2026 H. Maurice Mitchell Leaders in Law Scholarship Recipients Announced
Law Students Christen Johnson, Matthew Mayfield and Katherine Calandro Awarded Schlorships
June 26, 2026
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. announces that law students Christen Johnson, Matthew Mayfield and Katherine Calandro have received the H. Maurice Mitchell Leaders in Law scholarships. The scholarship program, established by the firm in honor of Maurice Mitchell, is designated annually for the students serving as Moot Court chair at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and Board of Advocates chair at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Johnson and Mayfield have been named Moot Court co-chairs at Bowen, and Calandro will serve as Board of Advocates chair at the UA School of Law.
Johnson is a third-year law student at the University of Arkansas Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. She is a 2025 Bowen Fellow, vice president of the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers and a member of the UA Little Rock Law Review. She earned Top Papers in Civil Procedure I, Professional Responsibility and Moot Court Competition. She graduated magna cum laude from Lyon College with a Bachelor of Arts in history.
Mayfield is a third-year law student at the University of Arkansas Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. He was a regional semifinalist in the American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy Competition. He holds a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Ouachita Baptist University.
Calandro is a third-year law student at the University of Arkansas School of Law. She was the champion and best advocate of the 2025 William H. Sutton Barrister’s Union Trial Competition and earned best appellant oralist in Legal Research & Writing. She was a member of the Final Four Competing Team in the Spring 2025 Negotiation Competition. Calandro graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in economics.
“The H. Maurice Mitchell Leaders in Law scholarship program was established in honor of Maurice Mitchell, whose leadership and service helped shape our firm’s culture. We are committed to supporting students who serve in leadership roles at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville,” said Derrick Smith, managing director of Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. “We congratulate Christen, Matthew, and Katherine and wish them continued success this year and in their future legal careers.”
About Mitchell Williams
Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. is a full-service law firm with Arkansas roots and national reach. For more than 70 years, the firm has delivered sophisticated legal counsel to corporations, entities and individuals on day-to-day business needs to the most complex corporate matters. From offices in Little Rock, Rogers and Jonesboro, Arkansas and Austin, Texas, Mitchell Williams leverages strategy and experience to deliver exceptional service to our valued clients. Learn more information, visit MitchellWilliamsLaw.com.