The Faculty of Law appoints the new director of external professions
Ashley U. Menendez
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Ashley U. Menendez has been named director of external studies at the University of Arkansas School of Law.
“As director of external affairs, I look forward to building on the law school’s outstanding employment program,” Menendez said. “Our students are extremely fortunate to have the ability to gain practical real-world legal experience while in law school in a wide variety of positions – including corporations, prosecutors’ offices, public defenders’ offices, federal and state judges and a variety of public interest organizations in Northwest Arkansas and beyond. I bring to this role my legal practice experience as an attorney in private practice of large and small firms, as an in-house attorney, and as a trial law clerk. I am passionate after forming a professional identity and I take seriously my role in helping each student ‘connect the dots’ between law school and their post-graduate legal career.”
Menendez served as interim external director beginning in August 2021 following the retirement of Professor Angie Doss.
“Ashley brings a focused and thoughtful approach to building a strong and successful program and has done an outstanding job of creating new opportunities and encouraging students to pursue experiences that align with their goals. career,” said Dean Cynthia Nance. “I know the program will continue to thrive and grow under her leadership.”
Menendez has been part of the law school since 2018. She has worked in various roles as part of the Student Services team, most recently as director of academic excellence.
Prior to joining the Law School, Menendez served as contract counsel for Walmart Stores Inc.; career counselor at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. Louis, and an associate at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Haynes and Boone LLP.
She was a judicial law clerk for the Hon. William F. Sanderson, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Texas, from 2007-09 and for the late Hon. Harry F. Barnes, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas from 2001-02.
Menendez graduated with glory from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree and graduated majestic with glory from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Communication.
The University of Arkansas School of Law’s Externship Program provides students with practical legal experience. Students have the opportunity to work outside of law school in real practice settings while being mentored by law school faculty. Find out more about the U of A externship program.
About the School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculties. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, direct client clinics, contests, 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 in an effort to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Pioneer Six, 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, the law school has a rich. history and culture. Follow us at @uarklaw.