Continuing its development of international programming and outreach, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law is partnering with the Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City to develop programming and educational exchanges designed to benefit both law schools. 

Established in 1912, the Escuela Libre de Derecho is one of the most prestigious law schools in Mexico. It has graduated three Mexican presidents, three Cabinet secretaries, Supreme Court justices, business leaders, and community leaders.

“This partnership is the result of many hours of dedicated work from all parties,” said Bowen Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz. “I would like to particularly thank Bowen Professor Ranko Oliver and Mr. David Manuel Preciado Juarez, consul from the Mexican Consulate in Little Rock, for their hard work.”

The program will create new opportunities for both schools. During the 2016-17 school year, the schools plan to exchange faculty. Teaching, learning, and subject matter experts from Bowen will travel to Mexico City, while the leading expert in legal Spanish will travel to Little Rock.

“This is the beginning of a project that both schools hope to expand in the future,” said Schwartz. “We are researching the possibilities of joint-degree programs in U.S. law and Mexican law, additional faculty exchanges, student exchanges, and study abroad programs. I’m excited about the potential benefits for current and future Bowen students.”