FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Law School's Summer Public Service Fellowship program provides paid public service fellowships to promising law students interested in public service careers and is part of the law school's broader effort to fulfill the University's mission as a land-grant institution.

The 2020 fellows are Kara Butler, Taylor Carpenter, Marcus Clouse, Marion Humphrey, Jessica Kloss, Dana McGee, Martha-Kay Mettler, Madison Miller, Zachary Joseph Rivera and Ciera Runner.

"The University of Arkansas School of Law has a deep commitment to public service," said Margaret Sova McCabe, dean of the school. "These outstanding students continue this tradition during a time when the rule of law is more important than ever."

McCabe made it a priority to create the program during her first year as dean. First- and second-year law students are eligible for the fellowship, with preference given to first-year students and to those with an interest in, and demonstrated commitment to, public service. 

The 2020 fellows will gain invaluable employment experience and make contributions in Arkansas and beyond through placements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Oklahoma Innocence Project, Shelby County Public Defenders, Arkansas Access to Justice, Federal Defender, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Washington County Public Defender, Arch City Defenders and U.S. District Court. 

This year, the law school has added a Delta Fellow. Mettler, a native of the Delta region, will serve as the first Delta Fellow. She will return home and deepen her understanding of creative advocacy, relationship-building, issues facing rural communities and policy strategies to enhance the resiliency of communities. Modeled on the work of the Harvard Mississippi Delta Project, her work will include collecting information from diverse stakeholders about challenges faced in the region, their perspectives on possible policy changes and other opportunities to enhance and support community well-being. 

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, this year's fellows may be working remotely.  Plans are underway to ensure the safety of the students and their clients.

Funding for the Summer Public Service Fellowship program was provided by the Squire Patton Boggs Foundation Public Policy Fund, Raffaelli Lineberger Public Service Fund, Public Interest and Rural Community Sustainability Fund, Public Interest Litigation Scholarship Fund, Gearhart Family Endowed Diversity Support Initiative, Law Dean's Circle Fund and other generous donors.