Three graduates from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law received $2,000 scholarships from the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers. The scholarship luncheon was held on May 20 at Trapnall Hall in Little Rock.
The association awarded a total of six scholarships this year. The funds go to pay expenses and costs related to taking the bar exam.
“AAWL has a long and storied history of supporting women in the legal field, and we are exceptionally excited to be able to help six young women start off their legal careers on the right foot,” aaid AAWL president Sydney Rasch
The Bowen scholarship recipients are Kate Atkinson, Melody Guffey, and Markett Humphries.
Atkinson, who was raised by a single mom in the military, came to law school because she wants to build a better place for her nine-year old brother to grow up. After the bar exam, she will stay in Arkansas. She’s accepted a position as a mitigation specialist for the Arkansas Public Defender Commission.
“I’m honored by the award,” Atkinson said. “It has enabled me to focus my attention on successfully preparing for the most intimidating and difficult exam of my life.”
Guffey, a native of Bryant, AR, came to law school because of her interest in public service. She’ll be staying in Arkansas after the bar exam, and she’s currently focused full-time on bar prep.
“I am so grateful to the AAWL for awarding me this scholarship. It has been extremely beneficial in setting off some of the costs associated with preparing for and taking the bar exam.”
Humphries, a native of Clark County who now lives in Sherwood, AR, came to law school as a continuation of her career in law enforcement and government. She is using her education and experience in her career as the state MDT Project Director with the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. Her career goals focus on criminal and juvenile law, child welfare, and public policy.
“I am currently working to advance the multidisciplinary team approach and response to child abuse in Arkansas,” Humphries said. “I want to advocate for public policy and legislation that supports our response and assistance to child abuse victims.”
She’ll be staying in Arkansas after the bar exam. “Arkansas is my home. I plan to practice and retire in the state.”
The Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers is a service-based organization whose goals are to further the interests of women lawyers and their service to the legal profession; to advance the administration of justice according to law; and to aid the courts in carrying on the administration of justice. The group encourages collegiality among women lawyers and provides a program of continuing legal education.
“I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that supports the success of women in law; historically underrepresented in the profession, female voices are essential to include in the legal rhetoric,” Atkinson said. “I wish the best of luck to all of the bar takers this July!”
