UA Law Student Jissel Esparza Saucedo Named Inaugural Mitchell Williams Legal Diversity Fellow

March 13, 2023

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Mitchell Williams is pleased to announce that Jissel Esparza Saucedo has been named the Mitchell Williams Legal Diversity Fellow at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Dean Cynthia Nance selected Esparza in recognition of her service, significant leadership potential and her consistent work to create an equitable playing field for minorities.

"I am greatly honored to have been selected as the 2022-2023 Mitchell Williams Diversity Fellow,” Esparza said. “I am looking forward to working with the law school administration and community partners to ensure we are creating an environment that fosters diversity, inclusivity, and equality for all.”  Esparza said, “I am thrilled I get to spend my time in law school contributing to my community for such an important matter."

Esparza is currently a staff editor on the Arkansas Law Review and has been selected to serve as editor in chief of the Arkansas Law Review for the 2023-24 academic year. She will be the first person of color in the history of the publication to serve in this position. She serves as the fundraising director for the Women’s Law Student Association and treasurer of the student chapter of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Originally from Jonesboro, Esparza played a critical role in developing the curriculum for the U of A Constitution Day efforts in Pine Bluff and Osceola High Schools—a program designed to heighten awareness of law as a profession in the Arkansas Delta region and other communities in need of resident legal professionals. She is a 2021 graduate of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a double major in accounting and finance.

"Mitchell Williams is committed to supporting the University of Arkansas School of Law in its diversity initiatives," said Melissa Bandy, chief diversity officer at Mitchell Williams. "Our goal in establishing the Legal Diversity Fellowship is to support law students committed to increasing diversity in the school through mentorship, recruitment, programming and working with the school's administration to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. Through this fellowship program, we have the opportunity to help advance diversity in the legal profession."

About Mitchell Williams

Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. is a full-service law firm providing strategic, comprehensive legal counsel for everything from day-to-day needs to the most complex, specialized business matters. Established in 1954, the firm has offices in Little Rock, Rogers and Jonesboro, Arkansas and Austin, Texas. For more information, visit MitchellWilliamsLaw.com.

About the School of Law

The University of Arkansas School of Law offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, competitions, and food and agriculture initiatives. The school strives to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of race, color, ethnicity, and the impact(s) they have on students, faculty, and staff members to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Six Pioneers who were the first African American students to attend law school in the South without a court order to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors, and faculty who went on to become President of the United States and Secretary of State, the law school has a rich history and culture.

About the University of Arkansas

As Arkansas' flagship institution, the University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines.