The Ben J. Altheimer Symposium is an annual event hosted by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's William H. Bowen School of Law and the UA Little Rock Law Review. This symposium brings together prominent scholars and practitioners to explore significant legal topics, fostering discussion and scholarship within the legal community.
The 2026 symposium, titled "Rethinking Juvenile Law Through Education and Trauma," will focus on the intersection of juvenile law, education, and trauma. Key sessions include a keynote address by Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education, and panels discussing advancements in juvenile justice, transformative policies, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on legal decision-making.
Attendees will have opportunities for networking during complimentary breakfast and lunch sessions. Notable speakers include Justice Rhonda K. Wood of the Arkansas Supreme Court, Drew Shover, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for Benton County, and Brenda Stallings from the Pulaski County Public Defender’s Office.
This symposium is ideal for legal professionals, educators, policymakers, and advocates interested in juvenile justice reform. Participants will gain insights into current challenges and innovative approaches to improving outcomes for youth within the legal system.
Speakers
Angela Albertus
Practicing Attorney at New York City
Angela Albertus is a practicing attorney in New York City, providing legal services across various practice areas.
Becky L. Jacobs
Waller Lansden Distinguished Professor of Law at University of Tennessee Winston College of Law
Becky L. Jacobs is a Waller Lansden Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law, directing the Civil and Family Mediation Clinics and teaching in dispute resolution and family law.
Brenda Stallings
Attorney at Pulaski County Public Defender’s Office
Brenda Stallings is an attorney in the Pulaski County Public Defender’s Office, providing legal defense services to individuals in need.
Caren Harp
Deputy Public Defender at Columbia County, Arkansas
Caren Harp serves as Deputy Public Defender in Columbia County, Arkansas, offering legal representation to clients in the public defense system.
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona
12th U.S. Secretary of Education at Cardona Solutions
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona served as the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education, focusing on reopening and reimagining schools, overhauling higher education accountability, and improving access and affordability to higher education. Prior to this, he was a teacher, award-winning school principal, district leader, and Commissioner of Education for Connecticut.
Drew Shover
Chief Juvenile Probation Officer at Benton County, Arkansas
Drew Shover is the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for Benton County, Arkansas, overseeing juvenile probation services and initiatives.
Jennifer Brinkman
Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Children’s Law Center Clinic at Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law
Jennifer Brinkman is an Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Children’s Law Center Clinic at Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law, focusing on children's legal issues and education.
Justice Rhonda K. Wood
Associate Justice at Arkansas Supreme Court
Justice Rhonda K. Wood serves as an Associate Justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court, contributing to the advancement of the state's judicial system.
Kellyn O. McGee
Associate Professor at Widener University Commonwealth Law School
Kellyn O. McGee is an Associate Professor at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, specializing in legal instruction and research.
Ken Schmetterer
Litigation Attorney at DLA Piper
Ken Schmetterer is a litigation attorney at DLA Piper, specializing in complex legal disputes and advocacy.
Nicholas Bolden, PhD
Associate Professor at Columbus State University
Nicholas Bolden, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the School of Policy, Justice, and Public Safety at Columbus State University, focusing on conflict resolution and dispute system design.
Todd J. Clark
Dean and Professor of Law at Widener University Delaware Law School
Todd J. Clark serves as Dean and Professor of Law at Widener University Delaware Law School, contributing to legal academia and administration.
Vanessa Miller
Assistant Professor of Law at FIU Law
Vanessa Miller is an Assistant Professor of Law at FIU Law, researching the policing of American schools and universities and the legal governance of police authority within educational institutions.
andré douglas pond cummings
Dean and Professor of Law at Widener University Commonwealth Law School
andré douglas pond cummings is the Dean and Professor of Law at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, with expertise in legal education and scholarship.
Event Details
- Date
- March 6, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Little Rock, United States
- William H. Bowen School of Law
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Legal professionals, educators, policymakers, and advocates interested in juvenile justice reform.
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation pending
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