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

Alan Wooten

Alan Wooten • Partner

Alan has spent all of his legal career as a litigator. With 35 years experience in civil litigation involving professional liability cases, employment discrimination, commercial disputes, and first amendment cases, Alan has tried more than 200 cases. Clients include medical professionals, hospitals, architects and engineers, accountants, and numerous small businesses. He has also handled complex commercial litigation suits for publicly held companies.

With 35 years of experience in the civil litigation area, Alan can provide his clients with substantial insight into both trying their lawsuits and evaluating the same and deciding when it is appropriate to settle as opposed to try the case. It is very important to Alan that clients be kept 100 percent informed as to the status of their litigation and that his clients participate in their litigation. Successful litigation depends upon client's participation.

In addition to civil litigation experience, Alan has served as outside general counsel for a local hospital, handling its day-to-day legal matters, involving employment issues, compliance with federal and state regulations, drafting contracts, and dealing with the complex issues which arise in the daily operation of a regional medical center. This experience gives Alan the ability to provide advice to corporate clients who have both potential and present litigation needs.

Areas of Practice

  • Civil litigation
  • Professional Liability Litigation (defense)

Industry Focus

  • Civil litigation

Education

  • University of Arkansas, J.D., 1971
  • Ouachita Baptist University, B.A., 1967

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Arkansas, 1971
  • United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas 1971
  • Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals 1972
  • Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals 2000
  • U.S. Supreme Court 1974

Activities and Community Service

  • Law Clerk, Hon. John E. Miller, U.S. Senior District Judge, Western District of Arkansas, 1971-1972
  • U.S. Magistrate, 1978
  • Member (president, 1978-1979), Sebastian County Bar Association
  • Member (House of Delegates, 1976-1979; Executive Committee, 1979-1981), Arkansas Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • The Best Lawyers in America
  • Member, International Association of Defense Counsel
  • Advocate, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers