U of A School of Law Student Wins Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Competition

Kathryn Totty, a third-year student at the U of A School of Law, earned first place at the 2026 Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference hosted by The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. The prestigious national event brings together top law students from across the country to refine their legal writing skills under the guidance of distinguished members of the judiciary.

Totty was one of 40 students nationwide selected to participate in the highly competitive conference. Participants were tasked with drafting an opinion addressing a constitutional law problem centered on the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Submissions were reviewed in advance, and participants received individualized feedback throughout the conference.

"It was a full-circle moment," Totty said. "The experience reinforced that strong legal writing comes through thoughtful revision, and it gave me confidence in my ability to take feedback and grow as a legal writer."

During the conference, Totty worked closely with Judge David Tapp of the United States Court of Federal Claims, who provided one-on-one feedback and mentorship on her draft opinion. Totty described the experience as invaluable, noting that the environment encouraged meaningful dialogue and deeper engagement with the work.

A first-generation law student and native of Camden, Totty credits her success to the mentorship and encouragement of School of Law faculty and colleagues. She was encouraged to apply by Professor Blair Bullock and alumnus Tyler Mlakar, a former conference participant with whom she worked as a summer associate at the Rose Law Firm.

Totty also expressed gratitude to her professors, including Amanda Hurst, Daniel Bousquet and Danielle Weatherby. She has served as a teaching assistant for Legal Research and Writing under Weatherby for the past two years.

"The mentorship I've received since my first year of law school has helped me develop a genuine passion for legal research and writing and made opportunities like this possible," Totty said.

In addition to her academic achievements, Totty serves as editor-in-chief of the Arkansas Law Review and is a founding member and current president of the Rural Law Association. Following her graduation in May, Totty will begin a one-year judicial clerkship with Judge Bobby E. Shepherd of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit. 

"The opportunity to learn from sitting judges and connect with peers from across the country was incredibly meaningful," she said. "It's an experience I will carry with me into my clerkship and beyond. I am grateful for the education and support I've received at the University of Arkansas."