Bud B. Whetstone

George Ernst is a Partner in our Little Rock office whose practice specializes in immigration, international business, and labor and employment matters. Also proficient in German, he has over a decade of experience representing multi-national corporations across various industries. His practice focuses on advising clients in highly complex matters relating to the employment of foreign nationals under the EB-5 program for international investors, EB-1 and EB-2 visas for employment-based immigr...

Eric Gribble is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Eric, 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 Eric is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David B. Vandergriff has practiced law for over 40 years and concentrates his practice on business, banking, and insurance issues in a variety of transactional and litigation contexts. He has participated in transactions and tried lawsuits all over central and western Arkansas , mainly representing corporate defendants in personal injury cases, banks and businesses in general commercial litigation, and creditors in bankruptcy matters. He is licensed to practice law in the states of Arkansas a...

Laura H. Smith is a partner in the firm and a member of the Medical Malpractice Practice Group and her particular emphasis is on defending catastrophic injury cases. Laura’s clients benefit from her experience in defending these cases as lead counsel in more than 80 jury trials for more than 30 years. Because of her track record, she is often called upon to serve as regional counsel in major litigation.

Walter Wright has more than 30 years of experience in environmental, energy (petroleum marketing), and water law. His expertise includes counseling clients on issues involving environmental permits, compliance strategies, enforcement defense, property redevelopment issues, environmental impact statements, and procurement/management of water rights. He routinely advises developers, lenders, petroleum marketers, and others about effective strategies for structuring real estate and corporate tra...

Will Bond is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Will, who practices law in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Will is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael O. Parker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Economic Development Law, Litigation and Controversy - Tax, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Michael O., 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 Michael O. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carson Tucker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Carson, 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 Carson is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph H. Purvis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Joseph H., who practices law in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Harry Hamlin has over 20 years of experience advising numerous financial institutions, business entities, REITs and individual clients in all aspects of commercial transactions including complex lending and contractual matters as well as the conveyance, purchase, development and leasing of real property. He also counsels clients on municipal finance, tax exempt, tax credit and 1031 transactions. His expertise in securing liquor permits from the Alcohol Beverage Control division is invaluable ...