BEST WOMEN LAWYERS * IN ARKANSAS 2018
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RAISING THE BAR: WOMEN DOMINATING THE LEGAL FIELD T
he emergence of women in the legal profession today, both in numbers and in accomplishment, is nothing short of revolutionary. Once among the most staunchly male-dominated professions, law practices and courtrooms nationwide are seeing barriers broken by almost every measurement imaginable.
the percentage of total attorneys in private practice who are female, a ratio that currently sits at 40 percent. In the corporate arena, greater than one in four chief counsels to Fortune 500 companies are female, as are managing partners in the 200 largest U.S. firms.
A
W
ccording to the American Bar Association, the number of women in law school surpassed men for the first time ever in 2016, and women continue to hold that advantage in 2018. In the coming years, the same picture is expected for
omen also hold a majority on the Arkansas State Supreme Court, occupy one-third of the seats on the U.S. Supreme Court and enjoy similar representation on the bench of U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals and Federal District Courts.
2018 BEST WOMEN LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS
*
APPELLATE PRACTICE
STACI DUMAS CARSON Watts, Donovan & Tilley 501-372-1406 Arkansas Capital Commerce Center, Ste. 200 200 River Market Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201-1769 CONSTANCE G. CLARK Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor 479-521-7600 19 East Mountain Street P.O. Box 1688 Fayetteville, AR 72702-1688 JULIE DEWOODY GREATHOUSE PPGMR Law 501-603-9000 101 Morgan Keegan Drive, Ste. A P.O. Box 251618 Little Rock, AR 72225-1618 BEVERLY A. ROWLETT Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone 501-374-6535 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1900 Little Rock, AR 72201
ARBITRATION
MELVA HARMON Melva Harmon 501-372-1133 111 Center Street, Ste. 1200 Little Rock, AR 72201
JILL R. JACOWAY Jacoway Law Firm 479-521-2621 223 South East Ave. P.O. Drawer 3456 Fayetteville, AR 72702 BIANCA RUCKER Rucker Law 479-445-6340 One East Center Street, Ste. 215 Fayetteville, AR 72701 KIMBERLY WOOD TUCKER Wright, Lindsey & Jennings 501-371-0808 200 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2300 Little Rock, AR 72201-3699
BET-THE-COMPANY LITIGATION
JUDY SIMMONS HENRY Wright, Lindsey & Jennings 501-371-0808 200 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2300 Little Rock, AR 72201-3699
SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
TERESA M. WINELAND Kutak Rock 501-975-3000 124 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3706
CONSTRUCTION LAW
BEVERLY A. ROWLETT Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone 501-374-6535 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1900 Little Rock, AR 72201
CORPORATE LAW
SUSAN KELLER KENDALL Kendall Law Firm 479-464-9828 3706 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Ste. 201 Rogers, AR 72758 D. NICOLE LOVELL Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525
SUZANNE G. CLARK Clark Law Firm 476-856-6380 244 West Dickson Street, Ste. 201 P.O. Box 4248 Fayetteville, AR 72702-4248
DUI/DWI DEFENSE
CONSTANCE G. CLARK Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor 479-521-7600 19 East Mountain Street P.O. Box 1688 Fayetteville, AR 72702-1688
EDUCATION LAW
* AS EXCERPTED FROM THE 2018 EDITION OF THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA® 22
BEVERLY A. ROWLETT Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone 501-374-6535 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1900 Little Rock, AR 72201
ELIZABETH ROBBEN MURRAY Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
BANKRUPTCY AND CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS / INSOLVENCY AND REORGANIZATION LAW
ELIZABETH ROBBEN MURRAY Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522
ARKANSAS TIMES
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CHRISTINA D. COMSTOCK Everett Wales & Comstock 479-443-0292 1944 East Joyce Boulevard P.O. Box 8370 Fayetteville, AR 72703-8370 ELLEN OWENS SMITH Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522
ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT LAW KAREN S. HALBERT Roberts Law Firm 501-476-7391 20 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72223
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (ERISA) LAW ALEXANDRA A. IFRAH Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522
EMPLOYMENT LAW INDIVIDUALS
SUSAN KELLER KENDALL Kendall Law Firm 479-464-9828 3706 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Ste. 201 Rogers, AR 72758 ELIZABETH ROBBEN MURRAY Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522 JANET L. PULLIAM Mitchell, Blackstock, Ivers, Sneddon & Marshall 501-378-7870 1010 West Third Street P.O. Box 1510 Little Rock, AR 72203
EMPLOYMENT LAW MANAGEMENT
MISSY MCJUNKINS DUKE Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus 501-371-9999 500 President Clinton Ave., Ste. 200 Little Rock, AR 72201 KATHLYN GRAVES Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525
DENISE REID HOGGARD Rainwater, Holt & Sexton 800-767-4815 801 Technology Drive Little Rock, AR 72223 MICHELLE M. KAEMMERLING Wright, Lindsey & Jennings 501-371-0808 200 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2300 Little Rock, AR 72201-3699 ELIZABETH ROBBEN MURRAY Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522 JANET L. PULLIAM Mitchell, Blackstock, Ivers, Sneddon & Marshall 501-378-7870 1010 West Third Street P.O. Box 1510 Little Rock, AR 72203 AMBER WILSON BAGLEY Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus 501-371-9999 500 President Clinton Ave., Ste. 200 Little Rock, AR 72201 CAROLYN B. WITHERSPOON Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus 501-371-9999 500 President Clinton Ave., Ste. 200 Little Rock, AR 72201
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
SHERRY P. BARTLEY Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525
JULIE DEWOODY GREATHOUSE PPGMR Law 501-603-9000 101 Morgan Keegan Drive, Ste. A P.O. Box 251618 Little Rock, AR 72225-1618
FAMILY LAW
MARCIA BARNES Marcia Barnes & Associates 501-492-3438 400 West Capitol, Ste. 1700 Little Rock, AR 72201 CARROL ANN HICKS Hicks & Associates 501-771-1817 5321 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Ste. A North Little Rock, AR 72116
HEALTH CARE LAW
ELIZABETH ANDREOLI Andreoli Law 501-690-5069 72 Pine Manor Drive Little Rock, AR 72207-5151 DEBBY THETFORD NYE Kutak Rock 479-973-4200 234 East Millsap Road, Ste. 200 Fayetteville, AR 72703-4099
IMMIGRATION LAW
MISSY MCJUNKINS DUKE Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus 501-371-9999 500 President Clinton Ave., Ste. 200 Little Rock, AR 72201 KATHY W. GOSS Kathy Woodward Goss 501-676-6522 604 South Center Street P.O. Box 448 Lonoke, AR 72086-0000
INSURANCE LAW
MARIAM T. HOPKINS Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins 501-372-1887 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2400 Little Rock, AR 72201-4851 BEVERLY A. ROWLETT Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone 501-374-6535 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1900 Little Rock, AR 72201
CAROLYN B. WITHERSPOON Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus 501-371-9999 500 President Clinton Ave., Ste. 200 Little Rock, AR 72201
LABOR LAW - UNION
MICHELLE M. KAEMMERLING Wright, Lindsey & Jennings 501-371-0808 200 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2300 Little Rock, AR 72201-3699
LABOR LAW - MANAGEMENT
SUSAN KELLER KENDALL Kendall Law Firm 479-464-9828 3706 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Ste. 201 Rogers, AR 72758
SUSAN KELLER KENDALL Kendall Law Firm 479-464-9828 3706 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Ste. 201 Rogers, AR 72758
KIMBERLY WOOD TUCKER Wright, Lindsey & Jennings 501-371-0808 200 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2300 Little Rock, AR 72201-3699
LITIGATION - BANKRUPTCY
MELVA HARMON Melva Harmon 501-372-1133 111 Center Street, Ste. 1200 Little Rock, AR 72201
EMILY RUNYON Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone 501-374-6535 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1900 Little Rock, AR 72201 KATHLYN GRAVES Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525
LITIGATION - BANKING AND FINANCE
JANET L. PULLIAM Mitchell, Blackstock, Ivers, Sneddon & Marshall 501-378-7870 1010 West Third Street P.O. Box 1510 Little Rock, AR 72203
MARCELLA J. TAYLOR Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525
MICHELLE M. KAEMMERLING Wright, Lindsey & Jennings 501-371-0808 200 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2300 Little Rock, AR 72201-3699
LITIGATION - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
SUSAN KELLER KENDALL Kendall Law Firm 479-464-9828 3706 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Ste. 201 Rogers, AR 72758
CONSTANCE G. CLARK Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor 479-521-7600 19 East Mountain Street P.O. Box 1688 Fayetteville, AR 72702-1688
AMY LEE STEWART Rose Law Firm 501-375-9131 120 East Fourth Street Little Rock, AR 72201-2893
LITIGATION ENVIRONMENTAL
MISSY MCJUNKINS DUKE Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus 501-371-9999 500 President Clinton Ave., Ste. 200 Little Rock, AR 72201
SHERRY P. BARTLEY Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525 JULIE DEWOODY GREATHOUSE PPGMR Law 501-603-9000 101 Morgan Keegan Drive, Ste. A P.O. Box 251618 Little Rock, AR 72225-1618
LITIGATION - LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
KATHLYN GRAVES Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525 DENISE REID HOGGARD Rainwater, Holt & Sexton 800-767-4815 801 Technology Drive Little Rock, AR 72223
LITIGATION - MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS SUZANNE G. CLARK Clark Law Firm 476-856-6380 244 West Dickson Street, Ste. 201 P.O. Box 4248 Fayetteville, AR 72702-4248
LITIGATION - REAL ESTATE
SUZANNE G. CLARK Clark Law Firm 476-856-6380 244 West Dickson Street, Ste. 201 P.O. Box 4248 Fayetteville, AR 72702-4248
EVA C. MADISON Littler Mendelson 479-582-6100 The Fulbright Building, Ste. 204 217 East Dickson Street Fayetteville, AR 72701
CONSTANCE G. CLARK Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor 479-521-7600 19 East Mountain Street P.O. Box 1688 Fayetteville, AR 72702-1688
ELIZABETH ROBBEN MURRAY Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522
LITIGATION - SECURITIES
KERRI E. KOBBEMAN Conner & Winters 479-582-5711 4375 North Vantage Drive, Ste. 405 Fayetteville, AR 72703
JANET L. PULLIAM Mitchell, Blackstock, Ivers, Sneddon & Marshall 501-378-7870 1010 West Third Street P.O. Box 1510 Little Rock, AR 72203
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WOMEN PARTNERS
Best Lawyers
®
24th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© Recognized as 2018 Best Lawyers: Mariam T. Hopkins and Julie M. Hancock
x
Mariam T. Hopkins and Julie M. Hancock
400 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE, SUITE 2400 | LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201-4851 TELEPHONE: 501-372-1887 | FACSIMILE: 501-372-7706
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LEADING WITH GREATNESS Congrats to our managing member Julie DeWoody Greathouse on being named to this year’s Best Women Lawyers in Arkansas* & The Best Lawyers in America© 2018. *as excerpted from the 2018 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America
LITIGATION - TRUSTS AND ESTATES
ALLISON J. CORNWELL Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522 RITA REED HARRIS Rita Reed Harris 870-633-9900 208 North Izard Street Forrest City, AR 72335 SARAH COTTON PATTERSON Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522
MASS TORT LITIGATION / CLASS ACTIONS DEFENDANTS
SHERRY P. BARTLEY Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525
With offices in Little Rock, El Dorado and Stuttgart, PPGMR Law is a business-focused law firm known for its experience in energy, oil and gas, agricultural, environmental and natural resources law, as well as commercial litigation, insurance defense and related business matters. Visit us at ppgmrlaw.com.
LYN P. PRUITT Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525
Congratula�ons!
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW DEFENDANTS
Jennifer Wilson-Harvey For being included in the 2018 Edi�on of The Best Lawyers in America© for Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law in Li�le Rock and Best Women Lawyers Arkansas Edi�on in the Arkansas Times! Wilson & Associates, PLLC
MICHELLE ATOR Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522
KELLY CARITHERS Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor 479-521-7600 19 East Mountain Street P.O. Box 1688 Fayetteville, AR 72702-1688
OIL AND GAS LAW
REBECCA D. HATTABAUGH Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold & Harrison 479-782-7294 622 Parker Ave. P.O. Box 185 Fort Smith, AR 72902-0185
PATENT LAW
MARIAM T. HOPKINS Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins 501-372-1887 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2400 Little Rock, AR 72201-4851
PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION - DEFENDANTS
LAURA HENSLEY SMITH Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522
MORTGAGE BANKING FORECLOSURE LAW
JENNIFER WILSON-HARVEY Wilson & Associates 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1400 Lile Rock, AR 72201 (501) 219-9388
MUNICIPAL LAW
M. JANE DICKEY Rose Law Firm 501-375-9131 120 East Fourth Street Little Rock, AR 72201-2893
NON-PROFIT / CHARITIES LAW SARAH COTTON PATTERSON Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522
Wilson+Miller, PLLC 400 West Capitol Ave., Suite 1400 Li�le Rock, AR 72201 (501) 219-9388 www.thewilsonlawfirm.com
2019 BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS ©
COMING THIS NOVEMBER
24
SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
ARKANSAS TIMES
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CREDIT The Best Lawyers in America© is published by BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC, Aiken, S.C. and can be ordered directly from the publisher. For information call 803-648-0300; write 237 Park Ave., SW, Suite 101, Aiken, S.C. 29801; email info@bestlawyers.com; or visit bestlawyers.com. An online subscription to Best Lawyers® is available at bestlawyers.com. DISCLAIMER AND COPYRIGHT BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC, Aiken, S.C. 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, 2017, where that information is publicly available. Consumers should contact their state bar association for verification and additional information prior to securing legal services of any attorney.
CAROLYN J. CLEGG Keith & Clegg 870-234-3550 124 South Jackson, Ste. 205 Magnolia, AR 71753 MEREDITH K. LOWRY Wright, Lindsey & Jennings 479-986-0888 3333 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Ste. 510 Rogers, AR 72758
MICHELLE ATOR Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522 SHERRY P. BARTLEY Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525 MICHELLE L. BROWNING Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525 KELLY CARITHERS Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor 479-521-7600 19 East Mountain Street P.O. Box 1688 Fayetteville, AR 72702-1688 MARIAM T. HOPKINS Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins 501-372-1887 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2400 Little Rock, AR 72201-4851
Copyright 2018 by BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC, Aiken, S.C. 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 BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC, Aiken, S.C. 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 BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC, Aiken, S.C. METHODOLOGY FOR BEST LAWYERS® This list is excerpted from the 2018 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, the pre-eminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers lists attorneys in 140 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 2018 Edition of Best Lawyers is based on more than 6.7 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. The method used to compile Best Lawyers remains unchanged
LYN P. PRUITT Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525 BEVERLY A. ROWLETT Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone 501-374-6535 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1900 Little Rock, AR 72201 LAURA HENSLEY SMITH Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522 TERESA M. WINELAND Kutak Rock 501-975-3000 124 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3706
PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATION - DEFENDANTS
PUBLIC FINANCE LAW
M. JANE DICKEY Rose Law Firm 501-375-9131 120 East Fourth Street Little Rock, AR 72201-2893
REAL ESTATE LAW
MARIAN M. MCMULLAN McMullan Law Firm 501-376-9119 815 West Markham Street P.O. Box 2839 Little Rock, AR 72201
SECURITIES / CAPITAL MARKETS LAW
ROBYN P. ALLMENDINGER Rose Law Firm 501-375-9131 120 East Fourth Street Little Rock, AR 72201-2893 D. NICOLE LOVELL Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525
SARAH GREENWOOD Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone 501-374-6535 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1900 Little Rock, AR 72201
TAX LAW
JULIE M. HANCOCK Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins 501-372-1887 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2400 Little Rock, AR 72201-4851
TRADE SECRETS LAW
LYN P. PRUITT Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525
REBECCA B. HURST Smith Hurst 479-301-2444 226 West Dickson Street, Ste. 201 Fayetteville, AR 72701
TRANSPORTATION LAW
SUSAN KELLER KENDALL Kendall Law Firm 479-464-9828 3706 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Ste. 201 Rogers, AR 72758
TRUSTS AND ESTATES
ALLISON J. CORNWELL Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522 SARAH COTTON PATTERSON Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522 JENNIFER R. PIERCE Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard 501-688-8800 425 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201-3525
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW - CLAIMANTS LAURA BETH YORK Rainwater, Holt & Sexton 800-767-4815 801 Technology Drive Little Rock, AR 72223
ELIZABETH ROBBEN MURRAY Friday, Eldredge & Clark 501-376-2011 400 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201-3522
CONSTANCE G. CLARK Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor 479-521-7600 19 East Mountain Street P.O. Box 1688 Fayetteville, AR 72702-1688
TRADEMARK LAW
BETTY J. HARDY Coplin & Hardy 501-707-0300 One Union Plaza 124 West Capitol Ave., Ste. 1650 Little Rock, AR 72201
KATHRYN BENNETT PERKINS Rose Law Firm 501-375-9131 120 East Fourth Street Little Rock, AR 72201-2893
since the first edition was compiled more than 30 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 2018 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.
SUZANNE G. CLARK
was included in the 2018 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Real Estate and Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions in Fayetteville.
479-856-6380 •244 West Dickson St., Ste. 201 • Fayetteville • www.clark-firm.com
McMullan & Brown congratulates our senior partner, Marian McMullan, on being included in the 2018 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for Real Estate Law in Little Rock.
MARIAN MAJOR MCMULLAN MCMULLAN & BROWN An Established Little Rock Law Firm 815 W. Markham St. • Little Rock, AR 72201 501-376-9119 • www.m-b.law ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT www.arktimes.com
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INSIGHTS FROM THE ATTORNEYS
Q: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME AN ATTORNEY?
“After having a career in the corporate world, becoming a lawyer allowed me to apply that business expertise to creating my own business in a profession that is often exciting and gratifying.” Suzanne G. Clark, Clark Law Firm, PLLC “I was a teacher before I went to law school. I enjoy work that allows me to help others. I saw the law as another extension of the type of work I did as a teacher. The work is challenging, varied, and engaging.” Julie M. Hancock, Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins “I never really thought about going into the legal profession until I fell in love with my business-law class during my last year of college. However, in hindsight, it makes perfect sense. I always found myself in the middle of other people’s issues growing up. I really enjoy lending myself as an advocate and feel great satisfaction when I can help others solve problems.” Emily Runyon, Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone, P.A.
Q: WHAT ROLE(S) HAS/HAVE MENTORS PLAYED IN BUILDING YOUR CAREER?
“I am lucky to work in a firm where the senior attorneys all freely provide advice and mentoring. I think having a mentor is a key to continuing to develop your skills after you complete your legal education and enter the practice of law.” Julie M. Hancock, Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins “It is absolutely critical to have experienced attorneys you respect and trust to provide guidance as you build a legal practice. “ Suzanne G. Clark, Clark Law Firm, PLLC “I don’t know that I would seek out a mentor; however, it is wonderful when that type of relationship happens organically. I have been blessed with several mentors or role models along the way. […] My first job out of law school was as a law clerk for Justice Betty Dickey at the Arkansas Supreme Court. I adored her. I still do. The stories about her journey in the legal profession were inspiring, and she made me believe that there wasn’t anything I couldn’t go out and do as a young attorney. […] I also had the opportunity to work on occasion with Justice Annabelle Imber Tuck about matters
pending before the Court. She taught me so much about the importance of being thorough and how the smallest of details could make a huge difference in the big picture and the final legal analysis. Neither of these women probably realizes the impact they had on me. I hope one day that I have the opportunity to pay it forward.” Emily Runyon, Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone, P.A.
“Thankful for all of the exceptional women lawyers who paved the way for me. Proud to be a part of a firm that years ago saw fit to name me as its managing partner. Humbled to be listed with this fantastic group of women. Encouraged about the future of our profession.” Julie DeWoody Greathouse, PPGMR Law, PLLC
Q: WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO OTHER FEMALES THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN THE LAW?
“If you treat law school as a job, and stay disciplined with regard to the work assigned, you will succeed.” Suzanne G. Clark, Clark Law Firm, PLLC
“My advice to women considering a career in the law is to have courage and clerk at law firms that allow you to write pleadings and research. You will be good at the area of practice you like the most but it is also good to explore other areas of the law. Also, be patient with yourself and other colleagues because the best teacher is experience and that might be the attorney on the opposite side of the table. I worked full time at a title company doing title work and closing real estate transactions while I attended night law school. I thought I would have a nervous breakdown sometimes, but I kept on. Because I did not go to law school directly out of college I had some experience in the business world which was incredibly valuable in creating my own practice because many of the people I knew became my clients. Finally, simply because you are a female you do not show how aggressive you are by being rude to other attorneys. Wear the white hat no matter what.” Marian McMullan, McMullan & Brown, Attorneys at Law “Women should use their unique strengths and abilities to develop a successful practice. Sometimes women think they need to adapt to be more like men when entering a profession like the law. You will better serve your clients and love your job more, if you bring who you are as a person to what you do.” Julie M. Hancock, Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins “One considering a career in law should be prepared to work hard and deal with sometimes stressful situations. However, practicing law can be very rewarding and intellectually stimulating.” Beverley Rowlett, Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone, P.A. “If you feel pulled to a career in the legal field, there really shouldn’t be any other considerations. Go for it!” Emily Runyon, Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone, P.A.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE ABOUT LAW SCHOOL?
“Make the most of your clerking experiences. Talk to people and make connections, even if it is uncomfortable. Ask questions and seek feedback. Find out if the work is something you could be passionate about. Try new things. Don’t make assumptions about what work will fulfill you. Search for something that you love.” Julie M. Hancock, Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins “Your classmates in an Arkansas law school will be your professional colleagues for years to come, assuming you practice in Arkansas, so develop good relationships.” Beverley Rowlett, Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone, P.A. “Enjoy it. You will miss it.” Emily Runyon, Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone, P.A. “Law school is an adventure in perseverance and dedication, and women are wired for both. And in a field dominated by men only a generation or two ago, the legal profession is now filled with talented, extraordinary women pursuing very rewarding legal careers.” Jennifer Wilson, Wilson & Associates, Attorneys at Law
Q: IS THERE A SINGLE PASSION THAT DRIVES YOU AS IT RELATES TO LAW?
“I can’t identify a single passion; however, there always seem to be small injustices in my cases that push me to want to be a better attorney and do the best job for my client.” Emily Runyon, Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone, P.A. “I am passionate about serving my clients well. One of the things I enjoy most about my job is having the opportunity to assist my clients in learning to assess risk and adopt practices which will assist them in avoiding legal difficulties in the future.” Julie M. Hancock, Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins
Arkansas Times gathered these reflections from participating female attorneys in Arkansas, who are being recognized.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Three women lawyers from Munson, Rowlett, Moore & Boone, P.A. were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018. BEVERLY A. ROWLETT was named the Best Lawyers® 2018 Insurance Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Little Rock.
BEVERLY A. ROWLETT
Commercial Litigation Bet-the-Company Litigation Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Insurance Law Appellate Practice
SARAH E. GREENWOOD
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
EMILY M. RUNYON Insurance Law
400 West Capitol Ave., Suite 1900 • Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 • Voice (501) 374-6535 • Fax (501) 374-5906 • www.mrmblaw.com 26
SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
ARKANSAS TIMES
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT