Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel

08/04/2025

AADC ANNOUNCES 2025-2026 OFFICERS AT ANNUAL MEETING

The AADC elected its new slate of officers during the annual business meeting held on Friday, August 1, 2025, in Bentonville, Arkansas. The newly elected officers for the 2025-2026 term are:

Stuart Miller, Mitchell Williams - President
Michelle Ator, Friday, Eldredge & Clark - President-Elect
Jay Sayes, Matthew’s, Sanders & Sayes- Secretary
Michael Vanderford, Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins - Treasurer
Baxter Drennon, Hall Booth Smith - DRI Representative
Tom Wyatt, Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull - immediate Past-President

Congratulations to all the newly elected officers. The AADC looks forward to another year of strong leadership and continued excellence in advancing the defense bar across Arkansas.

08/04/2025

TOM WYATT RECEIVES DRI EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AWARD AT AADC ANNUAL MEETING

At the AADC annual meeting held last week in Bentonville, Arkansas, Baxter Drennon presented Tom Wyatt of Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull, with the DRI Exceptional Performance Award.

The distinguished honor recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced the standards and education of the defense bar.

08/04/2025

MEL SAYES NAMED OUTSTANDING DEFENSE ATTORNEY BY THE ARKANSAS ASSOCIATION OF DEFENSE COUNSEL

The AADC has recognized Mel Sayes of Matthew’s, Sanders & Sayes as the 2024-2025 Outstanding Defense Attorney. The honor was presented during the association’s annual meeting held last Thursday and Friday in Bentonville, Arkansas.

The prestigious award celebrates Mr. Sayes’s unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity in the practice of law, as well as his distinguished career representing defendants in litigated matters across the state.

08/04/2025

JUDGE RICHARD LUSBY NAMED JUDGE OF THE YEAR BY THE ARKANSAS ASSOCIATION OF DEFENSE COUNSEL

The AADC has honored the Honorable Richard Lusby of the Second Judicial District with its Judge of the Year award. The recognition was presented during the association’s annual meeting held last week in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Judge Lusby was selected for his outstanding commitment to excellence, integrity, and the impartial administration of justice - hallmarks of his distinguished service on the bench.

04/24/2025

AADC conducted its second Trial Academy at the federal court building last week, ran by Chair Bradey Baltz. Participants, over two days, completed a mock trial after instruction taking place in the weeks before. Congratulations to our graduates:

Lauren Ator
Travis Linn
Amelia Sandrock
Alexis Smtih
Katie Meister
Taryn Bewley
Blake Rowley
Ty Bordenkircher
Ryan Smith
Erin Rambo
Rose McGarrity
Katie Beth Nichols
Collette Brashears
Doris Magsayo
Bethany Michau
Rylie Slone
Elizabeth Strickland
Cameron Edmonson
Alex Mickel

And a huge thank to our Faculty:
Staci Carson
Past President Debbie Denton
David Donovan
Mike Shannon
Past President Jamie Jones
Richard Watts
Don Bacon
David Wilson
Ed Lowther
John Wilkerson
Sarah Greenwood

THANK YOU Bradey for all of your hard work and efforts. Amazing job!

08/08/2023

AADC honors Tom Curry of McMillan, McCorkle & Curry for his years of service as the Legislative Chair. Tom puts in numerous hours reviewing bills and offering his good counsel on the impact to the defense bar and our clients. His insights are many and appreciated. Thank you, Tom!

08/08/2023

AADC honors Michelle Ator with Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP for her considerable work as Chair of the Trial Academy, which graduated 17 young lawyers from a month long hands on training in trial tactics. Thank you for your work, Michelle!

08/05/2023

08/05/2023

Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel recognizes and thanks Mary Buckley of Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C.for her work and dedication as Young Lawyers Chair. Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C.

08/04/2023

The Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel is proud to honor Steve Quattlebaum as its Defense Lawyer of the Year. Congratulations to Steve in this well-earned honor.