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Bowen grad earns Summa Cum Laude while balancing full-time work
By Sydney Ambrus
Balancing law school with a full-time job required tremendous resilience — a quality Verenice Perez Taylor is proud to claim. On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Hope, Arkansas, native will graduate Summa Cum Laude from the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.
After graduation, Taylor will join the Mitchell Williams Law Firm as an associate attorney in the firm’s transactional business group. She first connected with the firm through an on-campus interview at Bowen and later clerked with Mitchell Williams in summer 2024 before receiving a full-time offer that fall.
Before she walks the stage, Taylor reflected on her journey and the motivations that pushed her forward.
What inspired you to pursue law — and why Bowen?
I wanted to pursue law because it felt like a great fit for my skill set, and it provides an opportunity for intellectually stimulating work, which I appreciate. I knew I wanted to work full-time and go to school part-time. Bowen was always my only option because I never wanted to leave the state, and I wanted to pursue my law degree whilst enhancing my career. I was born and raised in Arkansas; I love my home state, and I always knew I’d practice law here.
What have you been balancing outside the classroom (work, family, service, etc.)?
Outside classes, I’ve balanced full-time work. I previously worked as a credit risk analyst at Simmons Bank. Now, I’m working as a paralegal at Mitchell Williams, where I will transition into an associate position post-graduation. I also serve as Treasurer of the Junior League of Little Rock.
What area of law are you most passionate about, and why?
Corporate law. I continue to be fascinated by the complex legal issues that arise during the normal course of business. I’m grateful to be part of a firm that focuses on this type of work.
What experience at Bowen made a lasting impact on you?
I served as AAWL President last year. Due to our work for AAWL Women’s Week in Spring 2025, we received an award from the NCWBA. That was special because it was a true testament of all the great work the organization does for women.
Additionally, I’ve always appreciated my part-time class. We’re a tight-knit group and constantly support one another. I’m incredibly grateful to be in the part-time program due to the connections with my classmates and ability to shape one another’s law school journey for the better. I hope Bowen continues to support part-time students and enhance their experience.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know — something that shaped your journey, a challenge you overcame, or a moment you’re proud of?
I’m generally proud of my resilience. Part-time law school is never easy, but I was able to juggle various leadership positions at Bowen and in my community along with doing well in my coursework. I hope the sponsors of private scholarships know that their contributions were well-placed, and I am excited to contribute to new law students in the future.
Felisha Weaver, director of communications and public relations at the William H. Bowen School of Law, contributed to this story.
