Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA)

The Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA) is a voluntary professional organization composed of attorneys focused on civil litigation in Arkansas. Founded in the early 1960s and incorporated in 1963, the association works to advance and defend the rights of consumers in Arkansas through its protection of the Seventh Amendment, as well as spread legal awareness to Arkansans through various forms of public engagement. Its stated mission is “to promote a fair and effective justice system—and to protect the Constitutional rights of all Arkansans.”

The organization was first led by Nathan Gordon, who served as ATLA president from 1961 to 1963. ATLA grew into a statewide legal association, consisting of attorneys who practice in a variety of fields, including criminal law, commercial litigation, domestic relations, family law, employment law, environmental law, insurance law, personal injury, product liability, Social Security, veterans’ affairs, and workers’ compensation. ATLA describes itself as the largest and most active voluntary statewide legal organization in Arkansas.

In 2026, ATLA was led by a board of governors, headed by President Ryan Scott, and supported by an executive committee of five officers and four advisory, nonvoting members. Administrative operations were managed by a small professional staff, led by Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Malone McLean.

A central function of ATLA is professional development and networking for its members. As an accredited provider for continuing legal education (CLE), ATLA offers various seminars, webinars, and other educational programs designed to keep attorneys current with new developments in law and practice. ATLA also connects members through a specialized members-only networking Listserv, where lawyers can collaborate on case information, share expertise, and receive legislative alerts. ATLA also provides a large database of civil verdicts, settlements, and other legal documents to assist members in case preparation.

ATLA supports the professional advancement of law students through chapters at state law schools. Through these chapters, students can access networking opportunities, “lunch-and-learn” programs, job fairs, and the Student Employment Pool Program, which connects them with employment and summer opportunities through active ATLA members.

The association is also active at the Arkansas State Capitol, engaging in public and political processes through its political action committee, Justice PAC. Justice PAC supports public office candidates who advocate for consumer rights in the Arkansas General Assembly. ATLA also contributes to ongoing discussions regarding legal policy and citizens’ access to the courts, as well as educating citizens about their legal and constitutional rights.

Beyond member services, the association acts as a watchdog for the judicial system via its ATLA Amicus Curiae Committee. This committee identifies cases with wide-reaching impact and serves as the voice of the trial lawyer and consumer. One way ATLA works to inform both lawyers and consumers is through social media, regularly posting facts and data about the impacts of tort reform (#tortreformtuesday), the “made whole” doctrine, the Arkansas workers’ compensation system, and other legal policies that impact Arkansans.

ATLA presents several annual awards, including the Outstanding Trial Lawyer and Outstanding Trial Judge awards, as well as the Consumer Advocate award. The association also honors the legacy of its members through memorial awards like the Henry Woods Lifetime Achievement Award, given in honor of the late United States District Judge Henry Woods. This award is available only to those attorneys with over twenty-five years serving injured victims, consumers, and those unable to protect their own rights. ATLA supports its lawyers through recognition of trial excellence and CLE for continued growth, ensuring that the rights of Arkansans are protected through the work of a highly skilled and unified plaintiffs’ bar.

For additional information:
Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association. https://www.arktla.org/ (accessed June 12, 2026).

Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association—Bar Association Directory. https://www.barassociationdirectory.com/ar/arkansas-trial-lawyers-association/ (accessed June 12, 2026).

Zachary Bishop
Warden and Ludwig Law Firm