The Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA) has recently announced the recipients of their prestigious awards for the 2023-24 calendar year. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the preservation of the American Justice System. This year’s honorees include a Faulkner County judge, a paralegal from Taylor King Law Firm, and an attorney from Rainwater, Holt and Sexton.
Judge Susan K. Weaver Receives Outstanding Trial Judge Award
The Honorable Susan K. Weaver of Faulkner County has been named the recipient of the 2023-24 Outstanding Trial Judge Award. This award is given to a trial judge who demonstrates a strong dedication to upholding the American Justice System and the right to trial by jury. Andrew Norwood, a member of the ATLA Board, attests to Judge Weaver’s commitment to the Constitution and her belief that every Arkansan deserves their day in court.
“I can attest to her firm convection for the Constitution and belief that every Arkansan is due their day in Court,” Norwood said.
Judge Weaver is well-known for implementing a “Pro Se Day” in Faulkner County, which is dedicated to hearing uncontested cases, such as uncontested divorces, on her docket. This initiative has helped over 45 pro se litigants who cannot afford an attorney to obtain the relief they need and have fair access to the court system.
Jeff Priebe Named Outstanding Trial Lawyer
Jeff Priebe, an attorney at Rainwater, Holt and Sexton, has been selected as the recipient of the 2023-24 Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award. The ATLA chose Priebe for this award due to his unwavering commitment to representing the citizens of Arkansas in the courtroom and his advocacy for protecting the 7th Amendment, which guarantees the right to a civil jury trial for all Arkansans.
Austin Easley, another member of the ATLA Board, praised Priebe’s accomplishments:
“The work Jeff Priebe has done over the past year to fight for his clients and the citizens of Arkansas is significant. He has had several wins this year in the court of appeals. He is an excellent trial lawyer and zealous advocate.”
Bobby G. Wheeler Receives Outstanding Paralegal Award
The 2023-24 Outstanding Paralegal Award has been given to Bobby G. Wheeler of Taylor King Law. This award recognizes a legal assistant who has made outstanding contributions to the legal profession. Wheeler has been a crucial member of the Taylor King Law team for nearly eight years and is currently pursuing his law degree at the William H. Bowen School of Law, with an expected graduation date of Fall 2024.
Brittany Miller, Human Resources Manager for Taylor King Law, commended Wheeler’s role within the firm:
“Bobby is an invaluable leader and source of knowledge for the litigation department and the entire Taylor King Law team.”
AwardRecipientFirm/OrganizationOutstanding Trial JudgeThe Honorable Susan K. WeaverFaulkner CountyOutstanding Trial LawyerJeff PriebeRainwater, Holt and SextonOutstanding ParalegalBobby G. WheelerTaylor King Law
Table 1: 2023-24 Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association Award Recipients
61st Annual Convention Luncheon
The award recipients will be honored at the ATLA’s 61st annual convention luncheon, scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 25, at the Inn of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs. This event will bring together legal professionals from across the state to celebrate the achievements of these exceptional individuals and their contributions to the Arkansas legal community.
The Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association’s commitment to recognizing outstanding legal professionals underscores the importance of upholding the American Justice System and ensuring that all citizens have access to fair and just legal representation. By honoring judges, attorneys, and paralegals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their profession and the rights of Arkansans, the ATLA encourages the continued pursuit of excellence within the legal community.
As the 2023-24 award recipients, Judge Susan K. Weaver, Jeff Priebe, and Bobby G. Wheeler serve as inspiring examples for their peers and the next generation of legal professionals in Arkansas. Their unwavering commitment to justice, advocacy, and the preservation of constitutional rights set a high standard for the entire legal community to follow.
In conclusion, the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association’s 2023-24 awards serve as a testament to the exceptional work being done by legal professionals throughout the state. By recognizing the outstanding contributions of Judge Weaver, Attorney Priebe, and Paralegal Wheeler, the ATLA not only celebrates their individual achievements but also highlights the importance of a strong and dedicated legal community in ensuring justice for all Arkansans.
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