First-year law student Gabrielle Rancifer was selected to participate in the Shook Scholars Institute held April 3-5, in Kansas City, Missouri. Created by Shook Hardy & Bacon, LLP, the Institute is an innovative diversity and inclusion-focused development program concentrated on litigation and trial skills, leadership and career success competencies. 

The selection process is highly competitive and only 20 students from around the country are chosen to participate each year. Participants must have an interest in practicing at a top civil litigation firm and are selected based on demonstrated academic performance and leadership achievements, strong community involvement and a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and equity in the legal profession.  

The Institute is designed to provide a highly select group of law students with the rare opportunity to learn in an interactive, small-group setting led by attorneys at Shook, Hardy & Bacon, LLP. It provides critical development skills while introducing students to valuable relationships and networks. Rancifer attended two full day sessions focusing on lawyering skills, leadership, success strategies, interview skills, networking and an experiential trial practice program.

"Being a 2024 Shook Scholar represents a more transformative experience in my legal career," said Rancifer. "I am humbled, honored, and profoundly appreciative that I represented the University of Arkansas School of Law."

Rancifer currently serves as president of the Intellectual Property Law Student Association and Native American Law Student Association. She is an active member of the Black Law Student Association, the Asian Pacific Islander Law Student Association and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Rancifer received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University.

About the School of Law: The law school offers J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, with classes taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, advocacy and journal experiences, and food and agriculture initiatives. 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. Follow us at @uarklaw.