School of Law Celebrates National Pro Bono Week

Students in the U of A School of Law are participating in a nationwide celebration of pro bono during Pro Bono Week Oct. 22-28.

Events at the U of A include a panel discussion, pro bono legal services projects, a professional clothing and food drive, and voter registration events. 

On Monday, Oct. 23, and Tuesday, Oct. 24, the Black Law Student Association, Federalist Society and the American Constitution Society will have tables outside the law school and in Norma Beasley Entrance Hall to register voters.

On Monday, Oct. 23, law students will volunteer with attorneys from Legal Aid of Arkansas to provide legal assistance to those seeking name or gender marker changes and estate planning services.

On Wednesday, Oct. 25, the Environmental Law Society will be hosting a trail cleanup on the Razorback Greenway. Participants will meet at 4:30 p.m. at Gordon Long Park. The event is open to all U of A students.

On Thursday, Oct. 26, Pro Bono and Community Engagement will host "Democratic Discourse and Dissent" at noon in the E.J. Ball Courtroom at the School of Law. Panelists include Joyce Elliott, former Arkansas State senator; Stephen Dunham, former general counsel of Penn State; and Carol Dalby (J.D. '86), Arkansas State Representative. In keeping with this year's National Pro Bono Week theme, "Voices of Democracy: Ensuring Justice for All," panelists will address access to information and ideas and protecting space for the free and open exchange of ideas.

The Business Law Society is running a professional clothing and food drive throughout the week to benefit the School of Law Counselor's Closet and Food Pantry. Donations of gently used professional clothing, nonperishable food items and hygiene products will be collected in the Norma Beasley Entrance Hall of the School of Law. Please contact Travis Linn, trlinn@uark.edu, with questions.

Over the course of the week, students have the opportunity to volunteer with Legal Aid of Arkansas at the Washington County Help Desk to offer free legal help to Washington County residents.

In addition to the volunteer activities planned, the School of Law recognizes law students who have performed the most pro bono hours with an invitation to "Dessert with the Dean." Dean Cynthia Nance will host students with more than 50 hours of pro bono service for an intimate gathering to celebrate their contributions to the law school and community. The students invited this year are Amber Skinner, Bailey Lovett, Hailey Petit, Grace Faulkenberry, Tori Moore, Callie Marsh, Lexi Robertson, Jissel Esparza Saucedo, Tanner Webber, Kate Braboy, Noah Fowler, Hunter Simmons and Braden Little.

For questions about volunteering for the various events, please contact Lexi Robertson, lkrobert@uark.edu. Robertson is the 2023-24 Rose Law Firm 200th Anniversary Pro Bono Fellow.

About Pro Bono Week: The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service launched the initiative in 2009 because of the increasing need for pro bono services. The nationwide celebration provides an opportunity for local legal associations across the country to provide high quality legal services to those in need.

About the School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, competitions, and food and agriculture initiatives. The school strives to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of race, color, ethnicity, and the impact(s) they have on students, faculty, and staff members in an effort to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Six Pioneers who were the first African American students to attend law school in the South without a court order to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors, and faculty who went on to become President of the United States and Secretary of State, the law school has a rich history and culture. Follows us at @uarklaw.