The University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law has named William Simpson Jr. as its 2019 Mentor of the Year.

Simpson, the chief public defender for the 6th Judicial District of Arkansas, was recently honored during the 2019 Bowen Awards Ceremony.

Simpson graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1967. He attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he obtained two bachelor’s degrees in history and political science. He earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law (now Bowen) in 1975 and was admitted to the Arkansas State Bar in 1976.

While in law school, Simpson clerked for the Public Defender’s Office from 1974 to 1975. In 1979, he became the chief public defender for the 6th Judicial District and has held that position ever since. His office represents approximately 85 percent of all criminal defendants in Pulaski and Perry Counties. 

During Simpson’s time as chief public defender, he has employed and mentored numerous Bowen students as law clerks. He has participated in both the Bowen Mentorship Program and Externship Program. Additionally, Simpson has served as an adjunct instructor for both the University of Arkansas at Little Rock main campus and the Bowen School of Law, teaching various courses in criminal law.

Fiona Duffy, a first-year Bowen law student, said she is lucky to have been mentored by a man who has selflessly dedicated his life to public service.

“I am the most recent in a long line of Bowen students who have benefited from Bill’s participation in our legal education,” she said. “He is a great reminder to our legal community at Bowen, in Little Rock, and the state of Arkansas of the thanks we owe to those of us who will selflessly dedicate their professional life to public service and do so without expecting any thanks.”