University of Arkansas School of Law (Fayetteville)

The legal research and writing program at the University of Arkansas School of Law (Fayetteville) includes three required semesters of LRW, a total of seven graded credits for each student. The program now begins during Orientation Week with a 12-hour introductory curriculum. In sections of 25-30, students are introduced to the state and federal legal systems, read and brief cases, begin using the law library, and start dissecting judicial opinions and debating their application to a hypothetical client's problem. LRW continues through the fall semester with a focus on basic research tools and strategies, and on objective legal analysis and memoranda. Full-time faculty review student drafts, provide written notes, and meet with students regularly one-on-one in at least two individual conferences during the term. In the spring semester, students try out their advocacy skills, writing an appellate brief and arguing their client's position before a "court" of local attorneys who volunteer their time each year, after a practice argument session with their LRW professor. The third semester of LRW exposes students to client letters, pleadings, motions, trial level briefs, and non-litigation drafting. Taught in seminar-sized groups of 15, students may also be asked to research and present a "CLE" for the class on a practice-oriented subject, or they may try their hands at negotiation and drafting of a settlement agreement. Elective upper-level opportunities for research and writing include skills classes, such as Drafting Legal Documents and Business Planning, that incorporate substantial drafting assignments.

The School of Law's LRW faculty contribute to the program's strength, and have also enhanced the Law School in many areas. The Director is tenured, and the four other faculty members all hold the rank of Clinical Associate Professor. They are eligible for reappointment for renewable three year periods. They vote at faculty meetings on all policy matters, serve on and chair faculty committees. In combination, the five LRW faculty members represent over forty-five years of LRW teaching experience.
Professor Kathryn A. Sampson, who has taught at the law school since 1993, coaches the school's National Moot Court team, has taught Elder Law and Insurance law, and has chaired the University's Distinguished Lecture Committee.
Professor Kim Coats, who has taught here since 1996, coordinates the Trial Competition, teaches a fall series of workshops on class preparation and exam skills, and coaches two moot court teams.
Professor Sharon E. Foster, who joined the faculty in 2000, has added expertise in International Law, offering a five week mini-course in International Legal Research and teaching International Business Transactions. After her arrival, the Law School began fielding a Jessup International Moot Court team, which she helps coach. She also advises the Women's Law Student Association and coaches the Negotiations team.
Professor Ann Killenbeck joined the LRW faculty for the 2004-05 year after a year as a Visiting Professor here.
Professor Killenbeck previously taught in the legal writing curriculum for four years, and has taught Social Science and the Law.
Professor Terry Jean Seligmann has directed the LRW program since 1997. She researches and writes on legal research and writing topics, and on special education law. She also teaches Education Law. She is active nationally and assumed the position of President of the Legal Writing Institute in July 2004.

Terry Jean Seligmann
Associate Professor and Director of Legal Research and Writing
University of Arkansas School of Law
Robert A. Leflar Law Center
Fayetteville, AR 72701
tselig@uark.edu