Michael T. Flannery

Michael T. Flannery is the Judge George Howard, Jr. Professor of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s William H. Bowen School of Law. He joined the faculty in 2003 and was named Distinguished Professor in 2010. His roles include associate dean for Faculty Development (2014–2016) and associate dean for Academic Affairs (2018–2020). Flannery teaches courses on Decedents’ Estates, Family Law, Animal Law, and Sports Law. He previously served as a special judge in Arkansas’ 20th Judicial District (2008–2011) and as a legislative expert for the Arkansas Bar Association’s Family Law Committee. His research focuses on trusts, estates, family law, and child exploitation, with over 10 books, 14 law review articles, and numerous expert commentaries.

Education: B.A., University of Delaware (1987); J.D., Catholic University of America (1991). Flannery practiced law in Philadelphia’s City Solicitor’s Office, specializing in child dependency and mental health litigation, before joining private practice and academia.

Research interests include ethical robotics in legal contexts, child protection mechanisms, and estate planning innovations. His work has been cited by the Alabama, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, and New York Supreme Courts. Notable publications include The Sexual Exploitation of Children (2016) and Decedents’ Estates: Cases and Materials (2016).

Awards include the John M. DiPippa Scholarship Award (2016) and multiple Faculty Excellence Awards for Research and Teaching. Flannery contributes to legal organizations, speaks at symposia, and maintains active engagement with legislative policy.