Second-year law student Shayla Dawson has been selected as the 2022 Federal Magistrate Judges Association Fellow.

She will intern with Magistrate Judge Christina Comstock (J.D.'92) of the Western District of Arkansas and receive a $2,500 stipend. The fellowship will also sponsor Dawson's attendance at the Federal Magistrate Judges Association Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, in July 2022.

"I'm excited to be in chambers this summer and work with Judge Comstock," Dawson said. "I know that this opportunity will make my educational experience richer as I prepare to move into my career. I'm also thrilled to see that diversity is being encouraged among the judicial field. Moments like these remind me that the sky is the limit!" 

"We are excited to have Shayla as one of our distinguished 2022 FMJA Fellows," said the Hon. Nancy Joseph, vice-president of the Federal Magistrate Judges Association. "The fellowship will provide Shayla a unique opportunity to receive mentorship, guidance and networking with magistrate judges from all over the country."

Dawson is president of the Black Law Students Association, regional secretary of the Southwest Black Law Students Association and serves as Honors Council representative. She is currently enrolled at the School of Law Immigration Clinic and provides pro bono representation to individuals in Northwest Arkansas who need legal assistance in immigration matters. In the past, she has clerked for Friday, Eldredge & Clark LLP, and the office of the prosecuting attorney for the 6th Judicial District Complaints Division.

"I applaud the Federal Magistrate Judges Association for their commitment to diversity," said interim Dean Alena Allen. "Society benefits from a diverse bar. Shayla is incredibly smart and driven by a sense of purpose. I know that she will excel this summer."

The Federal Magistrate Judges Association, more widely known as FMJA in legal circles, is committed to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and the courts. FMJA, in collaboration with Just the Beginning – A Pipeline Organization, created the FMJA Fellows to support and promote the placement of diverse and underrepresented law students in judicial internships with U.S Magistrate Judges. Each FMJA Fellow will have the opportunity to participate in FMJA programs advising students about the application process for federal clerkships and the various career pathways to the bench.

The Federal Magistrate Judges Association was established in 1961 and is a national association consisting of United States Magistrate Judges whose mission is to support the vital role of all magistrate judges as an integral part of our United States judicial system.

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