Warner-Smith-Harris PLC

The life of the law has not been logic: it has been experience. It is the spirit and not the form of law that keeps justice alive. A trial is the resolution of a dispute. Wherever Law ends, Tyranny begins. I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution. The clearest way to show what the rule of law means to us in everyday life is to recall what has happened when there is no rule of law. The law is reason, free from passion. The law: it has honored us; may we honor it.

Attorneys

J. Steven Bell

J. Steven Bell • Partner

Phone: 479-573-7226
Email: sbell@warnersmith.com

Steven Bell's practice encompasses both litigation and transactions. As a litigator, he has represented large and small businesses in actions involving breach of contract, employment and copyright infringement, among other areas of representation. Steven has assisted in the review of voluminous document productions in response to civil discovery requests and criminal subpoenas, and has managed productions in both paper and electronic form. Prior to discovery, Steven has also overseen a software audit and negotiated on behalf of a client with the Business Software Alliance regarding alleged copyright violations.

Steven's transactional practice includes representing businesses in corporate governance issues, including drafting entity agreements, member or shareholder agreements, formation documents and annual minutes. Steven also reviews contracts, franchise agreements and other documents that clients require for their businesses.

Areas of Practice

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Oil and gas
  • Business organizations

Industry Focus

  • Retailers
  • Medical
  • Employers

Education

  • University of Kansas, J.D., 2003
  • Oklahoma State University, B.A., 2000

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Arkansas, 2003
  • Oklahoma 2004

Significant Representations

Assisted a major corporation in the collection and review of tens of thousands of pages of hard copy and electronic documents for both civil and criminal document productions.

Activities and Community Service

  • Member, Sebastian County Bar Association
  • Member, Arkansas Bar Association
  • Member, Oklahoma Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, University of Kansas Law Review
  • Co-chair, Young Emerging Leaders of the Greater Fort Smith Region Membership Council