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

Wayne Harris

Wayne Harris • Of Counsel

Wayne Harris, a name partner, has been engaged in the practice of law for over four decades with primary emphasis in litigation. He has tried over 1000 cases, including approximately 150 jury trials. In addition, he has been lead counsel in numerous appellate matters before the state appellate courts in Arkansas and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. His current litigation practice involves the handling of the defense of medical malpractice cases, matters involving health care issues, and cases involving general litigation issues. Previously, he has handled numerous workers' compensation claims, employment law cases, general liability claims, general insurance issues, contract issues, and domestic relations' matters.

Long-standing client relationships have been maintained as a result of Wayne being responsive to clients' needs and availability to maintain open lines of communication with clients. His practice is to make every effort to maintain a line of open communications with clients including the returning of phone calls and responding to e-mails the same day, if at all possible.

Past clients have included not only the representation of individuals but also local and national corporations, medical clinics, physicians, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, accounting and engineering firms, and numerous insurance companies.

When not involved with the practice of law, Wayne is active working in his church and has served as trustee, elder, and deacon on several occasions.

Areas of Practice

  • Medical Malpractice
  • Health Care Issues
  • Workers Compensation
  • Employment Law
  • General Liability
  • General Insurance

Industry Focus

  • Medical Clinics
  • Physicians
  • Hospitals
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Insurance Companies

Education

  • University of Oklahoma, LL.B., 1962; B.B.A., 1959

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Oklahoma, 1962
  • Arkansas, 1966

Activities and Community Service

  • Member, Sebastian County Bar Association
  • Member, Arkansas Bar Association
  • Member, Oklahoma Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Federation of Insurance Counsel
  • Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
  • Member, Phi Alpha Delta
  • Member, Omicron Delta Kappa