Chris Carlisle’s Journey: Law School, Life Lessons, and a Dream Realized

Chris Carlisle of Perryville has worn many hats – retail manager, houseparent, and homeschool teacher – but through every career twist and turn, one goal stayed quietly in his heart: attending law school.

“I’ve wanted to attend law school since I was very young; it just took a while to get the courage to do it,” he said.

Before entering the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, Carlisle explored various professions and focused on his family. He even completed a computer programming boot camp, but when programming didn’t lead to a career, he decided to pursue the dream he’d set aside for years.

“While I was home with the kids, my wife finished her bachelor’s and master’s in teaching (while working full time), and that’s when I decided it was time for me to do what I wanted to do instead of what I had to do,” Carlisle said.

After high school, he’d decided to major in political science at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. 

“I spent two years at Fayetteville making very poor choices, and was sent home on academic suspension,” he said, recalling that although his undergraduate college years were rocky, a turn toward public service helped get him back on track.

After working for the Arkansas House of Representatives and the Secretary of State’s office, and at the encouragement of his wife, he returned to Fayetteville to complete his political science degree. Two years later, he graduated with a medal from the university recognizing outstanding leadership and dedication to the school through his work with non-traditional and commuter students.

A few years ago, Carlisle decided to make another major change in his life.

“I just decided the time was right,” he said about pursuing law school during the pandemic. Although his first LSAT attempt fell short, he persevered, improved his score, and was admitted with scholarships.

Now, Carlisle has earned his Juris Doctor from the UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law in May.

“The experiential learning opportunities I’ve had have given me great exposure,” he said, noting his externships with a federal agency, Pulaski County Criminal Court, and work in mediation.

As a nontraditional student, Carlisle faced challenges both in the classroom and at home.

“My biggest challenge was coming to school later in life than most, if not all, of my classmates,” he said. “I also had my responsibilities at home. While my kids are teenagers and don’t require constant attention, they have their own activities going on for which I wanted to be fully present.”

He credits a disciplined, job-like approach to law school for helping him balance academics and family life.

Carlisle also took an active role in student leadership, serving as vice president of the Student Bar Association, treasurer and president of the Pulaski County Bar Association Student Division, and co-founding the First Generation Law Students Organization.

“I’m very proud of the relationships I’ve made at school and in the community, and I am honored to represent Bowen as a graduate,” he said.

Throughout his law school journey, Carlisle built a resume rich in public service internships, including time with the Arkansas Department of Education, the USDA’s Office of General Counsel, the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, and an externship with Judge Andy Gill.

“All of my experiences have been invaluable in shaping my future practice of law,” he said.

Carlisle is especially grateful for the support of his family and friends and the mentorship he received along the way.

“Professor Danna Young and Associate Dean Gustafson were both incredibly supportive,” Carlisle said. “Dean Gus has also been highly encouraging, and I’ve appreciated her honesty and candor in telling me what I needed to hear and not what I wanted to hear. They saw me struggle, but were excited when I overcame those struggles, and I cannot thank them enough. I have taken something from every professor here and will sing their praises, every single one of them, to anyone who will listen.”

He said there are many reasons why he chose to attend the Bowen School of Law, including that the Little Rock/Saline County area is home.  

“I also chose Bowen because I wanted to be around state government,” Carlisle said. “My mom worked for the state for nearly 40 years, and I’ve been an Arkansas news and politics junkie since I was a kid. Even if I don’t work in politics or government, I am comfortable around it. Growing up here, I have seen Little Rock go through many stages, good and bad, but I’m big on Little Rock and want to make a difference here. When I say I chose Bowen, there really wasn’t much choice; this is where I was meant to be.”

As he prepares for the bar exam this summer, Carlisle is looking forward to the next chapter in his life.

“I’d give anything to do a clerkship for a judge, but those are rare and very tough to get,” he said. “I am open to learning all types of law. I prefer civil litigation, lobbying, or transactional work, but I will talk to anyone who calls.”

Reflecting on his journey, Carlisle describes his experience at Bowen as life-changing.

“It has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but by far the most exciting,” he said. “I am forever grateful to the faculty, staff, and classmates for an incredible three years.”