I grew up in Paragould, Arkansas and then attended the University of Arkansas for both my undergraduate degree and my law degree. I graduated from law school in 1979 and was hired by a Tulsa, Oklahoma law firm. After two years in Tulsa, I returned to Arkansas and went to work as a corporate attorney for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in Bentonville, Arkansas. In 1983, I left Wal-Mart and joined the law firm that is now Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure & Thompson, P.A.
Over the years, I have come to concentrate primarily on three areas of the law. Those areas are business law, estate planning, and governmental/nonprofit law. Business law is fairly broad and includes setting up new businesses and helping existing businesses with contracts, leases, real estate matters, employment issues, litigation, etc. Estate planning involves setting up trusts, last wills, powers of attorney, and similar documents as well as dealing with probate cases. Governmental/nonprofit law includes dealing with and assisting local governments (I have been a City Attorney since 1983) and being involved in and assisting nonprofit organizations, which range from charitable entities to property owners associations.
From the beginning of my career, I have been involved in my community and my church. I strongly believe in giving back to the community and being supportive of its institutions.
University of Arkansas B.A. 1975, J.D. 1979
1979 – Oklahoma
1980 – U.S. District Court, Northern District of Oklahoma
1981- Arkansas
1983 – U.S. District Court, Western & Eastern Districts of Arkansas
1994 – U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
Benton County Bar Association
(President 1986-1987)
Arkansas Bar Association
Oklahoma Bar Association
American Bar Association
Benton County Justice of the Peace (1983-1988)
Lowell Chamber of Commerce (President 1984)
Rogers Area Chamber of Commerce (Chairman 1994)
Central United Methodist Church
(Church Council Chairman 1996 & 1997)
Board Member of TASC
