2010 SPECIAL SECTION
PRESENTED BY AY MAGAZINE
Arkansas’
BEST LAWYERS Those who practice law have often been much maligned, however there is great dignity and honor in defending the rights of citizens and prosecuting those who encroach upon those rights. Attorneys are key to the judicial system, which is a driving force in American society. This month, we acknowledge the intelligence and hard work of these professionals with The Best Lawyers ListingÂŽ and stories about how many of them lend their expertise and monies to non-profits and indiviuals in need.
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BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
This issue of AY highlights the lawyers of the Arkansas Bar Association. Who are the best lawyers? They are the lawyers who matter. They matter because the legal profession is a protector of the public against oppression and anarchy. Citizen lawyers drafted our national Constitution and Bill of Rights and created this great nation based on the rule of law and the separation of powers. The best lawyers serve ourselves and the citizens of Arkansas by protecting the rule of law, by making proper and necessary changes to laws that are unfair or passing new ones that improve the law and the administration of justice, or better yet, help those who need our voice because they can’t speak for themselves. The best lawyers stand for tradition — the best traditions, traditions of the past and how they will shape the character of our growth in the future. The best lawyers stand for integrity. More often that not, integrity is tough. The best lawyers demand justice and work for new ways to be the messengers of right. The best lawyers stand for trust. Their clients and community trust them. They are state and community leaders and the leaders of tomorrow. The best lawyers are citizen lawyers committed to serving the public and the legal profession by promoting the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and excellence. You will find examples of Arkansas’ best lawyers in this issue. There are more out there, all over our state — from small town to big city. We, in Arkansas, have a right to be proud. This month, the Arkansas Bar Association will host its 112th Annual Meeting in Hot Springs. We expect more than 1,300 of the finest lawyers and judges from across the state to attend this year’s meeting, June 9 through 12. More than 83 hours of Continuing Legal Education and countless hours of receptions and fun-filled events are offered for lawyers, judges and their families. The Annual Meeting is one of the Bar’s finest traditions. To view the full program, log onto arkbar.com.
DONNA C. PETTUS, PRESIDENT ARKANSAS BAR ASSOCIATION
40 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
AYMAG.COM . 41
BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
To Whom Much Is Given Arkansas’ legal professionals are — as so many Arkansans — generous. Many of our state’s attorneys donate their time and talent giving pro bono hours providing legal advice and representation to low-income residents. Further, these men and women freely give of their time and income, volunteering and sponsoring individuals, organizations and events. This year, AY gave the largest law firms in the state the opportunity to “toot their own horns,” and tell us a bit about how they give back to the community at large. A thank you to Arkansas Business for lending us a list of the largest law firms in Arkansas.
DOVER DIXON HORNE PLLC While Dover Dixon Horne PLLC can trace its origins to the late 19th century, the evolution into a modern law firm, providing the advantages of specialization to its clients, began in 1921, when Joe T. Robinson, Joseph House, Jr. and C. Hamilton Moses formed the partnership of Robinson, House and Moses. In addition to his law practice, Robinson served at various times as a congressman, U.S. senator, governor of Arkansas and vice presidential candidate when Al Smith ran for president. The current law firm has 21 attorneys providing expertise in all areas of commercial law. The DDH attorneys and staff believe in giving back to the community, serving on the boards of Centers for Youth and Families; the Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America; the Pulaski County Bar Association; National Association of State Boards of Accountancy; the Arkansas Society of CPAs; the Central Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross; the Arkansas Historical Association; and the NLR Optimist Club, among others. DDH is a lead sponsor of Splatters, a fundraiser for the Centers for Youth and Families. “As a law firm, we have been blessed with quality lawyers, a dedicated staff and wonderful clients, so giving back to the community is easy for us,” said Mark Allison, a member of the DDH Management Team. He estimated the value of the firm’s contribution to the community is around $150,000, or an average of around $7,000 per attorney. Dover Dixon Horne PPLC 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 3700 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 375-9151 • doverdixonhorne.com FRIDAY, ELDREDGE & CLARK Friday, Eldredge & Clark, Arkansas’ largest firm, traces its roots to Dec. 1, 1871, when George E. Dodge and Benjamin S. Johnson formed a law practice. Several partnerships then followed until 42 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
the current partnership was formed in 1953, under the name of Mehaffy, Smith & Williams composed of Pat Mehaffy, William J. Smith and John T. Williams. By 1960, the firm had grown to 10 lawyers and added the names of Herschel H. Friday and William H. Bowen. After Mehaffy’s appointment to the bench in 1963, the firm became Smith, Williams, Friday & Bowen. Bowen left the practice and Smith and Williams retired and the firm became Friday, Eldredge & Clark. Managing partners include Mehaffy, Smith, Friday, William H. Sutton and Byron M. Eiseman. “We give because we have been blessed and want to share our blessing to better our community and profession,” Eiseman said. The firm strives to be a good citizen of our state and community annually giving generously to more than 250 nonprofit organizations time and money having a total value of approximately $1 million. Friday, Eldredge & Clark LLP 400 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 376-2011 • fridayfirm.com GILL ELROD RAGON OWEN & SHERMAN, P.A. For more than 40 years, the law firm known today as Gill Elrod Ragon Owen & Sherman, P.A. has represented businesses, not-for-profits, banks, utilities and individuals in resolving their disputes; expanding their businesses; building their communities; and forming strategic alliances. Their client list includes many familiar not-for-profit names — Methodist Family Health Foundation, Inc., Heifer Project International, Inc., United Methodist Children’s Home, Inc., just to name a few. Regarding the community, the lawyers of Gill Elrod Ragon Owen & Sherman give of their time and treasure to more than a dozen entities annually in the six-figure range. “With only 17 lawyers, we are not as big as some
firms in town, but that’s never been a goal,” said Charles Owen, president of the firm. “Our goal is simply to be the most trusted advisors possible to our clients and a good corporate citizen.” Gill Elrod Ragon Owen & Sherman, P.A. 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 3801 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 376-3800 • gill-law.com LASER LAW FIRM Laser Law Firm is a pivotal litigation firm in Arkansas. It was founded in 1952 by Sam Laser. Its commitment to tenacity in the courtroom is the defining characteristic of the firm’s outlook and reputation. Laser Law Firm has a Martindale-Hubbell rating of “A.” The firm is included in Best’s Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys. The firm is principally a civil defense practice, specializing in corporate and defense litigation. Laser Law Firm has bench and jury trial experience in all types of civil defense. Some of which include arson, fraud, automobile, errors and omissions, civil rights, education, municipal, workers’ compensation, business and commercial, admiralty, products and premises liability, chemical and occupational, toxic tort, environmental and regulatory practice, along with general litigation. "For many years, the partners have encouraged the attorneys, as well as the staff, to be involved in our community," Cotton Cunningham, managing partner, said. "The Laser Law Firm has received so much from our community, and in return, feels a strong need to reciprocate by employee participation and donations." Laser supports many law organizations, but there are many outside the field of law that also reap the firm’s support, by way of money and volunteer hours. This past year, alone, there were close to 100 organizations or charities that received support from the Laser Law Firm. The following are just a few: 20th Century Hope Lodge for cancer patients;
Arkansas Zoological Foundations — “Generation Zoo”; Stewpot of Arkansas; AY’s Runway for a Cause; and VOCALS, Volunteers Organization Center for Arkansas Legal Services. Laser Law Firm PA 101 S. Spring St., Suite 300 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 376-2981 • laserlaw.com MATTHEWS, CAMPBELL, RHOADS, MCCLURE, THOMPSON & FRYAUF, P.A. Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure, Thompson & Fryauf, P.A. was established in 1976 by David R. Matthews in Lowell, Ark., and Craig A. Campbell joined in 1980. In 1983, George R. Rhoads joined the firm, and an additional office was established in Rogers, Arkansas. Edwin N. McClure joined the firm in 1986. Larry J. Thompson and Mark T. Fryauf joined the firm in 1989 and 1993 respectively. In 1999 the firm became Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure, Thompson & Fryauf, P.A. In 2002, Mauricio A. Herrera joined the firm and became a partner in 2008. Other attorneys are Sarah L. Waddoups, C. Eric Vester, Vicki S. Vasser, Jesse R. Reyes, and Of Counsel attorneys, Kimberly R. Weber and Mary Elizabeth Matthews. McClure said the firm donates immeasurable amounts — both monetarily and in-kind — with charitable endeavors to a number of organizations, including The Adult Development Center; Rogers Little Theater; Legal Aid of Northwest Arkansas; and the respective churches of the attorneys. Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure, Thompson & Fryauf, P.A. 119 S. Second St. Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 636-0875 • mcrmt.com MITCHELL WILLIAMS Since its inception in 1954, Mitchell Williams has enjoyed substantial growth during its 56-year history. The beginnings of the firm are strongly rooted in the values, ambitions and tradition of excellence of one of its founders, H. Maurice Mitchell, a business leader who has become one of Arkansas’ most distinguished attorneys and philanthropists. Providing strategic counsel on a variety of sophisticated legal issues and challenges facing companies in today’s global marketplace, the attorneys of Mitchell Williams bring together decades of diverse professional experience and extensive relationships to offer clients across the United States the most comprehensive services possible. The firm employs 75 attorneys from four offices in Arkansas, Texas and New York. Take Time To Give, the firm’s charitable giving program, has incorporated more than 150 organizations throughout Arkansas and the region since its launch in 2004 and continues to grow each year. The firm lends support through financial contribution, pro bono services and thousands of volunteer hours our attorneys invest annually. The firm approximates the number of volunteer hours provided during the last five years to be about 30,000. “Take Time To Give is not just about the firm’s charitable citizenship — it’s about stepping up to
meet the corporate social responsibility we all have to our communities,” said Harry Hamlin, managing director for Mitchell Williams. Mitchell Williams named Our House, a Little Rock-based organization that provides the working homeless with safe, clean, comfortable housing, food, free child care, education and job training, as the firm’s 2010 Take Time To Give Primary Charity. As such, Our House received a $25,000 donation in March and is the recipient of pro bono legal services, volunteer hours and is included in the firm’s advertising, marketing and communications efforts throughout the year. Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard PLLC 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 688-8800 • michellwilliamslaw.com JACK NELSON JONES FINK JILES & GREGORY, P.A. Jack Nelson Jones Fink Jiles & Gregory, P.A. ( JNJ), formerly Jack, Lyon & Jones, P.A., has served the state of Arkansas since 1986 as one of the premier general business law firms in the state, and has offices in Little Rock, Conway and Malvern. JNJ currently employs 18 attorneys and 17 staff members. Jack Nelson Jones Fink Jiles & Gregory, P.A., has steadily grown to meet the increasing needs of its clients. JNJ has no written policy regarding volunteerism, but employees are encouraged to volunteer by partners in the firm during meetings and also encouraged to volunteer by the example that partners set. At least 41 percent of JNJ employees regularly volunteer with service organizations or otherwise donate time in service. Last year, employees volunteered approximately 1,100 hours. This number of volunteer hours is a good estimate of the average number of hours donated by JNJ employees yearly. In addition, JNJ donated approximately 132 hours of pro bono work, at a value of approximately $19,800 in-kind. Donald T. Jack, Jr., senior partner, said, “We make a living out of this community, and we ought to be giving back to this community. That’s just an absolutely basic concept.” Jack Nelson Jones Fink Jiles & Gregory, P.A. 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 3400 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 375-1122 • jacknelsonjones.com QUATTLEBAUM, GROOMS, TULL & BURROW PLLC Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow PLLC, with offices in Little Rock, Springdale and Jonesboro, Ark., provides a full range of legal services to individuals and business organizations of all forms and sizes. Its practice encompasses a wide variety of transactions, litigation, regulatory advice, and estate planning to clients including Fortune 500 companies, regional businesses, small entities, governmental bodies, and individuals. The firm was founded in July 2000 with five lawyers; as its 10-year anniversary approaches, it has grown to nearly three dozen lawyers. QGTB believes its rapid growth is a reflection of an expanding list of satisfied clients and recognizes that continued
growth and success depends on exceeding the expectations of clients by providing exceptional service and achieving extraordinary results. QGTB is dedicated to giving back to its communities and donates time and resources to a wide spectrum of civic and charitable organizations. Some of the organizations QGTB supports include: Arkansas Rice Depot; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; March of Dimes; United Cerebral Palsy; and Economics Arkansas. “In addition to monetary contributions, we are extremely proud that many of our attorneys and staff are personally involved with a number of these groups and voluntarily donate their time to serve on boards and committees and to work behind-thescenes supporting these efforts,” said Kristine G. Baker, a managing member of the firm. Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow PLLC 111 Center St., Suite 1900 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 379-1700 • qgtb.com RAMSAY, BRIDGFORTH, ROBINSON AND RALEY LLP For almost 100 years, Ramsay, Bridgforth, Robinson and Raley LLP have provided representation to the residents of Pine Bluff and southeast Arkansas. Founded in 1911 as Coleman & Gantt, the current members of the firm represent institutions and individuals all over the state of Arkansas and have developed a regional and national law practice in the areas of agriculture and labor law. Throughout its history, the attorneys of RBRR have contributed their time, talents and financial resources to local, state and national charitable and professional organizations. Currently, and for at least the last 25 years, every attorney at RBRR has been a participating attorney with the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, which provides legal services to the poorest citizens in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County. Currently, and since at least 1920, the attorneys of RBRR have provided volunteer hours and financial resources to the Arkansas Bar Association, most evident by its members serving as president in 1920, 1940, 1963, 1979 and 2008. The attorneys of RBRR have donated countless hours to the Red Cross; Salvation Army; Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra; University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Southeast Arkansas Community College; and organizations including their local schools and churches. RBRR continues the firm tradition of providing strong legal support to its clients and paying forward its time, talent and resources. Ramsay, Bridgforth, Robinson and Raley LLP 501 Main St. Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870) 535-9000 • ramsaylaw.com ROSE LAW FIRM Rose Law Firm is the oldest and one of the largest law firms in Arkansas. The practice focuses on estate and tax planning, complex commercial business transactions, and litigation. The firm's goal is to provide the best legal representation available at a reasonable and fair cost to their clients. They are proud of the high legal and ethical standards that Love this? Learn more at aymag.com/go/pallensmith have been established and the tradition of excellence AYMAG.COM . 43
that they work to maintain. To be the oldest does not always mean the best, but the firm thinks a law firm gets to be the oldest through its commitment to and performance for clients and service to its community and profession. According to Steve Joiner, the firm’s chief operating officer, “Technical competence is only part of what makes a good lawyer or a quality law firm. Greatness requires depth, perspective, and service to others.” Each year, attorneys with the Rose Law Firm donate a significant amount of time to the representation of those who cannot afford legal representation through Volunteers for Central Arkansas Legal Services (“VOCALs”), which they helped establish. Their attorneys annually invest a significant amount of time in the community by serving on the boards and committees of numerous nonprofit organizations. They also lend support through financial contributions to nonprofits, which include, among others, the Heart of Arkansas United Way; the American Heart Association; Baptist Health Foundation; the Arkansas Arts Center and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Rose Law Firm 120 E. Fourth St. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 375-9131 • roselawfirm.com
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WILLIAMS & ANDERSON PLC Williams & Anderson PLC focuses on delivering efficient team-oriented legal services of the highest quality. For more than 20 years, Williams & Anderson has provided sophisticated counseling and representation to public companies, large and small businesses, non-profits, state and local governments and individuals. With 27 lawyers, Williams & Anderson is small enough to offer personalized attention, responsiveness and cost efficiency, yet large enough to offer the legal resources appropriate to the engagement. They are trusted counsel to their clients in tackling new challenges and opportunities. Williams & Anderson PLC supported a number of organizations last year, including: Lions World Services for the Blind; eStem Public Charter Schools, Inc.; University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc.; Central Arkansas Legal Services; and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “We are proud to donate our time, money and talents to organizations and causes that enrich and improve Arkansas and the legal profession,” said Jess Askew III, partner. The overall monetary value of donations of time and money given by Williams & Anderson PLC in 2009 was $545,000.
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Williams & Anderson PLC 111 Center St., 22nd Floor Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 372-0800 • williamsanderson.com WILSON & ASSOCIATES, P.L.L.C. Wilson & Associates, P.L.L.C. provides its clients in Arkansas and Tennessee with turn-key bundled services in the real estate default legal market. The staff of more than 34 attorneys and approximately 300 employees work from four campuses in Arkansas and three campuses in Tennessee. Their mission statement: "an integrated mortgage and real
estate services organization that achieves customer satisfaction by providing quality, timely, professional services to our clients at reasonable and competitive rates. Our goal is to maintain excellence in our industry while providing a stable and fulfilling work environment for our employees." “We stand proud of our employees’ commitment to contribute time and money within our community. Over the years, local and national charities have benefited from our contributions to them. Our efforts include fundraising; but, most importantly, we encourage everyone to volunteer time with their favorite charity. We are actively involved annually with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and have raised more than $60,000 since 2004,” Jennifer Wilson-Harvey said. Other charities Wilson and Associates have worked with include: the Make-A-Wish Foundation; Habitat for Humanity; and the American Red Cross Haitian Relief fund where they raised $1,290 in one week. Wilson & Associates, P.L.L.C. recently made a significant three-year financial commitment to the UALR Bowen School of Law and has been an active contributor to both law schools in Arkansas for many years.
Congratulations to our partner
Wilson & Associates, P.L.L.C. 1521 Merrill Drive, Suite D-220 Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 219-9388 • wilson-assoc.com WRIGHT, LINDSEY & JENNINGS LLP For almost 110 years, Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP has built a reputation for excellence in ability, service and professionalism as one of the premier law firms in Arkansas and the region. WLJ's clients benefit from the broad, deep expertise of the firm's more than 60 attorneys. In addition to the outstanding service they provide their clients, the attorneys of Wright, Lindsey & Jennings are committed to excellence beyond their practice areas. Stewardship is a fundamental part of the culture and tradition at WLJ. The firm demonstrates a profound commitment to the community by giving up to $100,000 each year, which supports approximately 65 non-profit organizations throughout Central Arkansas. Audubon Arkansas, Baptist Health Foundation and The Rep are a few of the many recipients of their stewardship and commitment. WLJ has donated: $75,000 to Baptist Health Foundation's Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer’s Center at Parkway Village; $25,000 to The Rep for renovations; and $30,000 to Audubon Arkansas to fund construction of Audubon's office and education center. "Our attorneys and staff also give their time to the community organizations we support financially. This really gives us the sense of having a personal stake in the successes of the community more so than just writing a check. Because of that, I believe the folks at WLJ would tell you that for all we 'give back' we receive far more in return by knowing we're doing the right thing," said Steve Lancaster, COO. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings 200 W. Capitol Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 371-0808 • wlj.com
H. David Blair On being recognized as Best Lawyer in more categories than any other lawyer in Arkansas • Bet-the-Company Litigation • Commercial Litigation • Medical Malpractice Law • Personal Injury Litigation • Product Liability Litigation • Professional Malpractice Law Members of the Firm: H. David Blair • Robert D. Stroud • Michelle C. Huff
Blair & Stroud 28 Years of Effective Advocacy 500 East Main Street, Suite 201 P.O. Box 2135 Batesville, AR 72503 Toll Free 1-800-343-4218
www.blastlaw.com AYMAG.COM . 45
The Partners at Dodds, Kidd & Ryan
Congratulate
Judson C. Kidd and Donald S. Ryan on being voted two of AR Best Lawyers
Celebrating 60 years of practice concentrating in the area of personal unjury and divorce
Congratulations to Donald S. Ryan for 50 years of practicing Law
Dodds, Kidd, & Ryan 313 West Second Street Little Rock, AR 72201 501.375.9901
Safety is too
IMPORTANT to ignore.
Sponsored by Turner & Associates, P.A. 501.791.2277 46 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
The Advocate Kristin Pawlik was named the 2009 Arkansas Pro Bono Partnership Attorney of the Year by the Arkansas Pro Bono Partnership. As a member of the Equal Access to Justice Panel, she is part of a cooperative effort to provide free civil legal services to residents in Benton Country.
Kristin Pawlik imagined that she’d one day work in politics or broadcasting and, for a time, even considered being a doctor — “then I realized I hate science,” she said. She earned a degree in journalism and in her last year took classes in Arkansas politics, changing her aspiration. She earned a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and began her career at a local firm as a criminal defense attorney. From there, she worked as a public defender in Bentonville. “You can’t get any more experience as a defense attorney than as a public defender,” Pawlik said. While serving in this capacity, her sense of empathy for others deepened. “People don’t come to see you because they’re having a good day,” she said, laughing. Her clients included the mentally ill and their families and drug offenders —“I learned just how badly substance abuse affects people’s lives. Some people adopt a criminal lifestyle … others ease into it to feed their habits," Pawlik said. “Defending people who have to involuntarily commit their family members is a real eye opener into how we treat mental illness [in America.]” For example, she once represented a woman who suffered from psychosis and severe post partum depression; as a result she smothered her infant and hid with the baby for a time. “It was clear that she was sick. My goal was to obtain a ruling for her that resulted in a balance of treatment and punishment. Many of the cases I work are complex. I always make sure I do as much as I can for my clients,” Pawlik said. These experiences as a public defender are a large part of why Pawlik continues to donate her time. She joined Keith, Miller, Butler,
Schneider & Pawlik in 2003 and became a partner in 2008. Her areas of practice include domestic relations and employment law; she also serves as an ad litem for children. Often children are the forgotten parties in court proceedings. “Children shouldn’t be disregarded. The mothers and fathers have attorneys to represent them. Someone must look out for
Pawlik
the children,” Pawlik said. Very often the cases involve divorce and custody cases. She said parents often become focused on the battle, not the children, and in some cases, are exposed to the parents’ anger toward one another or worse — drugs, alcohol or pornographic material over the Internet. “My job is to represent the children and their best interests. I often joke that if both parents are mad at you, you know you’re doing a good job.”
Pawlik is married and has two small children, so she must also find balance personally. She said her husband, as well as the other partners in her firm, provide great support. “All the partners in the firm give to legal aid causes, including the Promise of Justice Campaign through the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission. “When clients go to Legal Aid, they are not certain what to expect. Often, people seeking help are turned away due to the lack of funds,” Pawlik said. In fact, half of those who seek assistance from Civil Legal Aid in Arkansas are turned away. Often, they are referred to attorneys who take on pro bono cases. She described the domino effect that can result from one situation. “A person may be hospitalized, lose his job, lose his home and as a result lose his child … these clients need representation.” Pawlik’s commitment to equal justice for all Arkansans, regardless of income, was marked this past winter by the Arkansas Pro Bono Partnership: “Ms. Pawlik has worked tirelessly to help low income Arkansans with their legal problems as both an advocate for them and a fund raiser for Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Promise of Justice Campaign.” Concentrating on criminal defense, employment law and family law and as an ad litem for children isn’t always the most attractive aspect of the law and it can be quite challenging, but Pawlik enjoys her work. “It’s a passion, a calling … not just a job. I don’t always get paid for my work, but no one — not the other attorney, the judge or the client — should ever know you’re not getting paid. Everyone deserves the best representation.” AYMAG.COM . 47
BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
Hallowed Halls The University of Arkansas system has a long history of excellence dating back to 1871. Today, the system consists of 11 universities including Arkansas’ two law schools: the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. We take a look at the two outstanding graduate schools.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS issue of the limits of congressional power and AT LITTLE ROCK (UALR) William H. presidential power had become of importance Bowen School of Law dates back to 1915. over the last few years, but many questions are It began as the Arkansas Law School, and in answered due to Supreme Court rulings. So 1965 joined the UA system under the Fayettethe focus shifted to the question of individual ville umbrella. In 1975, the school added a day program and became part of UALR. In 2000, the school was named the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law in honor of its former dean distinguished attorney Bill Bowen. John M.A. DiPippa, a Pennsylvania native, became dean in July 2008 after serving as interim dean. He practiced law for a number of years at the Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley in Virginia, where UALR William H. Bowen School of Law he also set the William and Lee Law School’s Clinical Program, whetting his appetite for academia; he came to UALR’s Law School in 1983. He teaches constitutional law and said he enjoys the intellectual challenge associated with this course and teaching in general. “There’s a real pleasure in working with students and seeing their growth,” DiPippa said. He said the class has changed over time. “Issues that were at the forefront in, say, 1983 have faded, but others have U of A School of Law taken importance; for instance, the 48 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
rights.” Being dean has “both charms and challenges,” however, DiPippa enjoys being able to offer a vision appropriate to the law school. UALR Bowen School of Law has nearly 500 full- and part-time students. The school receives more than 1,500 applications yearly (this year, they’ve received about 1,700) and admits roughly one out of four applicants. “We look at the complete application. Our students are the most qualified and most interesting and diverse students around,” DiPippa said. “They tend to be older and a good number come to us from other states. We offer a good legal education at a good price.” He said the average student debt-load is about $42,000 versus many other schools in which students graduate with debt-loads up to six figures. “Students also like our location. We are in the capital city. Little Rock offers great networking opportunities with leaders as well as externships and other opportunities.” The school also houses the Pulaski County Bar Association and a Legal Clinic, which actually consists of three programs: the Litigation Programs take referrals from Central Arkansas Legal Services; the Mediation Program, which mediates several types of
disputes including civil disputes and other issues, i.e., between parents and schools (think individual education plans); and the Tax Law Program, which serves low-income taxpayers. In 2009, the school admitted 166 students, 23 of the students are “of color.” The graduating class members: entered private practice (51 percent); went into business or industry (14 percent); serve the government and in judicial clerkships (both about 13 percent); serve in public interest (about 4 percent); and entered academic field (4.5 percent). An impressive 85 percent of this class had first-time bar passage. The UALR William H. Bowen School of Law has a number of graduates who have gone on to well-known positions. Alum Ron Sheffield was appointed to the Arkansas Supreme Court this January. The late Andree Layton Roaf, the first African American to serve on the Arkansas Supreme Court graduated from the school, as did Rep. Vic Snyder. The school continues to matriculate outstanding men and women, a fact that DiPippa is proud of. “We really work hard to emphasize our core values of professionalism, public service and access to justice.” For more information log onto law.ualr. edu. THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS SCHOOL OF LAW has been helping the region’s up and coming legal-minded professionals accomplish their goals with their extensive, highly-regarded degree programs since it was established in 1924 by the late Dean Julian S. Waterman. Waterman was a native of Dumas, Ark., who graduated at the top of his class at the University of Chicago Law School; he served as the School of Law’s first dean until his death in 1943. The school has continued to grow in size and student body as well as advancing in programs offered and accreditations. It was approved by the American Bar Association in 1926, had its first graduating class of 10 students in 1927, the same year it became a member of the Association of American Law Schools. The school prides itself in its diverse curriculum that combines traditional classroom teaching methods with hands-on opportunities, such as practical “skills” courses, live client clinics, externships and opportunities for pro bono service. Many students choose to become involved in local, regional and na-
Dover Dixon Horne
PLLC
Best (best) adj. Of the highest quality, excellence, or standing Congratulations to our members named among the Best Lawyers in America: Jim Beachboard - Real Estate Law Garland Binns - Banking, Corporate & Securities Law Cyril Hollingsworth - Construction Law Allan Horne - Administrative & Insurance Law Michael O. Parker - Trusts and Estates, Tax Law John B. Peace - Tax Law Joseph Purvis - Workers’ Compensation Law Michael Reif - Family Law Gary Rogers - Family Law Dover Dixon Horne PLLC 425 W. Capitol, Suite 3700 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 375-9151 • www.doverdixonhorne.com
AYMAG.COM . 49
Congratulations for being recognized as one of the
Best Lawyers in America Rated “Premier Lawyer” by Fortune Magazine • “Outstanding Trial Lawyer in Arkansas” from Arkansas Trial Lawyers • “One of the Best Lawyers in Arkansas” in Arkansas Times for 9 years • “One of the Best Lawyers in Arkansas” in Democrat Gazette • Listed in “Best Lawyers in America”
S
O Accepting Referrals
CALL BUD 24/7 AT 501.376.3564 Little Rock, AR
BUD WHETSTONE
The Legacy Continues. The attorneys and staff of Laser Law Firm, P.A. congratulate Frank B. Newell and Dan F. Bufford on being selected by The Best Lawyers in America Dan F. Bufford Frank B. Newell as 2010 Best Lawyers in Arkansas; they also wish to recognize founder Sam Laser for being named among The Best Lawyers in America every year since its first publication in 1983.
Little Rock: 101 South Spring Street, Suite 300 • Little Rock, AR 72201 • (501) 376-2981 Northwest Arkansas Office: 5100 S. Thompson, Suite 201 • Springdale, AR • 72765 Texarkana Office: 210 N. Stateline Ave. • Suite 503 • Texarkana, AR • 71854
“Over 60 Years of Excellence in Serving our Clients” 50 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
Cynthia Nance (left) and John M. A. DiPippa serve as deans for the U of A School of Law and the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law, respectively.
tional trial, appellate advocacy and other skills competitions. Traveling opportunities are also available for students who wish to expand their horizons overseas through summer programs in Cambridge, England, and St. Petersburg, Russia, and a number of summer study abroad opportunities. Another thing that sets the University of Arkansas School of Law apart is that due to is roots in a greatly agricultural region, it offers an LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law, and is the only graduate law school in the United States that offers an LL.M. degree in agricultural law. University of Arkansas School of Law’s Dean Cynthia Nance has been working to build the school further since she joined the university, first as a professor, in 1994. As dean, she is involved with many aspects within and outside of the school. “I am the representative for the School of Law as well as the go-between for us and the university administration. I am also a fundraiser, I travel and speak for the school at conferences, keep alumni updated on our activities and even do our social networking with my blog, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. It all just depends on the day as to which hat I am wearing at the school,” Nance said. She is very proud of her efforts to diversify the school and has made that a priority. The school is at 24 percent minority enrollment, with 398 students total. Nance also touts the school’s job placement record. “We have a 95 percent placement rate for our graduating students, which is no small feat in this economy. We feel we have some very competitive students entering the job field, and we like to remind people of that.” For more information about the University of Arkansas School of Law, visit the website at law.uark.edu.
BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
The List CONTACT INFO: These lists are excerpted from The Best Lawyers in America® 2010, which includes listings for more than 40,000 lawyers in 80 specialties, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Best Lawyers in America® is published by Woodward/ White, Inc., Aiken, South Carolina and can be ordered directly from the publisher. For information call 803-648-0300; write 129 First Avenue, SW, Aiken, SC 29801; email info@bestlawyers. com; or visit www.bestlawyers.com. Online subscriptions to Best Lawyers® databases are available at www.bestlawyers.com. DISCLAIMER: Woodward/White Inc., has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All listed attorneys have been verified as being members in good standing with their respective state bar associations as of July 1, 2009, where that information is publicly available. Consumers should contact their state bar for verification and additional information prior to securing legal services of any attorney. COPYRIGHT: Copyright 2009 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of this list may be made without permission of Woodward/White, Inc. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of this list without permission. “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Lawyers” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White, Inc. METHODOLOGY: This list is excerpted from the 2010 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, the preeminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers lists attorneys in 80 specialties, representing all 50 states, who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation’s top lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 2010 edition of Best Lawyers is based on more than 2.8 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. The method used to compile Best Lawyers remains unchanged since the first edition was compiled more than 25 years ago. Lawyers are chosen for inclusion based solely on the vote of their peers. Listings cannot be bought, and no purchase is required to be included. In this regard, Best Lawyers remains the gold standard of reliability and integrity in lawyer ratings. The nomination pool for the 2010 edition consisted of all lawyers whose names appeared in the previous edition of Best Lawyers, lawyers who were nominated since the previous survey, and new nominees solicited from listed attorneys. In general, lawyers were asked to vote only on nominees in their own specialty in their own jurisdiction. Lawyers in closely related specialties were asked to vote across specialties, as were lawyers in smaller jurisdictions. Where specialties are national or international in nature, lawyers were asked to vote nationally as well as locally. Voting lawyers were also given an opportunity to offer more detailed comments on nominees. Each year, half of the voting pool receives fax or email ballots; the other half is polled by phone. Voting lawyers were provided this general guideline for determining if a nominee should be listed among “the best”: “If you had a close friend or relative who needed a real estate lawyer (for example), and you could not handle the case yourself, to whom would you refer them?” All votes and comments were solicited with a guarantee of confidentiality – a critical factor in the viability and validity of Best Lawyers® surveys. To ensure the rigor of the selection process, lawyers were urged to use only their highest standards when voting, and to evaluate each nominee based only on his or her individual merits. The additional comments were used to make more accurate comparisons between voting patterns and weight votes accordingly. Best Lawyers uses various methodological tools to identify and correct for anomalies in both the nomination and voting process. Ultimately, of course, a lawyer’s inclusion is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow attorneys. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, the breadth of the survey, the candor of the respondents, and the sophistication of the polling methodology largely correct for any biases. For all these reasons, Best Lawyers lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful guide to the best lawyers in the United States available anywhere. Best Lawyers lists are available at www.bestlawyers.com. “Best Lawyers,” and “The Best Lawyers in America” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White, Inc.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW Little Rock Frederick K. Campbell Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Doak Foster Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
E. B. Chiles IV Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Patrick J. Goss Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Philip E. Kaplan Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Allan W. Horne Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151
Troy A. Price Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
T. Ark Monroe III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Roger D. Rowe Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565
N. M. Norton Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
Robert S. Shafer Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Nicholas Thompson Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
BANKING LAW
William H. L. Woodyard III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Jonesboro Ralph W. Waddell Barrett & Deacon Mercantile Center, (870) 931-1700
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Little Rock Garland W. Binns, Jr. Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151
Fort Smith Robert E. Hornberger ADR, Inc. (479) 783-1776
Patrick A. Burrow Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
Little Rock John A. Davis III ADR, Inc. (501) 376-2121
Randal B. Frazier Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000
Frank S. Hamlin ADR, Inc. (501) 376-2121
Donald H. Henry Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Sidney H. McCollum ADR, Inc. (501) 376-2121
John Kooistra III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
ANTITRUST LAW
David F. Menz Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Little Rock Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Peter G. Kumpe Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Robert Shults Shults Law Firm (501) 375-2301 James M. Simpson Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 APPELLATE LAW Fayetteville Constance G. Clark Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 R. Christopher Lawson Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011 Little Rock Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Kimberly Wood Tucker Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 David B. Vandergriff Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 William A. Waddell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 BANKRUPTCY AND CREDITORDEBTOR RIGHTS LAW Crossett Thomas S. Streetman Streetman & Meeks (870) 364-2213 Fayetteville Jason N. Bramlett Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011 Jill R. Jacoway Jacoway Law Firm (479) 521-2621 Little Rock Charles W. Baker Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131
Charles T. Coleman Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 James F. Dowden (501) 324-4700 Judy Simmons Henry Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Harry Light Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Lance R. Miller Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Richard L. Ramsay Eichenbaum, Liles & Heister (501) 376-4531 Stan D. Smith Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Geoffrey B. Treece Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 North Little Rock David A. Grace Hardin & Grace (501) 378-7900 Siloam Springs John Terry Lee (479) 524-2337 Springdale William M. Clark, Jr. Cypert, Crouch, Clark & Harwell (479) 751-5222 BET-THE-COMPANY LITIGATION Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350 El Dorado Dennis L. Shackleford Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Floyd M. Thomas, Jr. Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville Sidney P. Davis, Jr. Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 John C. Everett Everett & Wales (479) 443-0292 Robert L. Jones III Conner & Winters (479) 582-5711 Clifford W. Plunkett Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011 Fort Smith C. Wayne Harris Warner, Smith & Harris (479) 782-6041 Bradley D. Jesson Hardin, Jesson & Terry (479) 452-2200 Charles R. Ledbetter Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold & Harrison (479) 782-7294 Helena David Solomon (870) 338-7427 AYMAG.COM . 51
Richard F. Hatfield Estate & Trust Litigation and Disputes
Hatfield & Sayre Attorneys at Law
401 West Capitol, Suite 502 Little Rock, AR 72201 501-374-9010
recognized again
Wagoner Law Firm P.A. AMERICA’S BEST LAWYERS, DIVORCE - 10 YEARS RUNNING 108 S. Pulaski Street Little Rock, AR 72201 501-244-9293 52 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
Little Rock H. William Allen Allen Law Firm (501) 374-7100 Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Phillip Carroll Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 E. B. Chiles IV Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Kevin A. Crass Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Richard T. Donovan Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080 Patrick J. Goss Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 William M. Griffin III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Christopher J. Heller Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 D. Michael Huckabay, Sr. Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535 M. Samuel Jones III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Jim L. Julian Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800 Philip E. Kaplan Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Peter G. Kumpe Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 John G. Lile Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Elizabeth R. Murray Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 N. M. Norton Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 David M. Powell Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
(501) 374-6535 Charles L. Schlumberger Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Michael N. Shannon Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
John G. Lile Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
Cyril Hollingsworth Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151
Jonesboro Joseph Barrett Deacon Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700
Bruce E. Munson Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
Jeffrey H. Moore Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Elizabeth R. Murray Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
David M. Powell Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
N. M. Norton Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
John Dewey Watson Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
David M. Powell Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
North Little Rock David A. Grace Hardin & Grace (501) 378-7900
Steven T. Shults Shults Law Firm (501) 375-2301
Little Rock H. William Allen Allen Law Firm (501) 374-7100
John E. Tull III Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
William A. Waddell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Teresa M. Wineland Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Kristine G. Baker Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
Pine Bluff Stephen A. Matthews Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532
John K. Baker Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
R. T. Beard III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350 El Dorado Brian H. Ratcliff Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Dennis L. Shackleford Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Floyd M. Thomas, Jr. Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville Alfred F. Angulo Barrett & Deacon (479) 582-5353
Phillip Carroll Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 E. B. Chiles IV Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Gary D. Corum Wilson, Engstrom, Corum & Coulter (501) 375-6453 D. Nathan Coulter Wilson, Engstrom, Corum & Coulter (501) 375-6453 Kevin A. Crass Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Constance G. Clark Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600
Richard T. Donovan Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131
Sidney P. Davis, Jr. Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600
Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080
John Elrod Conner & Winters (479) 582-5711 John C. Everett Everett & Wales (479) 443-0292 Robert L. Jones III Conner & Winters (479) 582-5711 Clifford W. Plunkett Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011
Steven W. Quattlebaum Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
Fort Smith C. Wayne Harris Warner, Smith & Harris (479) 782-6041
Gordon S. Rather, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
Bradley D. Jesson Hardin, Jesson & Terry (479) 452-2200
Roger D. Rowe Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565
Charles R. Ledbetter Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold & Harrison (479) 782-7294
Beverly A. Rowlett Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore
Helena David Solomon (870) 338-7427
Don A. Smith Smith Cohen Redd Horan & Zuerker (479) 782-1001
Patrick J. Goss Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 William M. Griffin III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Christopher J. Heller Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 D. Michael Huckabay, Sr. Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535 M. Samuel Jones III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Jim L. Julian Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800 Philip E. Kaplan Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Peter G. Kumpe Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Steven W. Quattlebaum Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
CORPORATE LAW
Gordon S. Rather, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
Jonesboro Ralph W. Waddell Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700
Roger D. Rowe Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565
Little Rock Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Beverly A. Rowlett Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
Paul B. Benham III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Charles L. Schlumberger Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
Garland W. Binns, Jr. Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151
Michael N. Shannon Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
C. Douglas Buford, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Steven T. Shults Shults Law Firm (501) 375-2301 John E. Tull III Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 William A. Waddell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Teresa M. Wineland Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Pine Bluff Stephen A. Matthews Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532
Walter M. Ebel III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Price C. Gardner Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 H. Watt Gregory III Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000 Paul W. Hoover, Jr. Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Donald T. Jack, Jr. Jack, Nelson & Jones (501) 375-1122
Rogers James G. Lingle Lingle Law Firm (479) 636-7899
Walter E. May Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Marshall S. Ney Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (479) 464-5650
T. Ark Monroe III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
COMMUNICATIONS LAW
John S. Selig Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Little Rock Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Lawrence Chisenhall Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800 CONSTRUCTION LAW Little Rock Allen C. Dobson Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon, & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Jack East III (501) 372-3278
Robert Shults Shults Law Firm (501) 375-2301 Nicholas Thompson Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Paragould Ray A. Goodwin Goodwin Moore (870) 239-2225
AYMAG.COM . 53
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: NONWHITE-COLLAR Fayetteville Timothy M. Buckley Buckley, McLemore & Hudson (479) 443-0070 John C. Everett Everett & Wales (479) 443-0292 Warner H. Taylor Taylor Law Firm (479) 443-5222 Fort Smith Eddie N. Christian, Sr. Christian & Byars (479) 782-9147 Jonesboro Bill W. Bristow Bristow & Richardson (870) 935-9000
Fort Smith James Edward Christian, Jr. Christian & Byars (479) 782-9147 Little Rock David H. Williams The Law Office of David H. Williams (501) 372-0038 EDUCATION LAW Little Rock Clayton R. Blackstock Mitchell, Blackstock, Barnes, Wagoner, Ivers & Sneddon (501) 378-7870 Christopher J. Heller Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LAW
Bobby R. McDaniel McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950
Fayetteville Gregory B. Graham Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554
Little Rock Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080
Thomas L. Overbey Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554
John Wesley Hall (501) 371-9131
Craig H. Westbrook Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554
J. Blake Hendrix Blake Hendrix (501) 376-0679 Richard E. Holiman Holiman Law Firm (501) 375-1170 Jeff Rosenzweig (501) 372-5247 CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE-COLLAR El Dorado Floyd M. Thomas, Jr. Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville Timothy M. Buckley Buckley, McLemore & Hudson (479) 443-0070 John C. Everett Everett & Wales (479) 443-0292 Warner H. Taylor Taylor Law Firm (479) 443-5222 Fort Smith Eddie N. Christian, Sr. Christian & Byars (479) 782-9147 Jonesboro Bill W. Bristow Bristow & Richardson (870) 935-9000 Bobby R. McDaniel McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950 Little Rock Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080 Jeff Rosenzweig (501) 372-5247 DUI/DWI DEFENSE Fayetteville Christina D. Comstock Everett & Wales (479) 443-0292 54 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
Little Rock Bryant Cranford Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 David M. Graf Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Joseph B. Hurst, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Alexandra A. Ifrah Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Wyckliff Nisbet, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 ENERGY LAW Little Rock Lawrence Chisenhall Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800 Stephen N. Joiner Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 N. M. Norton Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Scott C. Trotter Perkins & Trotter (501) 603-9000 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Little Rock Sherry P. Bartley Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Joseph Henry Bates III Carney Williams Bates Bozeman & Pulliam (501) 312-8500 Allan Gates Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Samuel E. Ledbetter McMath Woods (501) 396-5400 Richard L. Mays, Sr. Mays, Byrd & Associates (501) 372-6303 Kelly M. McQueen Perkins & Trotter (501) 603-9000 Charles R. Nestrud Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800 G. Alan Perkins Perkins & Trotter (501) 603-9000 Brian Rosenthal Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Marcella J. Taylor Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Walter G. Wright, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 North Little Rock Ann P. Faitz Ann P. Faitz Attorney at Law (501) 831-5637 FAMILY LAW Hot Springs National Park Bryan J. Reis The Farrar Firm (501) 525-3130 Little Rock Marcia Barnes Mitchell, Blackstock, Barnes, Wagoner, Ivers & Sneddon (501) 378-7870 Barry E. Coplin Coplin & Heuer (501) 707-0300 Stephen C. Engstrom Wilson, Engstrom, Corum & Coulter (501) 375-6453 Sam Hilburn Hilburn, Calhoon, Harper, Pruniski & Calhoun (501) 372-0110 Henry Hodges Hodges Law Firm (501) 375-0400 Judson C. Kidd Dodds, Kidd & Ryan (501) 375-9901 W. Michael Reif Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 Gary B. Rogers Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 Jack Wagoner III Mitchell, Blackstock, Barnes, Wagoner, Ivers & Sneddon (501) 378-7870 Paragould Harry Truman Moore Goodwin Moore (870) 239-2225 Rogers David R. Matthews Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure,
Thompson & Fryauf (479) 636-0875 FIRST AMENDMENT LAW Little Rock Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Barnes, Wagoner, Ivers & Sneddon (501) 378-7870 Donald T. Jack, Jr. Jack, Nelson & Jones (501) 375-1122
Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Michael W. Mitchell Mitchell, Blackstock, Barnes, Wagoner, Ivers & Sneddon (501) 378-7870
Kristine G. Baker Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
Lee J. Muldrow Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
John L. Burnett Lavey & Burnett (501) 376-2269
Bruce B. Tidwell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Philip E. Kaplan Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
IMMIGRATION LAW
John T. Lavey Lavey & Burnett (501) 376-2269 Troy A. Price Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 John E. Tull III Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 North Little Rock Morgan E. Welch Welch & Kitchens (501) 978-3030 FRANCHISE LAW Little Rock David M. Powell Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Roger D. Rowe Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565 William A. Waddell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS LAW
Little Rock Melissa McJunkins Duke Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon, & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Donna Smith Galchus Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon, & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Lonoke Kathy Woodward Goss (501) 676-6522 INSURANCE LAW Little Rock Frederick K. Campbell Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Charles B. Cliett, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Doak Foster Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Allan W. Horne Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151
Little Rock T. Ark Monroe III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
T. Ark Monroe III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Nicholas Thompson Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Jeffrey Thomas Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
HEALTH CARE LAW
Nicholas Thompson Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Fayetteville Bryan G. Looney Kutak Rock (479) 973-4200 Debby Thetford Nye Kutak Rock (479) 973-4200 Fort Smith Elizabeth Andreoli Hardin, Jesson & Terry (479) 452-2200 Little Rock Charles B. Cliett, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 David L. Ivers Mitchell, Blackstock,
William H. L. Woodyard III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW Little Rock Ray F. Cox, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 J. Charles Dougherty Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Harold J. Evans Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
JOINT AWARDS
OUTSTANDING LAWYER AWARD Robert L. Jones, III of Conner & Winters, LLP in Fayetteville received the award in recognition of excellence in the practice of law and outstanding contributions to the profession.
OUTSTANDING LAWYER-CITIZEN AWARD Kevin A. Crass of Friday, Eldredge & Clark in Little Rock received the award in recognition of excellent performance of civic responsibilities and for demonstrating high standards of professional competence and conduct.
C.E. RANSICK AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Charles “Skip” Mooney, Jr. of the Mooney Law Firm, P.A. in Jonesboro received the award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the profession.
EQUAL JUSTICE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Justice Annabelle C. Imber Tuck, retired associate justice, Arkansas Supreme Court, received the award in recognition of her commitment to equal justice programs for the poor, including pro bono efforts through legal services programs. OUTSTANDING LOCAL BAR ASSOCIATION AWARDS: Craighead County Bar Association Pulaski County Bar Association Sebastian County Bar Association
Hermann Ivester Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Kathryn Bennett Perkins Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW Fort Smith Benjamin H. Shipley III Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (479) 783-8200 Jonesboro Paul D. Waddell
Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Little Rock Kristine G. Baker Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Tim Boe Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 John L. Burnett Lavey & Burnett (501) 376-2269 John D. Coulter James, Carter & Coulter AYMAG.COM . 55
PRESIDENTS AWARD
2009-2010 Association President Donna C. Pettus selected the following active members for their outstanding work and service to the Association:
F. Thomas Curry of McMillan, McCorkle, Curry & Bennington, LLP in Arkadelphia received the award for his extensive service to the Association and as the new Association Secretary.
Matthew R. House of James, Fink, & House, P.A. in Little Rock received the award for his work on the “18 and Life to Go� handbook.
Rodney P. Moore of Wright, Berry & Moore in Arkadelphia received the award for his work on the Judicial Survey and Appellate Practice Education. (501) 372-1414
(501) 376-2011
J. Bruce Cross Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999
Denise Reid Hoggard Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800
Oscar E. Davis, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 John D. Davis Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Allen C. Dobson Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Melissa McJunkins Duke Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Byron L. Freeland Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Kathlyn Graves Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Russell A. Gunter Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Melva Harmon (501) 372-1133 Christopher J. Heller Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Dan L. Herrington Friday, Eldredge & Clark 56 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
Philip E. Kaplan Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 John T. Lavey Lavey & Burnett (501) 376-2269 David P. Martin Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 JoAnn C. Maxey Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Michael S. Moore Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Elizabeth R. Murray Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Janet Pulliam Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Richard A. Roderick Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Scotty M. Shively Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Frederick S. Ursery Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Brian A. Vandiver Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999
Fort Smith Charles R. Ledbetter Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold & Harrison (479) 782-7294
Thomas C. Vaughan, Jr. Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565
Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350
Carolyn B. Witherspoon Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999
Jonesboro Bobby R. McDaniel McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950
MORTGAGE BANKING FORECLOSURE LAW
Bryant Ted Boswell The Boswell Law Firm (501) 847-3031
Leigh Anne Yeargan Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Paul D. McNeill Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill (870) 932-0900
Mountainburg Michael R. Jones Gilker and Jones (479) 783-3109 Pine Bluff Spencer F. Robinson Ramsay, Bridgforth, Harrelson and Starling (870) 535-9000 LAND USE & ZONING LAW Little Rock W. Christopher Barrier Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW Little Rock Donald H. Bacon Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Edwin L. Lowther, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 MASS TORT LITIGATION Little Rock Sherry P. Bartley Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Paul D. Waddell Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Little Rock Overton S. Anderson Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887 T. Michelle Ator Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Donald H. Bacon Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Mariam T. Hopkins Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887 D. Michael Huckabay, Sr. Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535 M. Samuel Jones III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
MEDIA LAW
Springdale Robert J. Lambert Roy, Lambert & Lovelace (479) 756-8510
Fayetteville Kelly Carithers Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 Walter B. Cox Cox, Cox & Estes (479) 251-7900 Sidney P. Davis, Jr. Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 James R. Estes Cox, Cox & Estes (479) 251-7900 Walker Dale Garrett Bassett Law Firm (479) 521-9996
M. Jane Dickey Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Hal Josephy Kemp (501) 372-7243
J. Shepherd Russell III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Laura Hensley Smith Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350
Little Rock C. Tad Bohannon Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
Ken Cook Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Gordon S. Rather, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW
MUNICIPAL LAW
David F. Menz Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Bruce E. Munson Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
John E. Tull III Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
Jennifer Wilson-Harvey Wilson & Associates (501) 223-0949
Timothy L. Boone Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
Steven W. Quattlebaum Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
Little Rock Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Little Rock Robert M. Wilson, Jr. Wilson & Associates (501) 219-9388
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW Fayetteville Gregory B. Graham Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554 James W. Smith Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011 Little Rock Paul B. Benham III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Douglas Buford, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Kevin R. Burns Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Walter M. Ebel III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 H. Watt Gregory III Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000
John William Spivey III Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Gordon M. Wilbourn Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000 NON-PROFIT/CHARITIES LAW Little Rock Sarah Cotton Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Byron M. Eiseman, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 James E. Harris Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
El Dorado Brian H. Ratcliff Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Dennis L. Shackleford Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Floyd M. Thomas, Jr. Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville Alfred F. Angulo Barrett & Deacon (479) 582-5353 Kelly Carithers Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 Walter B. Cox Cox, Cox & Estes (479) 251-7900 Sidney P. Davis, Jr. Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 James R. Estes Cox, Cox & Estes (479) 251-7900 Walker Dale Garrett Bassett Law Firm (479) 521-9996 Robert L. Jones III Conner & Winters (479) 582-5711 Don A. Taylor Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 Forrest City B. Michael Easley Easley & Houseal (870) 633-1447
Little Rock Overton S. Anderson Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887 Donald H. Bacon Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Michael D. Barnes Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Sherry P. Bartley Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 R. T. Beard III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Timothy L. Boone Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535 Dan F. Bufford Laser Law Firm (501) 376-2981 Michelle H. Cauley Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Robert M. Cearley, Jr. Cearley Law Firm (501) 372-5600 Kevin A. Crass Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 David M. Donovan Watts, Donovan & Tilley (501) 372-1406 Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080 Roger A. Glasgow Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 William M. Griffin III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Robert L. Henry III Barber, McCaskill, Jones & Hale (501) 372-6175
W. Wilson Jones Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131
Fort Smith Charles R. Ledbetter Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold & Harrison (479) 782-7294
K. Coleman Westbrook, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Douglas O. Smith, Jr. Warner, Smith & Harris (479) 782-6041
OIL & GAS LAW
G. Alan Wooten Warner, Smith & Harris (479) 782-6041
Michael Huckabay, Sr. Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
Jonesboro Bill W. Bristow Bristow & Richardson (870) 935-9000
Don Michael Huckabay, Jr. Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
John C. Deacon Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700
Jim L. Julian Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800
Bobby R. McDaniel McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950
David A. Littleton Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887
Paul D. McNeill Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill (870) 932-0900
Edwin L. Lowther, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
John V. Phelps Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill (870) 932-0900
Robert M. McHenry McHenry & McHenry (501) 372-3425
Phillip J. Wells McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950
James Bruce McMath McMath Woods (501) 396-5400
Fort Smith Thomas A. Daily Daily & Woods (479) 782-0361 Robert M. Honea Hardin, Jesson & Terry (479) 452-2200 Little Rock G. Alan Perkins Perkins & Trotter (501) 603-9000 Magnolia Carolyn J. Clegg Keith & Clegg (870) 234-3550 PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION Arkadelphia Rodney P. Moore Wright, Berry, Hughes & Moore (870) 246-6796
Mariam T. Hopkins Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887
AYMAG.COM . 57
Stuart P. Miller Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
James M. Simpson Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Jeff Singleton Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
John E. Moore Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
Laura Hensley Smith Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Bruce E. Munson Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
James F. Swindoll Law Offices of James F. Swindoll (501) 374-1290
Randy P. Murphy Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887
James W. Tilley Watts, Donovan & Tilley (501) 372-1406
Lyn P. Pruitt Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Frederick S. Ursery Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Michael R. Rainwater Rainwater, Holt & Sexton (800) 434-4800
Richard N. Watts Watts, Donovan & Tilley (501) 372-1406
Gordon S. Rather, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
Bud B. Whetstone Whetstone, Spears & Odum (501) 376-3564
Beverly A. Rowlett Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
Teresa M. Wineland Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Rick Runnells Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
Mountain Home Frank Bailey Bailey & Oliver Law Firm (870) 425-6041
Donald S. Ryan Dodds, Kidd & Ryan (501) 375-9901 Jerry J. Sallings Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Michael N. Shannon Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700
(501) 791-2277 Pine Bluff Stephen A. Matthews Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532 PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATION
Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350 Jonesboro Joseph Barrett Deacon Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Little Rock Michael D. Barnes Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Robert M. Cearley, Jr. Cearley Law Firm (501) 372-5600
North Little Rock Clyde Tab Turner Turner & Associates (501) 791-2277 PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAW Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350
James A. Buttry Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 M. Jane Dickey Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 James E. Hathaway III Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000
Little Rock Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080
Thomas P. Leggett Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
David A. Littleton Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887
David F. Menz Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
David M. Powell Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
J. Shepherd Russell III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
PROJECT FINANCE LAW
John William Spivey III Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
Edwin L. Lowther, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
Little Rock Harold W. Hamlin Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Bruce E. Munson Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535
David F. Menz Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
W. Jackson Williams Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
J. Shepherd Russell III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
RAILROAD LAW
Lyn P. Pruitt Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Mountain View Elton A. Rieves III Elton A. Rieves III & Associates (870) 269-5757
Gordon S. Rather, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
North Little Rock Clyde Tab Turner Turner & Associates
Richard N. Watts Watts, Donovan & Tilley (501) 372-1406
W. Jackson Williams Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 PUBLIC FINANCE LAW Little Rock Robert B. Beach, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Gordon M. Wilbourn Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000
Jonesboro John C. Deacon Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Joseph Barrett Deacon Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Little Rock Scott H. Tucker
We congratulate ourour partners Larry and Denise Hoggard on on WeWe JimJulian**, Julian** Denise Hoggard congratulate partners LarryChisenhall, Chisenhall,Chuck Chuck Nestrud*, Nestrud*, Jim andand Denise Hoggard their recognition by their peers as on their recognition by their peers as
Best Best Lawyers Lawyers in inArkansas Arkansas
Regions Avenue RegionsCenter Center -–400 400 West West Capitol West Capitol Capitol Avenue Avenue Suite 2840 Suite 2840 2840 Little 72201 LittleRock, Rock, Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas 72201 72201 (501) 372-5800 (501) 372-5800 372-5800 www.cnjlaw.com www.cnjlaw.com www.cnjlaw.com *2010*2010 Fellow of theofAmerican College of Environmental Lawyers College of Environmental Lawyers Fellow the American Lawyers **2010 Fellow of theofAmerican College of Trial Lawyers **2010 Fellow the American College of Trial Lawyers Lawyers 58 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
GOLDEN GAVEL AWARDS 2009-2010 Association President Donna C. Pettus selected the following active members as Golden Gavel Award recipients for their outstanding work and service to the Association.
Taura McDaniel, Attorney Ad Litem in Jonesboro, for her work as chair of the Mock Trial Committee.
Zane A. Chrisman of USable Life in Little Rock for her work as chair of the CLE Committee.
Lamar Pettus of the Pettus Law Firm in Fayetteville for his work as chair of the Governance Committee.
From Left: Mariam T. Hopkins, Overton S. Anderson, Randy P. Murphy, David A. Littleton Brad L. Hendricks of The Brad Hendricks Law Firm in Little Rock for his work as chair of the Professional Ethics Committee.
Matthew D. Wells of the Davidson Law Firm in Little Rock for his work as co-chair of the Mock Trial Committee.
Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins, L.L.P.
Congratulates our partners on being named Best Lawyers in America 速 400 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 2470 | Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Phone: 501-372-1887 | Fax: 501-372-7706
At Friday Eldredge Clark we are focused on YOUR needs Gwendolyn L. Rucker, Law Clerk to United States Magistrate Judge Jerome Kearney, for her work as chair of the Annual Meeting.
Rosalind M. Mouser of Ramsay, Bridgforth, Robinson and Raley LLP in Pine Bluff for her work as chair of the Underwriting Committee.
Harry A. Light of Friday, Eldredge & Clark in Little Rock for his work as co-chair of the Annual Meeting Task Force.
Tom Womack of Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill in Jonesboro for his work as chair of the Audit Committee.
Cathy Underwood of Pulaski Technical College in Little Rock for her work as chair of the Online Legal Research Committee.
Jeffrey E. McKinley of Little Rock for her work as co-chair of the Annual Meeting Task Force.
400 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 2000 Little Rock, Arkansas, 72201-3522 (501) 376-2011 www.fridayfirm.com AYMAG.COM . 59
The Design Center with Sandy Sutton is proud to present ENCORE! MAURICE CATHEY AWARD Teresa Wineland of Williams & Anderson, PLC in Little Rock received the award for her valued contributions to The Arkansas Lawyer magazine.
Now setting appointments to consider your fine pieces sandy.sutton@att.net Sandy Sutton’s Interior Spaces Encore Arlington Park, L.L.C Distinctive Kitchen & Baths Window Works Pacific Rugs CJ Horner Co.
Emcar Marble & Granite White Furniture Company Jadee Construction Peter’s Paint & Flooring Silks-A-Bloom White River Mouldings & Trim Bob Geer Construction
4330 Central Ave Ste G Hot Springs, AR 71913-7254 (501) 624-6700 (501) 520-4646 sandy.sutton@att.net www.sandysuttonsdesigns.com
Where quality, affordability, and style are to be expected.
CLE AWARD Lynn Foster, Arkansas Bar Foundation Professor of Law at UALR School of Law in Little Rock, received the award for her outstanding contributions to providing quality Continuing Legal Education for the attorneys of Arkansas.
JUDITH RYAN GRAY OUTSTANDING YOUNG LAWYER AWARD J. Cliff Mckinney II of Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow PLLC, in Little Rock received the award for his service towards improving the administration of justice.
YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION FRANK ELCAN AWARD Gwendolyn L. Rucker, Law Clerk to United States Magistrate Judge Jerome Kearney, received the award for her out standing contributions to the Young Lawyers Section. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Frederick S. Ursery Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 REAL ESTATE LAW
ay
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Arkansas’ Premier Lifestyle Magazine
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Fort Smith Thomas A. Daily Daily & Woods (479) 782-0361 Little Rock W. Christopher Barrier Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Jim Beachboard Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 Tad Bohannon Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Price C. Gardner Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
60 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
Timothy W. Grooms Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Harold W. Hamlin Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Paul W. Hoover, Jr. Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Hal Joseph Kemp (501) 372-7243 David F. Menz Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 James M. Saxton Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 John William Spivey III Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Jay T. Taylor
Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 North Little Rock Stuart W. Hankins Hankins Law Firm (501) 371-9226 SECURITIES LAW Little Rock Paul B. Benham III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Garland W. Binns, Jr. Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 C. Douglas Buford, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Walter M. Ebel III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 M. Sean Hatch Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 John S. Selig Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
C. Brantly Buck Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Bryant Cranford Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Walter M. Ebel III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Byron M. Eiseman, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Price C. Gardner Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 W. Wilson Jones Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 John C. Lessel (501) 954-9000 Michael O. Parker Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 John B. Peace Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151
STRUCTURED FINANCE LAW
John R. Tisdale Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
Little Rock J. Shepherd Russell III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Thomas C. Vaughan, Jr. Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565
W. Jackson Williams Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
Pine Bluff Ted N. Drake Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532
TAX LAW El Dorado Joseph Hickey Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville Gregory B. Graham Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554
Anthony A. Hilliard Ramsay, Bridgforth, Harrelson and Starling (870) 535-9000 TECHNOLOGY LAW Little Rock Ray F. Cox, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
James Lee Moore III Reece, Moore, Pendergraft (479) 443-2705
J. Charles Dougherty Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
Thomas L. Overbey Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554
Harold J. Evans Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800
James W. Smith Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011 Craig H. W. brook Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554 Jonesboro Robert S. Jones Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Tom D. Womack Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill (870) 932-0900 Little Rock Samuel R. Baxter Baxter & Jewell (501) 664-9555 J. Lee Brown Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
TRUSTS AND ESTATES El Dorado Joseph Hickey Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville William Jackson Butt II Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 James Lee Moore III Reece, Moore, Pendergraft (479) 443-2705
recognized again
JOHN WESLEY HALL BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA, CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Thomas L. Overbey Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554
Past President, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
James W. Smith Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011
1311 Broadway Little Rock, AR 72202 501-371-9131
Jonesboro
From street “crimes to war crimes, he has tried them all.
”
AYMAG.COM . 61
Robert S. Jones Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Tom D. Womack Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill (870) 932-0900 Little Rock Steve Bauman Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 William Thomas Baxter Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 J. Lee Brown Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 C. Brantly Buck Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Allison J. Cornwell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Sarah Cotton Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Jeffrey H. Dixon Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Rogers Christopher T. Rogers Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (479) 464-5650 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW
El Dorado Brian H. Ratcliff Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Fayetteville Constance G. Clark Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 Fort Smith Eddie H. Walker, Jr. Walker, Shock, Cox & Harp (479) 783-7600 Jonesboro Phillip J. Wells McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950 Little Rock John D. Davis Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 William M. Griffin III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Byron M. Eiseman, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Betty J. Hardy Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
James E. Harris Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Michael R. Mayton The Mayton Law Firm (501) 376-0504
Richard F. Hatfield Hatfield & Sayre (501) 374-9010
Lee J. Muldrow Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808
William Dixon Haught Haught & Wade (501) 375-5257
Randy P. Murphy Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887
W. Wilson Jones Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131
Frank B. Newell Laser Law Firm (501) 376-2981
John C. Lessel (501) 954-9000
Eric Newkirk The Mayton Law Firm (501) 376-0504
Michael O. Parker Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 George N. Plastiras Plastiras Law Firm (501) 376-7410 Jean D. Stockburger Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800
Joseph H. Purvis Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 Mike Ryburn Ryburn Law Firm (501) 228-8100 Guy Alton Wade Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
John Cogan Wade Haught & Wade (501) 375-5257
Carol Worley Worley Wood & Parrish (501) 225-3535
K. Coleman Westbrook, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011
Pine Bluff Michael Dennis Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532
Pine Bluff Ted N. Drake Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532 Anthony A. Hilliard Ramsay, Bridgforth, Harrelson and Starling (870) 535-9000 James C. Moser, Jr. Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake 62 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
(870) 534-5532
Texarkana Gregory Giles Moore & Giles (870) 774-5191