Student Spotlight: Lindsay Mast
Q & A
Why did you choose to pursue a J.D. and what do you hope to do with your degree after graduation?
I decided to pursue a J.D. after learning about the challenges within our criminal
justice system, particularly how it affects those without financial means and the
tragic reality of wrongful incarcerations. My experiences as a foster parent to teenagers
entangled in the criminal justice system, a mentor to teenage mothers, and a volunteer
working with people experiencing poverty and homelessness revealed obstacles I had
not personally encountered. As I considered my next career step, I felt compelled
to pursue a law degree with the goal of driving meaningful change within these systems.
The law shapes our lives and opportunities in profound ways, and I hope my practice
will serve marginalized communities. I aspire to work on behalf of clients with innocence
claims and to advocate for prison reform that strengthens our communities.
Q. What are some opportunities you have engaged in during your time at law school?
Pro Bono work! It has provided excellent practice in client interviewing, drafting documents, and learning from experienced attorneys. Getting to “dive in” to working with clients has felt like fuel to motivate my continued study throughout law school. Participating in the Delta Initiative both 2L and 3L years was a highlight for sure! Working with Legal Aid attorneys has been incredibly valuable as it has provided a wide array of opportunities to practice and learn.
Intraschool competitions – I have competed in the Negotiations Competition and the Altheimer Moot Court Competition. Both were such valuable learning experiences.
Summer Public Service Fellowship – I was able to intern with Midwest Innocence Project after my 1L year with the financial support of generous donors who promote public service engagement. It was such an incredible experience made possible by the Rose Law Firm.
RSOs – Coalition for Unity + Empowerment, Outlaw, Women’s Law Student Association, Criminal Law Society, Black Law Student Association. I have chosen to be a member of each of these groups as they promote values and interests that align with my personal values and interests.
Criminal Clinic – This semester, I have been able to work on behalf of an Arkansas inmate with a strong innocence claim with my Rule XV license.
Arkansas Law Review – I worked as a Staff Editor 2L year and now I am serving as Symposium Editor this year. Planning our fall symposium focused on legal education with Dean Nance was an incredible experience. I learned so much about legal education – where we’ve been and opportunities for advancements up ahead - and made valuable connections.
Externship - I worked with Judge Cristi Beaumont who presides over Washington and Madison County Drug Courts. This experience was exceptional in opening my eyes to effective alternative solutions to incarceration that truly help rehabilitate people who are struggling.
Q. What has been your favorite part or most rewarding part of law school?
No contest…the people I’ve met! I feel so incredibly privileged to be back in a learning environment with classmates after a 20-year break from school. As a resident of Fayetteville for the past 18 years, coming to law school has created an entirely new group of friends, acquaintances, future colleagues, and activists that I cherish. I’ve loved getting to meet fellow neighbors and community members as well through pro bono work. People remind me of our collective dependence upon one another for thriving, and law school has only added to that reality in my life.
Q. Tell us something interesting about yourself that we couldn’t learn from reading your resume.
My happy place is adventuring outdoors with my family or piled up on a couch with my four kids reading together. A day spent in a river is unmatched for me; nature calms me and keeps me mindful and present. I am an unreasonable animal lover who talks to the woodland creatures who enjoy my yard each day.