The U of A School of Law has named Alexis Jones the 2024-25 Mitchell Williams Legal Diversity Fellow.

"Mitchell Williams is committed to supporting the University of Arkansas School of Law in its diversity initiatives," said Melissa Bandy, chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council at Mitchell Williams. "The MW Legal Diversity Fellow is an opportunity to advance diversity in the legal profession through mentorship, recruitment, programming and working with the school's administration to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. We are excited to support Alexis Jones and her commitment to developing initiatives to support a diverse legal profession."

This is the third year of the Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, PLLC commitment to fund a diversity fellow at the school. Each year the director of community and engagement selects a student with a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity to serve in this role during his or her third year of law school. Any student wishing to apply must submit a resume and statement of interest. The title, accompanied by a stipend, acknowledges and encourages outstanding students, with the goal of emphasizing the importance of diversity within the law school community.

"Alexis' dedication to serving the community is truly inspiring," said Greneda Johnson, director of community engagement at the School of Law. "Her efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion will greatly benefit the legal profession and contribute to creating a supportive environment where our students can feel valued, respected and empowered. We are sincerely thankful to Mitchell Williams for generously funding this fellowship."

"Those dedicated to the legal profession have the privilege of serving all of the people of this country, from all walks of life, and as such, the legal profession must reflect the many colors that make up our country's quilt," Jones said. "With the support of Mitchell Williams, as the Legal Diversity Fellow, I have been afforded the opportunity to continue fostering a legal profession that mirrors that of the multifaceted quilt of our country."

A Chancellor's Scholarship recipient, Jones is a staff editor of the Arkansas Law Review and a 2023 Negotiation Competition Quarterfinalist. She is a member of the Honor Council, the Black Law Students Association, the Business Law Society and the Women's Law Students Association. In 2022, Jones graduated from The University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and management.

She has spent two summers working as a legal intern and a law clerk for Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, PLLC. She has accepted an offer to join the firm full-time after graduation. Her previous experience also includes working as a legal extern for Walmart Inc. and a law clerk for Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP and Anderson Murphy & Hopkins.