Derick’s Law School Graduation!
He did it!! We are so proud of Derick and his recent accomplishment in graduating from the University of Arkansas School of Law! This is a busy season of life for us, so we are a little late in sharing pictures on the blog, but we didn’t want to pass up the opportunity! See pictures and NEW video (below) from graduation day!
Although law school wasn’t easy, Derick enjoyed it overall and had many great experiences! While in school, he enjoyed working in several different areas of public service law at both the state and federal levels, including prosecution, defense and judicial work! He was grateful to receive a scholarship through the “Public Service Fellowship” which allowed him to gain great experience as a “Public Service Fellow.” He was also honored to be part of a small group of students selected for the Arkansas Public Service Academy, and he even received a “ProBono & Community Engagement” award at graduation that recognized his many extra hours volunteering in public service outside of work and class!
While in school, he worked hard to get “Rule XV” certified, which allowed him to represent clients as a law student under supervision through the law school in both the Criminal & Immigration legal clinics. He also graduated with a certificate in Criminal Law. Eventually, he hopes to work in some type of public service law.
Due to covid restrictions at the graduation, we were given a limited number of ceremony tickets so a few family members were able to attend in person with us. However, many other friends and family were able to watch and celebrate with us via the online live-stream of the event. We were just happy Derick’s class was able to graduate and “walk” in person this year!
Congrats Derick on your hard work! We are so proud of you! Go Hogs!
Some screenshots from a friend watching the graduation online. 
Derick with Dean McCabe 
Derick with his mom (she’s wearing the same outfit she wore to his undergrad graduation from Oklahoma State University) 
Derick with one of his professors, Prof. Howard Brill 
Derick & James (Jill’s brother) 
The Dillard brothers and their families 
Graduation celebration cake 
See our recent “Day in the Life of a Law Student” video! (click here for link)
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Congratulations on your graduation! I know you will use it to glorify GOD in the lives you will touch. Job well done Derrick!
Congratulations on your new career!
Derick, you ROCKED law school! Way to go! I knew you would plow through it, your Accounting Degree was very difficult, too! I am SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!!! I enjoyed reading about your various experiences in Federal, Prosecution and Defense, as well as Criminal! What great choices you made in your journey to make you a well rounded attorney! Smart move! I knowwww you will pass the BAR exam in one try! You are a shining example to your sons and glad James saw you graduate, maybe planted some seeds in all of them! I have been with a Defense Litigation Attorney for 26 years, we have our own Law Firm, something to consider down the road?.Jill, I understand on a personal level the amount of support and sacrifice you have made, you are such an awesome and supportive wife! Just keep in mind, trial time, its good to walk on eggshells lol, its a high pressure job but its also such a celebration when trials are slam dunked, woohoo! Always feel free to connect with me! My guy took the BAR again, 30 years after graduation to get licensed in Ohio, too. He was sworn in in the Supteme Court, the sky is the limit! He was defending…lol…WalMart, had to fire THEM, but, anyways, if Derek wants to get licensrd in another State, now is the time, much easier! I understand you, Jill, all you did, all you will continue to do as an Attorney wife, your support means everything! Derick, I understand how hard you worked, with your passion for Law, you are headed to the TOP, sir, again, I am very proud of you! This is such a wonderful time in your lives! I can’t wait to watch your new path unfold, especially since I watched my man grow in his career, so exciting! God Bless the Dillards! Also, your Mom was amazing, still is, lol, to find the best Scholarships and guide and encourage as well! From one Attorney family to another, enjoy this super cool jpurney! Congratulations! Oh. I wrote a little novel, lol, this is such a special time so lots of congrats, recognition and encouragement is in order, lol, but, so much to say! I am ecstatic! YAYYYY! Enjoy the journey!!! LY’s and you have my prayers!!!!
Congratulations Derick!
Congratulations Derick! I’m so proud of you and Jill. I’d love to hear all about passing the bar, if you’d like to share.