Bud B. Whetstone

John P. Talbot is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. John P., who practices law in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Patrick Spivey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law and Litigation - Real Estate. Patrick, who practices law in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chad L. Cumming, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Chad L., who practices law in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chad L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Martin A. Kasten is a partner in the Litigation department of Friday, Eldredge & Clark, and focuses his practice on tort litigation and class actions in federal and state courts. His trial work includes the defense of claims involving business torts, Attorney General actions, Arkansas’ deceptive trade practices act, insurance coverage, products liability, including pharmaceuticals, automobile accidents, premises liability and breach of contracts. Martin also regularly handles appeal...

Thomas C. Vaughan, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Tax Law. Thomas C., who practices law in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Geoff Treece focuses his practice on representing financial institutions in bankruptcy, insolvency, and loan enforcement matters. He also has extensive experience in commercial and real estate litigation on behalf of lenders and business clients. In addition to his litigation work, Mr. Treece advises clients on a wide range of real estate matters. Mr. Treece is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, earning t...

Robert S. Shafer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Robert S., who practices law in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Professional Experience Justin Allen practiced law as a litigator for almost eight years at Wright Lindsey Jennings before joining the Arkansas Attorney General’s office as Chief Deputy Attorney General. As Chief Deputy, Allen gained considerable experience in government relations matters. In that position, Allen was responsible for all legal departments within the office and handled legal issues faced by the State, including constitutional issues, consumer protection, environmental, an...

Randall L. Bynum is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law. Randall L., who practices law in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Randall L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Barnes has been engaged in active trial practice for more than 25 years, with a focus on product liability, trucking and transportation, toxic torts, class actions and insurance defense. Barnes is the leader of Wright Lindsey Jennings' Trial Team. Barnes’ more recent experience includes: Counsel for an international oil and gas company in litigation resulting from a release of oil from an interstate pipeline. Lead trial counsel in defense of chemical repackaging facility in indi...