New Law Students Kick Off Education with Community Service Effort

A total of 152 incoming students at the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law launched their legal education on August 16, 2023, through a community service initiative rather than traditional classroom activities. On this first day of law school, the students participated in a hands-on beautification project at Dunbar Middle School, reinforcing the law school’s commitment to public service.

During the event, the first-year class engaged in various projects designed to enhance the school’s environment. They painted a basketball court and a chalkboard wall, refreshed the landscaping, assembled bookshelves, and installed bulletin boards and picnic tables. In addition, the law students contributed to school programs by delivering over 100 freezer-sized nutrition bags, 10 bags of clothing donations, and more than 100 hygiene products for Brian’s Closet.

According to Colin Crawford, dean of the law school, “The legal profession is, at its best, a profession of service. At Bowen, we begin cultivating that commitment from day one. Our Day of Service is more than symbolic; it reflects a deeper reality of who we are as a law school.” He emphasized that the initiative underscores the connection between legal education and community needs, noting that students provide thousands of hours of pro bono service each year to residents of Arkansas.

The principal of Dunbar Middle School expressed gratitude for the students’ efforts, stating, “From sprucing up our spaces to showing genuine care for our students and staff, their efforts have left a lasting mark on our school community. Their generosity and hard work didn’t just improve our physical environment; they reminded us what it means to come together in service and support.”

The collaboration between Bowen Law and Dunbar Middle School was bolstered by local businesses. The Good Earth Garden Center donated essential materials such as mulch, rock, and potting soil, while Southern Lawn provided transportation for large flowerpots. Bowen Law contributed new flowers, flowerpots, flags, picnic tables, and additional supplies and labor to the project.

Organizers highlighted how this event provided students with an immediate link between their legal aspirations and their social responsibilities. Through such community engagement, the new students not only began their educational journey but also embraced the foundational value of service integral to their future roles in the legal profession.