inaugural Public Service Academy
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi.
chaired by:
Maggie Benson and Nate Looney
With assistance by:
Nikolai DiPippa and Jay Robbins
Steering Committee:
Former Chief Justice Howard Brill Judge Earnest Brown Speaker Matthew Shepherd
Thank you to our sponsors
• University of Arkansas School of Law • University of Arkansas Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law • ArkBar Civil Litigation Section • ArkBar Government Practice Section • Rose Law Firm • Brian Rosenthal 30
The Arkansas Lawyer
www.arkbar.com
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
The Arkansas Bar Association and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service launched the inaugural class of the Public Service Academy in Little Rock November 15-16, 2019, and in Fayetteville January 17-18, 2020. The Public Service Academy was established to provide serviceminded lawyers the tools they need to serve in both elected office and as volunteers. The academy is believed to be the third program sponsored by a bar association in the United States following North Carolina (2017) and Tennessee (2018). “Do we really need more lawyers in service?” The answer is an emphatic yes! Lawyers lead, serve and give back to their communities in so many ways. Our competitive, statewide Public Service Academy will serve as a launchpad for public service achievements by these attendees as well as those they mentor. Arkansas Bar Association President Brian Rosenthal’s remarks to the inaugural class of 25 lawyers and 12 students from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville School of Law, Bowen School of Law and the Clinton School of Public Service are excerpted on the following page. On page 32, you will find descriptions of the presentations that were made and a listing of our presenters at our two sessions. Read more about the academy at www.arkbar.com/events/public-service-academy. The next academy will be in 2021.
