Kathryn Totty was awarded First Place in the 2026 Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing competition. The event, held during the Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference (JCOW) hosted by Catholic Law, brought together law students to develop their legal writing skills with guidance from experienced judges. Totty’s first-place recognition highlights her commitment to judicial opinion writing as she prepares for her future legal career.

Totty completed her undergraduate studies at Ouachita Baptist University in May 2023 and is on track to graduate from the University of Arkansas School of Law with her Juris Doctor in May 2026. After graduation, she will begin a one-year clerkship in August 2026 with the Honorable Bobby E. Shepherd of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

The Catholic Law JCOW conference helped Totty prepare for her move from law school to the federal appellate court. She met students from across the country and gained practical insights from sitting judges. One standout moment from the conference was the final workshop day, where she reviewed her draft opinions one-on-one with Judge Tapp. Describing this experience, Totty shared, "Getting the chance to walk through my draft one-on-one with Judge Tapp and hear his practical advice was such a valuable experience." The advice she received strengthened her writing and made her feel more prepared for her upcoming clerkship.

Reflecting on the network of support that guided her, Totty highlighted the essential roles of her mentors and the conference faculty. “I would especially like to thank Professor Danielle Weatherby. I have had the privilege of serving as her Legal Research and Writing teaching assistant for the past two years, and her mentorship since 1L year has helped me develop a genuine love for legal research and writing,” Totty shared. She also praised the supportive atmosphere created at the event, noting that the JCOW faculty "cultivated an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and further embracing the craft of judicial opinion writing."

Receiving the First Place CSL Prize stands as a significant milestone that Totty views as a gateway for others in her community. “I am truly honored to receive the First Place CSL Prize. I came into the conference hoping to learn as much as I could and become the best clerk that I can be for Judge Shepherd,” she explained. Looking ahead, Totty aims to inspire her fellow students, adding, "Opportunities like this help open doors for future clerks from Arkansas. The conference built my confidence and provided insight that will be invaluable as I begin my clerkship next year."

Click here to learn more about the Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference.