The School of Law saw its first full time class graduate in 1978. In 1992, it moved into its current location near MacArthur Park in downtown Little Rock. In 2000, it became known as the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law, earning its namesake from former dean William Bowen.
UALR William H. Bowen School of Law students earn the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. In addition, students are able to earn a variety of concurrent degrees: the JD/MBA (Masters of Business Administration), the JD/MPA (Masters of Public Administration), the JD/MPH (Masters of Public Health), the JD/MPS (Masters of Public Service), and the JD/MD (Medical Doctor).
The law school's Legal Clinic allows students to work with real clients, the community and the court system. Clinical Programs consist of three clinics - the Tax Clinic, Mediation Clinic, and Litigation Clinic - two clinical projects, and a Public Service Externship Program. Each offers supervised, real world legal experience, while providing necessary legal assistance in the community.
Paula J. Casey, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is a professor at the law school. Notable alumni include Bud Cummins, a former U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Arkansas, Andree Layton Roaf, the first African-American woman to serve on the Arkansas Supreme Court, and Mary Wiseman, a Judge of the Montgomery County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas.
Dean DiPippa serves as the law school's dean, and distinguished Professor of Law and Public Policy. He graduated Order of the Coif from Washington & Lee in 1978. In 1983, he joined the UALR faculty. Currently, he teaches Constitutional Law and Public Service.
