Launch Your Legal Career at Bowen
Bowen’s full-time J.D. program is designed for students ready to fully immerse themselves in legal study and launch meaningful careers. Whether you’re pursuing a clear path in public service, private practice, or government — or still exploring where the law can take you — you’ll find the guidance, real experience, and mentorship to move forward with purpose. With direct access to Arkansas’s legal community and a culture of support, Bowen helps students turn their goals into impact, one class and one connection at a time.
Earn Your J.D. in Three Years
As a full-time student, you’ll take 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester for three years. This schedule is designed to keep your legal education immersive and focused, while still allowing time for mentoring, externships, student organizations, and professional development.
In compliance with ABA standards, full-time students may not engage in employment during the first year of law school, except for on-campus jobs limited to 10 hours per week.
Most full-time students attend classes during the day, Monday through Thursday, with some flexibility based on course availability. A sample first semester schedule includes:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:25-11:55 — Research, Writing, & Analysis I | 10:25-11:55 — Contracts I | 10:25-11:55 — Research, Writing, & Analysis I | 10:25-11:55 — Contracts I |
| 1:45-3:15 — Real Property I | 1:45-3:15 — Torts | 1:45-3:15 — Real Property I | 1:45-3:15 — Torts |
| 3:25-4:55 — Civil Procedure I | 3:25-4:55 — Civil Procedure I |
Practice Starts Here
Every law school offers experiential learning. At Bowen, it’s different by design. Our skills sequence is intentional, personal, and deeply connected to Arkansas’s legal system.
Students begin in their first year with one of the nation’s top-ranked legal writing and research programs, building the foundation to write, think, and advocate effectively. In the second year, Lawyering Skills courses are taught in small groups by practicing attorneys, combining legal analysis with real-time feedback and professional mentorship.
The third year is a capstone of real legal practice, with clinics, externships, and internships that place students in courtrooms, agencies, and nonprofits across the state.
This comprehensive preparation ensures that Bowen graduates are ready to lead in courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities from the very start of their careers.
Faculty and Support That Stay With You
At Bowen, support is part of the full-time experience. From your first semester, you’ll be placed into a Student Success Team, a small group led by a Bowen Fellow and guided by faculty advisors. These teams help you build study strategies, strengthen your professional skills, and navigate your first year with clarity and connection.
In the classroom, you’ll learn from faculty who take a personal approach to teaching. They know your name, understand your goals, and invest in your development throughout your time at Bowen.
Outside of class, you’ll have access to career coaching, bar preparation, and wellness resources that help you stay focused and supported. Whether you arrive with a clear path or are still deciding where the law will lead you, Bowen gives you the structure and encouragement to move forward with confidence.
See Where Bowen Can Take You
Wondering what it’s really like to attend law school full time? Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and graduate ready to lead in the courtroom, boardroom, and beyond. Explore their stories to see how they made the most of their time at Bowen, and what’s possible for you.
Turn Your Purpose Into Practice
Make your mark with a full-time legal education built on real experience, support, and momentum. Whether you’re ready to apply or still exploring if Bowen is the right fit, we’re here to help you take the next step. Review the admissions process or start your application today. View the Admission Process.