STUDENT BAR ASSOCIATION

Section 1 Representative

Isabel Garton

Hi my name is Isabel Garton, I am originally from Fayetteville but completed my undergrad at Alabama! During my time in Tuscaloosa, I was the secretary for the University's Waterski Team. During my time in this position, I not only ran our social media and did merch, but I also served as an "advocate" on the officer board for our members. My main job was to make sure that everyone's voices were heard and that information was accurately relayed in a timely manner. I loved my position and being able to ensure that everyone's interests and concerns were rightfully addressed. I want to be your SBA Representative because I would love the chance to do the same thing for all of you guys here.

Kendall Ferm

Hi, my name is Kendall Ferm! I am from Rogers, AR and spent the previous four years obtaining my undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas (tried and true Razorback). Whenever I am not in class or studying, I can usually be found on a tennis court, golf course, or spending time with my friends and family!

So, why am I running for the position of SBA 1L Representative? I desire to advocate for the wonderful people working alongside me as we navigate the challenges associated with being first year law students. It truly is a priviledge to be afforded the opportunity to attend law school, therefore we must collectively approach the trials that lay ahead with an attitude of joy. It is imperative to our success that we encourage one another as we work towards the common goal of becoming lawyers. If elected, I vow to represent our class with unmatched enthusiam and rally the troops around the fact that we are "all in this together" (shoutout Troy Bolton). Each and every member of this 1L class undoubtedly deserves to be at this wonderful institution located in the state I am immensly proud to call my home. It would be an absolute honor to represent my peers and work tirelessly on their behalf as we navigate the road ahead together.

Ky Mengler

My name is Ky Mengler, and I'm pleased to announce that I'm running for SBA 1L Representative for Section 1! I was born in the suburbs of Chicago, but I've lived in Fayetteville for as long as I can remember. Some fun facts about me include (a) I did color guard and winter guard throughout high school; (b) I have a Tortoiseshell cat and a big old Great Dane I'm always happy to show off; and (c) I love to travel, and my favorite destinations thus far have been New Orleans, Louisiana and Santa Fe, New Mexico. It has been amazing getting acquainted with you all over the past couple of weeks, and I look forward to what's next!

As soon as we were told about the incoming election, I was drawn to the Student Bar Association. Having participated in the University of Arkansas Student Senate for two years during my undergrad, as well as the Academic Integrity board for three years, I am familiar with the hard work and coordination that is expected of our student representatives. As 1Ls, we've surely already asked plenty of questions, and we'll ask even more than we can count over the course of our time in law school. With your support, I will ensure that asking those questions is as painless as possible by acting as a reliable communicator and point of contact for anything you might be wondering. We're in the same boat, so I may not always have the answers, but I will do everything in my power to seek them. I have been committed to the School of Law community for quite some time. Between working at the law library and the Arsaga's cafe (even both at times!), I have spent countless hours in these halls for the past six years, and I have built connections I will cherish for many years to come. Now, given the chance to serve as our section's 1L Representative, I would love nothing more than to use my wholehearted appreciation for this school to fuel connection, collaboration, and change. Thank you for your consideration (and hopefully your vote), and no matter what the result, I can't wait to learn and grow alongside you all going forward.

Aubrey Kapales

I am interested in being more involved. I am very organized and do well with time management.

Section 2 Representative

Rocco Hicks

Hi! I am Rocco Hicks, and I believe I would be a strong candidate for the 1L SBA Representative role based on my leadership experience as an undergraduate. I maintained responsibilities across campus as the team captain of the university debate team, president of my fraternity, and in several other roles. From Student Government to chairing a faculty position on the admissions appeals committee, I have proven that regardless of additional responsibilities, I can meet all expectations. I list these positions not as a resume, but to show that while 1L is undoubtedly stressful and hard, I can balance whatever responsibilities SBA and my fellow students request of me. I hope to incorporate every 1L's opinion adequately into what I can bring to SBA and to this school as a whole!

Andrew Baker

My name is Andrew Baker, and I’m originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. I am just like (half) of y’all; I am a 1L in section 2. I want to be the SBA 1L rep for my section so I can accurately express the suggestions, concerns, and thoughts of my classmates to the proper law school authorities for consideration. I’m a fun loving, friendly, classmate (and if we haven’t met please say hi) who wants to make this year the best introduction to Arkansas Law School for each and every one of us. Whether that’s planning new themed bar reviews or fixing things in the law school that just don’t sit right with us — I’ll get ‘er done. I’d love your vote, and I am excited about our possibilities and future together as a class. Woo Pig!

Courtney McCormick

Hey Everyone! My name is Courtney McCormick, and I am excited about running to be your 1L SBA representative for section 2. I have had prior experience in the Student Government Association at the University of Alabama, where I served as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Executive Vice President of the SGA, implementing research to fund free pre-law and pre-med programs on campus for students. I was also honored as the Executive Vice President's Campaign Manager, running her platform for office, as well as planning out networking events during the election. Within the SGA, I also served as the Capstone Wellness Explorer Director of Outreach, connecting organizations to the points system on campus. During that time, I have grown to have a passion for advocacy and being a liaison among students and faculty. My goal for SBA is to work on a few ideas that I have been able to formulate thus far. These would include parking, water refill stations within the school, as well as integrating Lexis, Westlaw, and library tours into orientation week. I have had a passion for student advocacy and plan to stay plugged into the Student Bar Association all three years. I hope you vote for me, as I have experience, passion, and ideas for this role!

Section 1 Honor Council

Jack Green

A Juris Doctor is a credential that demands respect, and rightfully so. As 1L's, we may not yet know the breadth of that claim, but it is a claim we uphold vehemently nonetheless. In our orientation, we spent a solid ten minutes listing the traits necessary to even attempt a challenge like law school. We came into this knowing that we would struggle, and through prevailing over that struggle we'd become the professional advocates we dreamed of becoming. That struggle is what makes the Honor Code so important. If one violates the Honor Code intentionally, they act willfully and malignantly against every student who has upheld it in the course of the law school. If one violates the Honor Code unintentionally, the correction that follows serves them in becoming great advocates. If one is accused of violating the Honor Code when they did not, that is a claim that should be treated methodically and soberly so as not to harm the innocent. If elected, I will be an Honor Council representative who defends the respect of our craft, uplifts in correction, and defends against misrepresentation within our class.

Benjamin Hines

My name is Benjamin Hines, and I was born and raised on a dairy and beef farm in Southwest Missouri, in a small town near Springfield. During my undergrad experience, I had the opportunity to serve as my university's Student Body President, as well as in other leadership roles. Throughout this time, I learned the value of listening and servant leadership, as well as recognizing the needs of a collective group towards a common goal. As a 1L student, I recognize there is a great deal to learn, as well as a dedicated commitment to study and course preparation. I am choosing to run for this opportunity because you will not find anyone more dedicated to listening to my classmates and peers, and committed to serving the needs of our cohort with both honesty and integrity. I'm asking for your vote as Section 1 Honor Council 1L Representative because I think I can be a strong advocate and representative for our group. Thank you.   

Sydney Rodriguez

I would like to be on Honor Council because I take great pride in being a law student at the University of Arkansas School of Law and would love to lead in upholding the principles of honesty and advocacy for my fellow students. At Texas Tech University, I helped found a new organization and was on the executive board, worked in a congressional office in Washington DC., and was apart of hearings for members at risk in Kappa Alpha Theta. Through these opportunities, I believe I am qualified to keep sensitive matters confidential, make choices founded on principle, and listen and advocate for those in hard situations with the intent of finding a solution that is fair and just. If elected to Honor Council, I would commit myself to continue learning, understanding, and representing the 1L class and the student body with the upmost professionalism and intentionality.

Rachel Nichols

Hi! I'm Rachel. In my free time, I volunteer with the American Red Cross, serve on the board of a local nonprofit, and run a book club in downtown Bentonville. Serving on the Honor Council would be a great opportunity to help keep our law school professional and fair, while also helping students navigate some potentially stressful situations. I genuinely just like to lend my time whenever I can, and helping maintain the school's integrity sounds like an important cause to support!

Aubrey Kapales

I am interested in being more involved. I am very organized and do well with time management.

Section 2 Honor Council

Dango Kumwenda

Prior to attending law school, I served in the U.S. Army, including as a squad leader, where part of my responsibilities involved looking into issues of soldier misconduct. Since then, I’ve worked in cybersecurity risk management and auditing, which has given me even more experience reviewing information, asking questions, and figuring out what actually happened. I’m interested in becoming a criminal defense attorney, and one of the things that draws me to that area is the investigative side of the law. I also believe accountability and fairness have to go hand in hand. If elected to Honor Council, I’d bring that mindset to the role by taking concerns seriously, hearing people out, and looking at the facts before jumping to conclusions. I’d be happy to represent our class and would appreciate your vote! 

Garrett Abraham

My name is Garrett Abraham, and I would be happy to represent you all as your Section Two Honor Council representative. Before moving here for law school, I had lived my whole life in Nashville, Tennessee. I received a Bachelors of Science from Belmont University in 2023 and have been working since.  I hope it would be fair to say that these past two weeks have shown us all the reality of this journey. It will require long hours, intense focus, and incredible effort to find the success that I am sure we will all eventually achieve. Unfortunately, we know all too well how easily that same effort that could be undermined by the use of forbidden tools, unauthorized collaboration, plagiarism, and more. If you would trust me with your vote, I promise to protect the value and integrity of the hard work we are all putting in to build our futures. I promise to bring fairness, discretion, and a commitment to promoting a sense of trust among Section 2 and our throughout our entire class.  

Thank you for your consideration.

Ellie Duffy

Hi y'all! I'm running for Honor Board because I care deeply about this school and want us to hold ourselves to a high standard every time we wear Arkansas red. It is important to me that this board upholds the presumption of innocence and gives every student a chance to explain their side, because accountability should never come at the expense of fairness. In undergrad, I served in the Associated Student Government Senate and on the Senate Leadership Council, where I handled confidential matters while working for the betterment of the University — experience I hope to bring here to help this institution live up to what it stands for!