Atkinson LGBTQ Law and Policy Colloquium
The Atkinson LGBTQ Law and Policy will host an annual series of prominent speakers who are working on a diverse range of LGBTQ law and policy topics of interest to the Arkansas community. The colloquium will provide a forum for scholars to present cutting-edge research and engage with both law and non-law students who enroll in the colloquium at the University of Arkansas.
The colloquium will fund a student research assistant for the academic year who will assist the faculty director on LGBTQ-related research and help to support broader LGBTQ inclusion goals at the law school and campus community.
LGBTQIA+ Lawyers and Leaders
A discussion on current issues and panelists' personal experiences being out in their professions.
University of Arkansas School of Law - E.J. Ball Courtroom
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
12 - 1pm
Check-In and Lunch Service will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Panel Discussion will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m.
Panel Participants:
Evelyn Rios Stafford, Washington County Justice of the Peace
Evelyn Rios Stafford (she/her) is a Justice of the Peace in Washington County. She is the first openly trans person elected to office in Arkansas history. Evelyn is serving her first term on the Quorum Court, the legislative branch of county government. Last year, she met with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and helped convince him to veto a state bill banning gender-confirming healthcare for trans youth. Evelyn is also a two-time Emmy Award-winning former journalist. She is a small business owner, running a communications agency since 2015. She and her husband Bob live in Fayetteville.
Josie Bates, Associate Attorney - Kutak Rock LLP
Josie Bates (she/her) is and Associate Attorney in the Real Estate Division of Kutak Rock LLP. Bates is originally from North Little Rock and graduated from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences in 2020 with degrees in English and Psychology. While in law school, she served as the President of OutLaw, the President of the Women’s Law Student Association, Managing Editor of the Arkansas Law Review, and Chair of the Law School’s Anti-Bias Anti-Racist Task Force.
Zach Baumgarten
Zach Baumgarten (he/him) is the Pro Bono Program Director of the Veterans Legal Service Clinic at UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. Baumgarten completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) and completed a dual degree program at Bowen School of Law and the Clinton School of Public Service, earning his Juris Doctor and Masters of Public Service. While in law school he served as president of Bowen's student veterans group. Additionally, from 2008 to 2010, he was a congressional staffer in D.C., and he was an infantryman in the US Army where he did a tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
