A graduate of the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock was recently inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. 

Michelle Ator, a partner with Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP in Little Rock, is only the fourth woman in Arkansas to achieve this accomplishment since the organization’s inception in 1950. The induction ceremony took place Sept. 16 at the ACTL annual meeting in Montreal, Quebec.

ACTL is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada, and Fellowship in the ACTL is extended by invitation only. Duly experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality, are selected. Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years trial experience before they can be considered for fellowship.

“I have been lucky to have great teachers, role models, mentors, and clients,” Ator said. “Arkansas has a strong tradition of professional, collegial attorneys and has been a wonderful place to practice law.”

Ator is a partner with Friday, Eldredge & Clark, where she has practiced since 2001. Her practice is focused on representing doctors, hospitals, and all types of medical and dental care providers in malpractice litigation. Ator also represents pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in products cases.

She heads the medical malpractice group and serves on the firm’s management committee. Prior to joining the firm, Ator served as a division chief in the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. She is an honors graduate of UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.