U of A Student Bar Association Wins National Awards

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Left to right, top to bottom: Career Closet, Friendsgiving, Law School Food Pantry, Pickleball Tournament participants

The American Bar Association Law Student Division has named the U of A Student Bar Association the 2023 Best Student Bar Association and the recipient of the 2023 Dean Henry J. Ramsey, Jr. Diversity Award. 

The Student Bar Association (SBA) Award recognizes a law school SBA's effort to create a better environment for the school's law students, while the Dean Henry J. Ramsey, Jr. Diversity Award recognizes excellence in activities that have contributed toward the achievement and advancement of women, minorities, persons with disabilities and persons of differing sexual orientation and gender identities.

"I am so thrilled to see the efforts of our SBA and school receive recognition for the great lengths they have gone to help create an inclusive environment for the students at UARK Law," said Lexi Robertson, incoming SBA president. "The '22- '23 SBA executive board set a high standard for future boards to adhere to. It has become abundantly clear that student leaders can greatly impact our law school and local communities when we come together with a common purpose. These awards are proof of the collaborative efforts of our SBA; law school administrators, faculty and staff; and alumni. I am excited to build upon this previous work and see what kind of positive changes we can effectuate in the upcoming year."

Throughout the year, the Student Bar Association worked with law school administration to create new inclusive student spaces and to implement new safety measures. These joint efforts resulted in the creation of a family study room, lactation room and a space containing professional clothing and nonperishable food. Additionally, the SBA advocated for increased security in the law school, leading to the installation of a new camera surveillance system in high traffic areas. The organization also improved its communication with the student body and hosted several events that encouraged students to gather for relaxation and entertainment.

In addition to the Student Bar Association's  internal initiatives, the group engaged in community outreach by participating in the School of Law's Constitution Day Program, a student-led initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between citizens of the Arkansas Delta and access to justice; partnering with the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to organize a pro bono clinic to assist start-ups and small businesses with their legal needs; and hosting charitable kick-ball and pickleball tournaments and donating the proceeds to local non-profit legal organizations.

"I could not be prouder of our Student Bar Association and its dedicated leadership," said Dean Cynthia Nance. "Their projects and initiatives reflect a commitment to service as is consistent with our land-grant mission, as well as a recognition of the importance of student wellness."

About the University of Arkansas Student Bar Association: The Student Bar Association partners with the American Bar Association and Arkansas Bar Association to collaborate with the law school administration, faculty and staff to advance the academic interest and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for the student body. The organization serves as a liaison for the student body with the administration to address and discuss professional problems.  

About the University of Arkansas School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. and is home to the nation's first LL.M. program in agriculture and food law. Led by nationally recognized faculty, the school offers students pro bono work, live client clinics, public service fellowships, competitions, and much more. Students also benefit from our location in one of the fastest growing, most livable, and economically vibrant regions in the U.S., and from our corporate externship partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. Our alumni have gone on to become judges, senators, and governors, and we serve communities throughout our state and nation through programs such as the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative. Our longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion is exemplified by the Six Pioneers, the first Black students to attend law school in the South. Follow us at @uarklaw.