James Simpson, a 1974 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and partner at the law firm of Friday, Eldredge & Clark, was recently sworn in as president of the Arkansas Bar Association.Simpson was sworn in on June 14 and will serve as president of the association during the 2013-14 bar year. The Arkansas Bar Association is a voluntary, statewide organization with over 5,000 members.

As president, Simpson will oversee the ABA’s stated purpose of “advancement of the administration of justice and the foster­ing among its members of high ideals of integrity, learning, and public service.”

He has been a member of the association since being admitted to the bar and has held many leadership positions during his membership with the organization.

Simpson heads the General Litigation Practice Group at Friday, Eldredge & Clark, where has tried more than 135 jury trials in business litigation and personal injury suits. He  successfully argued the constitutionality of state gaming laws before the Arkansas Supreme Court and was instrumental in bringing electronic gaming to Arkansas.

His honors include being named a Top 50 Arkansas lawyer in Mid-South Super Lawyers and being listed as one of The Best Lawyers in America.