Before students go to the Pin Exchange to relax with their fellow competitors, we are offering a number of educational seminars. Students can learn more about Arkansas history and politics, get some last-minute trial advocacy and witness tips, or learn how to pay for college and beyond. Each session will last thirty minutes, meaning that everyone will have time to attend two sessions.
At the bottom of the page, there is a form where you can provide preliminary estimates of how many of your students will attend each lecture.
Dueling in Arkansas
Dr. Michael B. Dougan, Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus, Arkansas State University
Unfortunately, there really is a history of dueling in Arkansas. However, it is more than just two people having a disagreement and deciding that there was only one way to settle it. There is some ceremony behind dueling, including the role of “seconds,” whose role was to do everything in their power to avoid the duel. Dr. Dougan will provide a brief lecture on the history of dueling and its role in Arkansas history.
Paying for College and Law School
Teria Thornton, Director of Pre-Law and Diversity Initiatives, AccessLex Institute
From AccessLex: “A well-built budget is the best tool for making student loan refunds last all year, managing lifestyle and expenses, tracking debt, and planning for big expenses like the bar exam during law school. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will walk you through how to build a budget that accounts for each of these items and more. Attendees can follow up this event with free financial coaching, lessons, and events through Ask EDNA! – the Education Network at AccessLex.”
Trial Advocacy Lecture
Patrick Harris, Director of Advocacy, UA-Little Rock Bowen School of Law
Need a few last-minute tips before the competition? Then come listen to Patrick Harris. Professor Harris recently joined the Bowen School of Law after spending thirty-seven years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. During that time, he served as acting U.S. Attorney, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Criminal Chief, Senior Litigation Counsel, and Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Acting Skills Workshop
Quinn Gasaway, Argenta Community Theater
Ben Grimes, The Arkansas Repertory Theatre
We already know that the students will make phenomenal witnesses. But if any of them think that they could use some last-minute advice before sitting on the witness stand, then they can take some advice from teaching artists Quinn Gasaway and Ben Grimes.