Bowen grads aim to make a difference in their communities
January 20-26, 2025
By Angelita Faller
Three outstanding graduates from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law celebrated the culmination of their hard work and perseverance during December 2024 with their graduation from law school.
Each new graduate has a unique story of resilience and dedication, showcasing how their time at Bowen has prepared them to make meaningful contributions in their communities based on their past experiences and passion for helping people via the law.
Tech Analyst Turned Advocate: Oscar Leyva
Oscar Leyva’s path to law began in the tech industry, where he spent seven years as a compliance and threat analyst for tech giants Meta and Google. A naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Leyva realized he wanted to use the law to advocate for marginalized communities. In 2022, he joined Bowen to turn that vision into reality.
“I realized that in tech, I couldn’t make the changes I wanted to see in society and help the people I wanted to help,” Leyva said. “I decided to get a law degree so I could start helping marginalized communities that need the most help.”
During his time at Bowen, Leyva distinguished himself through his dedication to service. He assisted Afghan refugees in securing permanent residency, volunteered with the Mexican Consulate in Little Rock, and supported indigent clients through Bowen’s Delta Divorce Clinic. As a native Spanish speaker, he often bridged language barriers for clients.
“Oscar has distinguished himself by putting his legal skills to practice in service of human rights, including assisting a large family of Afghan refugees in obtaining permanent legal residency after they were forced to flee Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover,” Bowen Dean Colin Crawford said. “In this effort, Oscar helped them navigate the complexities of the immigration process, ensuring they received the protection and legal status they were entitled to in the U.S.”
Leyva was also active on campus, participating in organizations like OutLaw and the Latin American Law Students Association, and clerking for local law firms. After taking the Arkansas Bar Exam, he hopes to open his own practice to serve rural, underserved communities.
“I want to help people where resources are scarce,” Leyva said. “Whether it’s immigration, family law, or criminal defense, I want to ensure people have access to justice.”
Continuing a Family Legacy: Reed Galloway
For Reed Galloway, the journey to law was deeply personal. Raised in Vidor, Texas, Galloway lost his father as a baby and was mentored by his grandfather, Judge Rodney Price, who instilled in him a passion for the law.
“I basically grew up in the law office,” Galloway said. “My grandfather kept a basket of toys under his desk for me. I didn’t want to be a lawyer at first, but over time, his passion for the law and his care for people had a big impact on me.”
Galloway moved to Little Rock in 2021 to attend Bowen part-time while working remotely for his grandfather’s firm. At Bowen, he earned the Top Paper Award in contracts and worked as a research assistant to Professor Robert Steinbuch, experiences he credits for shaping his legal education.
Outside of academics, Galloway’s life is filled with service and family. In Little Rock, he served as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church, where he mentored students and visited elderly members. His personal milestones are just as significant: Galloway and his wife, Cara, are expecting their first child in February, coinciding with his scheduled bar exam date.
Galloway has returned to Texas to join his grandfather’s firm, focusing on real estate and estate planning.
“Law school challenged me in ways I never imagined,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to have incredible mentors, from my grandfather to my professors at Bowen. I’m ready to carry forward their lessons as I step into this new chapter.”
A First-Generation Trailblazer:
Jose Gomez
Jose Gomez, a native of Gilmer, Texas, graduated from Bowen as the first person in his family to earn a law degree. His parents’ sacrifices motivated him to prioritize education, leading to degrees in finance and an MBA before pursuing law at Bowen.
“I’m the first person in my family to graduate high school and go to college,” Gomez said. “My parents are smart and have shown me the value of education, but they weren’t given the same environment to thrive in school.”
At Bowen, Gomez excelled academically, earning the Judge Oren Harris Scholarship and serving as a research assistant to Dean Colin Crawford. He also took on leadership roles, including as alumni chair for the Latin American Law Students Association. His work with the Center for Racial and Criminal Justice Reform involved researching how legal systems affect rural communities.
During the fall 2024 semester, Gomez gained practical experience at the Pulaski County Attorney’s Office, where he handled bond forfeitures and appellate motions. After passing the bar, he plans to work in business and immigration law in Dallas, with aspirations to open his own firm and pursue a Ph.D. in finance and real estate.
“I want to gain experience and build my reputation in the legal community,” Gomez explained. “Once I am established, I want to have my own firm to help people in areas like immigration, estate planning, personal injury, and criminal defense. I have been fortunate enough to win a trial. It’s amazing when you see how much your help has helped someone change their life.”
Bowen’s Legacy of Service and Excellence
The stories of Leyva, Galloway, and Gomez highlight the diverse paths Bowen graduates take to make a difference. From advocating for marginalized communities to continuing family legacies and breaking generational barriers, these graduates embody Bowen’s commitment to service and excellence.
Photo Caption:
1. Jose Gomez
2. Reed Galloway
3. Oscar Leyva
Photo Credits:
Photos by Ben Krain