Setting the Example: How Jessica Schoultz Balances Law School and Motherhood

By Felisha Weaver

The road to a law degree isn’t always smooth—especially when it’s paved with long commutes, late night classes, and the constant balance of school, work, and motherhood. For Jessica Schoultz, the journey is equal parts ambition and sacrifice, driven by her desire to lead by example for her children and to use her legal skills to bring justice to those who need it most.

Schoultz lives in Bismarck, a small town just outside of Hot Springs, with her husband, Andrew, and two children. Her daughter, Kendra, will attend the University of Central Arkansas this fall after graduating from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, and her twelve-year-old son Vinnie dreams of becoming a surgeon.

As a first-generation student Schoultz has always valued education. Earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Henderson State University, she envisioned a career in retail sales. But when the company she worked for sold, a job search led her down a new path in 2014 when she was hired as a file clerk by the Chaney Law Firm in Arkadelphia. Now serving as a legal clerk at the firm, Schoultz credits her experience there with her decision to pursue her law degree.

One pivotal moment came when Schoultz was able to walk a client through a personal injury case from start to finish. Seeing how her efforts helped bring resolution to someone in need made her realize she wanted to do more than just support the process; she wanted to be the one fighting for clients firsthand.

That experience set her on a path to pursue a law degree, but it wasn’t an easy decision. After years of juggling work, family, and the demands of life, Schoultz wasn’t sure she could handle the challenge of law school while working and raising children. However, after discussing it with her family, they all agreed it was worth pursuing. With her husband’s encouragement and her children’s support, Schoultz enrolled in the part-time program at Bowen School of Law, determined to prove to herself and her family that dreams are worth the effort.

Of course, those dreams did come at a cost. “Sometimes, it feels like I’m missing out,” Schoultz admits. “But I want my kids to see that it’s okay to take risks and follow your passion, even when it’s hard.”

There were moments where she doubted if she could keep going but her strong support system has enabled her to persevere. “My husband is my biggest cheerleader and supporter. He manages the day-to-day needs of our family and home so that I can work and attend class.” She says her kids are understanding and cheering her on as well.

Alongside her family, Schoultz also found support at Bowen, where the part-time program made it possible to balance her responsibilities. “It’s a parent-friendly school, and that makes all the difference,” she says. Beyond the program’s flexibility, she’s also found an internal support system that keeps her going through long nights and tough weeks. “I’ve made so many friends in the 2L part-time program—even with 20 years difference in age,” Schoultz added. “Part-timers really rely on each other a lot. I was warned that law school would be cutthroat and competitive, but my experience has been the opposite.”

As a member of the student chapter of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA), Schoultz has built connections that extend beyond the classroom. The group has offered both professional support and a sense of camaraderie, making the challenges of law school a little easier to navigate. “It’s been a fantastic resource, and I’ve felt genuine care from everyone involved,” she says.

More than anything, being a mother has shaped the kind of lawyer she wants to become. On track to graduate in two-and-a-half years more years, Schoultz plans to continue her career where it all started—at Chaney Law Firm, which she deems her “work family.” She hopes to expand her practice beyond the scope of personal injury and become certified as a child ad litem. “I want to use my degree to make a difference, especially for children who need representation,” she shares.

Schoultz hopes her life serves as an example to her children that they shouldn’t feel pressured to just do one thing in life. “It’s okay to try something you’re scared of,” she says. “There is nothing lost by trying.” For Schoultz, that willingness to take risks is a lesson she hopes her children will carry with them as they follow their own paths.