGE
Welcome to the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law. We are a community of learners focused on service, professionalism, and access to justice. Some things that you should expect at any law school you are considering are: • a faculty which recognizes that a professor’s primary responsibility is teaching; • a faculty engaged in important scholarly and service activities locally, nationally, and globally;
• a modern, attractive building with facilities that provide an exceptional learning and study environment;
•
a comprehensive curriculum, with courses taught primarily by full-time faculty, supplemented where appropriate by judges and attorneys who lend their expertise in specialized areas of the law; and
• a student-edited law review which hosts major symposia bringing in distinguished national speakers. The Bowen School of Law has all of these. But what sets this law school apart? Bowen is a unique place where we provide the best legal education in a close, supportive environment. Little Rock gives Bowen students unprecedented access to law firms, businesses, and government agencies. The capital city offers our students the chance to work and play in a vibrant city with access to the arts, entertainment and recreation.
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Our excellent student-faculty ratio allows you to interact with faculty members who are leading their colleagues in teaching, service, and research every day. Our clinical program makes it possible for every student to represent actual clients or serve in a public service externship while in law school. In addition, our school has recently become one of five schools nationwide to be a part of the Shepherd Poverty Project, where students can earn certification in poverty law. Bowen students are encouraged to engage in service and can acquire a notation of outstanding public service on their transcripts. They come from diverse backgrounds, work hard and want to do well, but not at the expense of their peers. Low tuition enables our graduates to choose from a wide variety of careers without worrying about paying off a huge debt. Feel free to visit our website at law.ualr.edu, contact our office of admissions at lawadm@ualr.edu or call us at 501.324.9903 for more information. I’m confident that the more you learn about our Bowen community, the more you will want to join us.
John M.A. DiPippa Dean and Distinguished Professor of Law and Public Policy
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OUR LOCATION Bowen is located in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas’ capital city, within a five-minute drive of state and federal courthouses, as well as some of Arkansas’ largest law firms and corporations. Little Rock’s vibrant legal community provides our students and alumni many opportunities for professional engagement and public service. With a metropolitan population of almost 700,000, Little Rock features the best in art and cuisine, right alongside the beauty of the Natural State.
The UALR William H. Bowen School of Law is house in one of the finest law facilities in the nation. Originally constructed in the 1930s to house the state’s medical school, the six-story building was completely renovated in 1992 to create modern law classrooms and courtrooms while preserving the traditional brick exterior. The classrooms and courtrooms contain the latest technology, and the entire campus has wireless access. The Bowen School of Law’s state-of-the-art technology makes it easy to bring the entire legal world into the classroom. Bowen is located on the southeastern edge of downtown Little Rock, overlooking historic MacArthur Park and the Arkansas Arts Center. The school retains all the benefits of being associated with a state university system, but sits six miles from the UALR main campus and has the feeling of a stand-alone professional school. Our downtown location provides working students with easy access to the State Capitol, state government buildings, and the numerous Arkansas law firms clustered in Little Rock. The spacious law school facility contains over 150,000 square feet and is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Attorneys and judges are often present in our halls on their way to meetings, the law library, or the various seminars and continuing education courses offered at the Bowen School of Law.
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The library has a breathtaking fourstory atrium and reading room. In addition to its print collection, it contains a substantial audio/video collection as well as access to a wide variety of online databases. Two computer labs, private study carrels, and group study rooms are available for our students. We recently renovated the secondfloor student lounge so that it would provide the comforts of home with a convenient place to study, eat, and relax between classes. All students have their own mailboxes, lockers, and e-mail accounts. Several indoor and outdoor balconies provide students more space for studying and relaxing. The Bowen School of Law has numerous classrooms, including three courtrooms. We use these courtrooms for classes, mock trials, and moot court, as well as actual trial and appellate proceedings. The large legal clinic area includes a client waiting room, a children’s playroom, client interview rooms, classrooms, student work carrels with computers, and meeting rooms. The school houses its own bookstore so that students can find materials they need right on campus, such as books, study aids, food, T-shirts, and novelty items. The Bowen School of Law has a large secured access parking area on site.
Bowen is committed to making legal education financially accessible. To that end, we offer affordable tuition, a generous scholarship program, and multiple financial aid options.
OUR
TUITION For the 2010-2011 school year, Bowen’s full-time resident tuition (and fees) is $11,456.70—an amazing value for legal education. Bowen’s overall projected cost of attendance—which includes living expenses—is lower than the tuition at many schools.
Non-resident Scholarships are awarded in an amount that allows recipients to pay the resident tuition rate. Non-resident admission is acutely competitive at Bowen, and this award reflects the strength of our nonresident students.
SCHOLARSHIPS
FINANCIAL AID
Bowen considers all admitted applicants for three scholarships: William H. Bowen, Merit, and Nonresident. About 60% of the 2010 entering class was awarded at least one of these scholarships.
The law school participates in the Federal Stafford Loan Program, the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program, as well as major private loan programs. Applicants who plan to apply for federal student loans must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application should be completed as soon as possible after January 1 of the year you plan to begin law school. The priority financial aid deadline is March 1. An admissions decision is not required to apply for financial aid. You may access the application at fafsa.ed.gov. Our FAFSA code is 00-1101-00.
William H. Bowen Scholarships cover full tuition and fees for up to 90 credit hours. Recipients have exceptional academic credentials, strong LSAT scores, and demonstrated leadership qualities. Bowen Scholars exhibit the abilities to excel in the classroom while also taking active roles as leaders within the law school community. Merit Scholarships are awarded in an amount up to $7,000 per year for up to 90 credit hours. These scholarships are awarded based on an array of factors, including quality of application materials, academic achievement, LSAT scores, and diversity. Personal statements are critical to the selection of Merit Scholarship recipients.
VA LU E
Student loans are processed by the UALR Financial Aid Office. For more information, please call 501.569.3035 or send an email to financialaid@ualr. edu.
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OUR PROGRAMS JURIS DOCTOR (JD) Bowen grants the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. In order to earn the JD, students must complete 90 credithours of coursework, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C-) or better on a 4.0 scale. Further, students must earn a C- in at least 75 percent of their courses. All coursework must be completed within seven years of enrollment.
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CONCURRENT DEGREES
ENROLLMENT DIVISIONS
In partnership with other schools within the University of Arkansas system, Bowen allows students to pursue the following degrees concurrently:
Bowen offers both full-time and part-time divisions. Full-time study is generally completed in three years; part-time study is generally completed in four. In both divisions, study may be accelerated by attending summer school. To ensure the overall quality of instruction, full-time faculty members teach in both divisions.
• Juris Doctor/Master of
• Juris Doctor/Master of
• Juris Doctor/Master of Public
• Juris Doctor/Master of Public
• Juris Doctor/Doctor of
Business Administration (UALR Graduate School) Public Administration (UALR Graduate School) Health (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) Service (University of Arkansas, Clinton School of Public Service) Medicine (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences)
In order to pursue concurrent degrees, applicants must be offered admission into both Bowen and the school offering the other desired degree.
FULL-TIME
PART-TIME
The full-time division is principally targeted at students who wish to fully engross themselves in the study of law. The environment is one of a traditional “academy,� where students spend significant portions of their days on campus engaging in various curricular and extracurricular activities.
The law school is deeply invested in the success of its part-time students. Parttime students are offered a wide array of courses from which to choose and an evening class schedule that allows them to effectively balance personal and professional obligations along with law school. The part-time division attracts many successful professionals, including state legislators and business executives.
Most courses in the division are scheduled during the day, though in the second and third years many night courses are available as well. Full-time students take 15 credit-hours each of the first two semesters and 13-16 credit-hours each semester thereafter. Typically, full-time students complete law school in three years, though it is possible to complete the program in two-and-a-half years. Fulltime students are not allowed to hold outside employment during the first year. In the second and third years, however, full-time students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
Part-time students typically complete the program in four years. Part-time students take 10 credit hours during their first semester and either 9 or 11 credit hours the second semester. After that, they take 8-12 credit hours each semester. There are no hourly restrictions on outside employment for part-time students. Most part-time students work 20-40 hours per week. After their first year, part-time students are allowed to petition to transfer into the full-time division. Students who switch to the full-time division after the first year can graduate in three years by also attending summer school.
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REQUIRED CURRICULUM Bowen students take courses in the sequence outlined below. They must also complete at least one elective course that satisfies the upper-level writing requirement and one elective course that satisfies the policies and perspectives requirement.
FULL-TIME DIVISION FIRST YEAR Fall Semester Civil Procedure I 2 Contracts I 3 Legal Research I 1 RWA I 2 Property I 3 Torts 4 Total 15
Spring Semester Civil Procedure II Contracts II Legal Research II RWA II Property II Criminal Law Total
3 3 1 2 3 3 15
Spring Semester Lawyering Skills II Legal Profession Electives
3 2 8-11
Total
13-16
Spring Semester Electives Total
13-16 13-16
SECOND YEAR Fall Semester Lawyering Skills I 2 Constitutional Law 4 Evidence 3 Electives 4-7 Total 13-16
THIRD YEAR Fall Semester Electives 13-16 Total 13-16
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PART-TIME DIVISION FIRST YEAR Fall Semester Contracts I 3 Torts 3 Legal Research I 1 RWA I 2 Total 10
Spring Semester Contracts II Criminal Law Legal Research II RWA II Legal Profession* Total
3 3 1 2 2 9-11
Spring Semester Civil Procedure II Property II Electives
3 3 2-6
Total
8-12
Spring Semester Lawyering Skills II Electives
3 5-9
Total
8-12
Spring Semester Electives Total
8-12 8-12
SECOND YEAR Fall Semester Civil Procedure 2 Property I 3 Constitutional Law 4 Electives 0-3 Total 9-12
THIRD YEAR Fall Semester Lawyering Skills 2 Evidence 3 Electives 3-7 Total 8-12
THIRD YEAR Fall Semester Electives 8-12 Total 8-12
*may be deferred until a later semester
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COURSE CONCENTRATIONS Alternative Dispute Resolution • Advanced Mediation Clinic • Alternative Dispute Resolution • Family Mediation Seminar • Interviewing & Counseling • Mediation Clinic • Mediation Seminar Business & Commercial • Administrative Law • Advanced Taxation • Bankruptcy Law • Business Associations • Chapters 11 & 13 Business • Reorganization • Commercial Paper Transactions • Contracts I & II • Corporate Taxation • Drafting Contracts • Employee Benefits Law • Employment Discrimination • Employment Law • Federal Income Taxation • Insurance • Law and Economics Seminar • Partnership Taxation • Patent and Trade Secret Law • Real Estate Finance • Real Estate Transactions • Sales Transactions • Secured Transactions • Securities Regulation • White Collar Crime • Workers’ Compensation
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Civil Practice • Advanced Civil Procedure • Advanced Litigation and Skills • Advanced Litigation Clinic • Advanced Mediation Clinic • Alternative Dispute Resolution • Civil Procedure I & II • Conflict of Laws • Evidence • Federal Jurisdiction • Lawyering Skills I & II • Litigation Clinic • Moot Court Competition Class • Remedies Civil Rights • Animal Law Seminar • Civil Liberties • Conflict of Laws • Constitutional Law • Critical Race Theory Seminar • Disability Law • Employment Discrimination • Federal Jurisdiction • First Amendment Seminar • First Amendment: Church/State • First Amendment: Free Speech/ • Free Press • Freedom of Information/Access to
Government Seminar • Jurisprudence • Sexual Harassment Law Seminar
Criminal Law • Arkansas Criminal Trial Practice • Capital Punishment Seminar • Criminal Law • Criminal Procedure
Posttrial Process • Criminal Procedure Pretrial Process • Criminal Procedure Sentencing • Criminal Procedure Trial Process • Evidence • Juvenile Law • Mediation Clinic • Race and the Criminal Justice System Seminar • White Collar Crime
Elder Law • Administrative Law • Alternative Dispute Resolution • Decedents’ Estates & Trusts • Disability Law • Employee Benefits Law • Estate and Gift Taxation • Estate Planning • Family Law • Family Mediation Seminar • Health Law • Insurance Law • Interviewing & Counseling • Lawyering Skills I & II Environmental Law • Federal Jurisdiction • Land Use • Natural Resources Law • Water Law
Family Law • Advanced Litigation Clinic • Advanced Mediation Clinic • Alternative Dispute Resolution • Bankruptcy Law • Decedents’ Estates & Trusts • Estate Planning • Estate and Gift Taxation • Family Law • Federal Income Taxation • Interviewing & Counseling • Juvenile Law • Litigation Clinic • Mediation Clinic General Practice • Administrative Law • Alternative Dispute Resolution • Arkansas Criminal Trial Practice • Bankruptcy Law • Business Associations • Criminal Law • Criminal Procedure
Posttrial Process • Criminal Procedure Pretrial Process • Criminal Procedure Sentencing • Criminal Procedure Trial Process • Decedents’ Estates & Trusts • Drafting Contracts • Estate and Gift Taxation • Estate Planning • Family Law • Federal Income Taxation • Federal Jurisdiction • Interviewing & Counseling • Juvenile Law • Litigation Clinic • Local Government • Real Estate Finance
• Real Estate Transactions • Sales Transactions • Secured Transactions • Torts • Workers’ Compensation
Government Practice • Administrative Law • Freedom of Information/Access to
Government Seminar • Immigration Law • Legislation • Local Government • Natural Resources Law • Public International Law
Government Regulation • Administrative Law • Disability Law • Environmental Law • Freedom of Information/Access to
Government Seminar • Health Law • Immigration Law • Land Use • Local Government • Natural Resources Law • Patent and Trade Secret Law • Securities Regulation • Workers’ Compensation
Health Care • Administrative Law • Alternative Dispute Resolution • Disability Law • Health Law • Law and Psychiatry
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COURSE CONCENTRATIONS CONTINUED Intellectual Property • Administrative Law • Intellectual Property • Patent and Trade Secret Law International Law • International Criminal Law • Introduction to International Law • Public International Law Labor & Employment • Disability Law • Employee Benefits Law • Employment Discrimination • Employment Law • Immigration Law • Labor Law Seminar • Workers’ Compensation Litigation • Advanced Civil Procedure • Advanced Litigation Skills • Advanced Litigation Clinic • Alternative Dispute Resolution • Civil Liberties • Conflict of Laws • Employment Discrimination • Employment Law • Environmental Law • Federal Jurisdiction • Freedom of Information/Access to
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Government Seminar • Moot Court Competition Class • Remedies
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Real Estate • Decedents’ Estates & Trusts • Drafting Contracts • Environmental Law • Estate and Gift Taxation • Estate Planning • Land Use • Local Government • Natural Resources Law • Property I & II • Real Estate Finance • Real Estate Transactions Skills • Advanced Legal Research • Advanced Legal Writing • Advanced Litigation Skills • Advanced Litigation Clinic • Advanced Mediation Clinic • Advanced Tax Clinic • Chapters 11 & 13 Business • Reorganization • Drafting Contracts • Externships • Lawyering Skills I & II • Legal Editing, Scholarship &
Publishing • Legal Research I & II • Litigation Clinic • Mediation Clinic • Moot Court Competition Class • Preparing for the Bar Exam • Real Estate Transactions • Reasoning, Writing & Advocacy I & II • Tax Clinic
Taxation • Advanced Tax Clinic • Advanced Taxation • Corporate Tax • Estate and Gift Taxation • Estate Planning • Federal Income Taxation • Partnership Taxation • Tax Clinic • Tax Policy
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The Bowen student body is a wonderfully diverse group. Students of color made up about 25 percent of the 2010 entering class—a percentage that closely reflects the diversity of the nation.
OUR STUDENTS
Life experience varies greatly among Bowen students as well. There are the “traditional” students who entered Bowen soon after completing their undergraduate studies. There are also “non-traditional” students who have careers, families, and a wealth of life experience. Geographically, Bowen students hail from all parts of Arkansas, 26 other states, the District of Columbia, and three foreign countries. Socioeconomic diversity abounds as well. Many of our students are first-generation college grads; others come from long lines of lawyers and other professionals. A vibrant community where students embrace their collective diversity while appreciating their common goals results from this richness of life experience. Student life at Bowen is one of involvement and activity. The broad array of student groups reflects the diversity of the students themselves.
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Student Bar Association (SBA)
Moot Court and Trial Advocacy
SBA is the umbrella student organization that seeks to create opportunities for students to come together in both social and academic settings; represents student interests to the administration and faculty; apprises students of recent issues and developments concerning our school; and provides financial support to student organizations.
Bowen offers opportunities for students to hone advocacy skills through its Moot Court and Trial Advocacy teams. On Moot Court, students participate in simulated appellate-level proceedings where they draft appellate briefs and engage in oral arguments. Trial Advocacy gives students insight into preparing and arguing a trial-level case. These activities are tied to our curriculum, as students must complete certain courses in order to be eligible to join either team. Members of the teams compete in national and regional competitions. Various student organizations also sponsor moot court and trial advocacy teams.
Law Review The UALR Law Review is a studentedited, scholarly publication that features articles, surveys, essays, and book reviews that are timely and useful to practitioners within Arkansas, as well as those nationwide. The Law Review is published and distributed quarterly. Members of the Law Review gain extensive insight into an array of legal issues while also gaining experience writing and editing scholarly articles. Membership on the Law Review is competitive and is considered one of the most prestigious honors a student can attain.
Other Student Organizations
• American Bar Association, Law
Student Division • American Civil Liberties Union • American Constitution Society • American Trial Lawyers Association • Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers, Law Student Division • Asian Pacific American Law Student Association • Black Law Students Association • Bowen Athletic Department • Bowen Lambda • Christian Legal Society • Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity • Environmental Law Society • The Federalist Society • Hispanic Law Students Association • Intellectual Property Law Society • International Law Society • J. Reuben Clark Society • Out-of-State Students Association • Part-time Students Association • Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity • Pulaski County Bar Association, Student Division • Student Animal Legal Defense Fund • Young Democrats • Young Republicans
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OUR FACULTY
Jada A. Aitchison, Professor of Law Librarianship BA, MLS, State University of New York at Albany Adjoa A. Aiyetoro, Associate Professor of Law AB, Clark University MSW, Washington University JD, St. Louis University Coleen M. Barger, Professor of Law BA, JD, University of Arkansas at Little Rock Theresa M. Beiner, Nadine H. Baum Distinguished Professor of Law BA, University of Virginia JD, Northwestern University Jessie Wallace Burchfield, Professor of Law Librarianship BA, JD, University of Arkansas at Little Rock MLS, Texas Woman’s University
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Bowen faculty members come from many different professional backgrounds. Their diverse academic interests make it possible for Bowen to offer a comprehensive and wide-ranging curriculum. Further, both our teaching and library faculties rank high among law schools in ethic and gender balance.
Terrence Cain, Assistant Professor of Law BS, BA, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville JD, University of Arkansas at Little Rock Paula J. Casey, Professor of Law BA, East Central Oklahoma University JD, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville John M. A. DiPippa, Dean and Distinguished Professor of Law and Public Policy BA, West Chester University JD, Washington and Lee University A. Felecia Epps, Associate Dean and Professor of Law BA, Cornell College JD, Creighton University Francis S. Fendler, Professor of Law BA, JD, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Kathryn C. Fitzhugh, Professor of Law Librarianship BA, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville MS, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign JD, University of Arkansas at Little Rock Michael Flannery, Professor of Law BA, University of Delaware JD, Catholic University of America Lynn Foster, Arkansas Bar Foundation Professor of Law AB, MS, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign JD, Southern Illinois University Kenneth S. Gallant, Professor of Law AB, Harvard University JD, University of Pennsylvania
Charles W. Goldner, Jr., Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law BA, DePauw University JD, University of Oklahoma LLM, Georgetown University Susan D. Goldner, Professor of Law Librarianship BA, DePauw University MLS, University of Oklahoma Kenneth S. Gould, Professor of Law BA, University of Nebraska JD, Creighton University Lindsey P. Gustafson, Assistant Professor of Legal Writing BA, JD, Brigham Young University Sarah Howard Hobbs, Charles C. Baum Distinguished Professor of Law BA, Hanover College JD, University of Kentucky Alicia D. Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Clinical Education BBA, MBA, JD, University of Mississippi Philip D. Oliver, Byron M. Eiseman Distinguished Professor of Law BA, University of Alabama JD, Yale University Ranko Shiraki Oliver, Associate Professor of Law BA, JD, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Kelly Browe Olson, Director of Clinical Programs and Associate Professor of Law BA, Marquette University JD, University of Michigan LLM, Loyola University of Chicago Richard J. Peltz, Professor of Law BA, Washington and Lee University JD, Duke University L. Suzanne Penn, Assistant Professor of Clinical Education BA, Hendrix College JD, Tulane University Melissa M. Serfass, Professor of Law Librarianship BA, Harding University MA, University of South Florida JD, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
J. Thomas Sullivan, Professor of Law BA, University of Texas JD, Southern Methodist University LLM, University of Texas Kelly S. Terry, Associate Professor of Law BA, Hendrix College JD, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville H. Michele Thomas, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law Librarianship BA, Wright State University MA, The Ohio State University JD, University of Dayton MLS, University of Pittsburgh
Joshua M. Silverstein, Associate Professor of Law BA, Hamilton College JD, New York University Robert E. Steinbuch, Associate Professor of Law BA, MA, University of Pennsylvania JD, Columbia University June L. Stewart, Associate Dean for Information and Technology Services, Law Library Director, and Associate Professor of Law BA, University of Colorado MLL, JD, University of Denver
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OUR
CLINICS A law firm inside the law school, the Bowen Clinical Program helps students bridge the gap between theory learned in the classroom and the actual practice of law. Through their clinic work, students practice law (under the supervision of a faculty member) while at the same time helping fill unmet legal needs in the community. Bowen houses three clinics, two clinical projects, and a Public Service Externship program. Bowen is one of a few law schools to offer both day and evening students the opportunity to participate in a clinical activity.
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Clinics Litigation Clinic Students in the Litigation Clinic represent clients involved in many types of cases within the broad areas of juvenile delinquency and family law. Clinic students learn substantive law, while enhancing skills in conducting client interviews, drafting pleadings, negotiating, developing trial strategy, and preparing trial presentations. Students in the litigation clinic practice law under a speck Rule XV license. Mediation Clinic Mediation is a rapidly expanding area of modern legal practice. In the Mediation Clinic, law students gain important skills related to listening and communication that are vital to any successful law practice. They also increase their services for children with disabilities. The Project is open to students for observation and participation. Tax Clinic The Tax Clinic is funded by the Internal Revenue Service through its Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic Program (LITC). The LITC serves taxpayers involved in disputes with the IRS who cannot otherwise afford legal services. Tax Clinic students gain many of the same representational skills involved in the Litigation Clinic while focusing more on negotiation skills as well as learning the specific procedures and laws of the Tax Code. The Tax Clinic also provides education and outreach services to communities where English is a second language to inform them of their rights and responsibilities as taxpayers.
Public Service Externship The Public Service Externship is a clinical program in which students earn academic credit while working in the offices of state and federal judges, legislators, government agencies, or non-profit agencies. Through the program, students gain broad exposure and practical work experience. The Public Service Externship has two primary components: (1) the placement setting in which the student extern performs legal work; and (2) a related seminar taught by the director of the Externship Program. Student externs complete at least 100 hours of service at their placement site over the course of the semester. Externs are selected through a competitive application process.
OUR
SUPPORT Academic Support Bowen offers a comprehensive student services program. During the summer before the start of classes, entering students begin receiving information introducing them to the fundamentals of law school study — and success. There is also a week-long orientation program composed of mock class sessions, workshops, and panel discussions with current and former students. Once classes begin, the assistant dean for Academic Support works closely with students in developing study plans, writing course outlines, and preparing for exams. The assistant dean also assists students in selecting courses based on their curricular needs and preferences. Finally, Bowen helps ease the transition from law student to lawyer by offering a course designed to prepare students for the bar examination.
Career Services The Bowen Career Services Office provides guidance in career planning and professional development. The Office serves as a liaison between prospective employers, law students, and recent graduates. During the fall and spring terms, the Office hosts on-campus interviewing periods, where students and recent alums interview for positions with employers. The Office also compiles employment listings and distributes them monthly. The Career Services Office assists students in identifying personal career goals, making informed career decisions, and developing resumes, cover letters, and interviewing techniques. The efforts of the Office are a big reason why the employment rate for Bowen graduates is typically around 90 percent.
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APPLYING Bowen takes a “holistic” approach to admissions, meaning the Admissions Committee assesses a wide array of applicant factors. For most applicants, the personal statement, LSAT score(s), and UGPA will form the bases of our decisions. Bowen also values inclusion and is committed to enrolling students of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds.
A completed application file consists of the following three items: Completed Application Form Applications may be submitted online using the LSAC e-app or by hard-copy. We prefer online applications. Personal Statement Personal statements should be 1000-1200 words and discuss your reasons for wanting to attend law school and why Bowen interests you. Other information about your background, life experiences, diversity, and/or volunteer work should also be provided. It is particularly important for non-residents to discuss “Why Bowen?” in their statements. An LSDAS Law School Report The Law School Report should include copies of transcripts for all post-secondary academic work undertaken, LSAT score information, a copy of the LSAT writing sample(s), and any letters of recommendation that applicants choose to submit. Letters of recommendation are not required, but applicants are welcome to submit up to three. The application deadline is April 15. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all required documents by Jan. 1. Bowen utilizes a “rolling” admissions process, with earlier applicants tending to have an advantage over later applicants. There is no fee to apply to Bowen. First-year students are enrolled in the fall only and must be conferred their baccalaureate degrees by fall registration. For more information about applying to Bowen, please contact the Admissions Office at 501.324.9903 or lawadm@ualr.edu.
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WILLIAM H. BOWEN
SCHOOL OF LAW