Committee Descriptions

Audit Committee:

Responsible for selecting the company which audits the Association and for reviewing said audits and making recommendations to the Board of Trustees as needed based on the audit.

Arkansas Bar Commission on Diversity and Inclusion

Addresses the opportunities and challenges for encouraging and increasing diversity within the Association, within the legal profession, and legal system generally in Arkansas.

Continuing Legal Education Committee:

Responsible for reviewing the current means and systems of post-admission legal education in Arkansas and promoting the CLE programs of the Association.

2021 Editorial Advisory Board - The Arkansas Lawyer:

Responsible for planning and evaluating The Arkansas Lawyer Magazine, including the selection of authors for desired articles.

Finance Committee:

Responsible for assisting the President in establishing the Association's annual budget, monitoring spending, setting guidelines for officer expenditures, establishing check signature and bonding requirements, and reviewing the Association's financial reports.

Governance Drafting Committee

Review governance documents and draft proposed amendments as required or requested.

Jurisprudence and Law Reform Committee:

Responsible for studying and reporting on reforms of substantive law, improvements in law practice and the administration of the courts, and responsible for reviewing proposed legislation for inclusion in the Association's legislative package and making recommendations to the House of Delegates.

Law School Committee:

Works with University of Arkansas School of Law and UALR William H. Bowen School of Law in improving and securing funding for legal education, keeps abreast of law school concerns, may act as an independent voice for the law schools with the University administration, and serves as a Board-of-Visitors at the law schools.

Legal Related Education Super Committee:

Promotes the practical understanding of, and respect for, the law throughout the state through the development, coordination, and implementation of quality civics and legal education materials and programs, and Mock Trial. Also works with Arkansas law schools to understand law school concerns and serve as an independent voice with the university administration.

Legislation Committee:

Supports the Association's lobbyist in promoting the enactment of bills included in the legislative package and acts to support the Association's position on legislation affecting the practice of law in Arkansas. The committee also considers and decides the Association's position on legislation.

Member Benefits Committee:

Acquaints attorneys with the benefits of joining the Association. Reviews and recommends approval of various benefit programs and monitors insurance options offered by the Association.

Membership Super Committee:

Works to increase Association membership through a variety of activities and recommends improvements in member development efforts.

Mock Trial Committee:

Introduces high school students to trial procedures. Lawyers serve as coaches for teams throughout the state, act as scoring judges or preside as trial judges for regional and state competitions.

Personnel Committee (Arkansas Bar Association):

Responsible for reviewing the personnel policies and staff evaluation system of the Association and making appropriate recommendations on matters affecting the Association staff.

Professional Ethics Committee:

Develops and recommends improved disciplinary methods and procedures and issues advisory ethics opinions to Association members in specific circumstances.

Sponsorship Committee

Tasked with securing sponsorships for the bar year.

Website and Social Media Committee:

Oversees the development and improvement of the Association's technology infrastructure and Web site. Committee members will actively participate in developing and carrying out the social media strategy of the organization. They will attend meetings, bring ideas and creative energy to the group, and implement strategies as assigned, including engaging with the Association on social media platforms, promoting the social media accounts of the Association and inviting others to become involved. The committee meets at least once a quarter. The Committee Chair is tasked with presenting a social media plan to the board for approval, and updating the board with reports at its meetings.