LITTLE ROCK, AR (April 17, 2025) – Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP is proud to announce that William "Will" Mell Griffin III has been named the 2025 Outstanding Lawyer of the Year by the Arkansas Bar Foundation and Arkansas Bar Association. He was honored with the award on Friday, April 11, at the 2025 Annual Arkansas Bar Foundation Fellows' Dinner.
With more than four decades of courtroom experience, Will is widely recognized as one of Arkansas’s most accomplished trial lawyers. He serves as Vice-Chair of the firm’s Management Committee and leads the Litigation Practice Group. Over the course of his career, Will has tried nearly 100 jury trials, represented major manufacturers in national product liability cases, and defended medical malpractice cases throughout Arkansas.
A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and an Advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates, Will is also ranked by Chambers USA, listed in The Best Lawyers in America, recognized as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation, and selected for Mid-South Super Lawyers for over a decade.
His leadership extends beyond the courtroom. Will is a former President of both the Pulaski County Bar Association and the William R. Overton Inn of Court. He has served on the Board of Directors for VOCALS and Easter Seals and remains active in organizations such as the Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, and the American Bar Foundation. What distinguishes Will, however, is not just his courtroom mastery but his deep commitment to mentorship and professionalism. Known for his sharp wit and kind heart, Will serves as an instructor for the AADC Trial Academy and is always available to guide younger attorneys.
“Personally, I am a better lawyer and person for having him one door down from me in my office,” said Jamie Huffman Jones, President of the Arkansas Bar Association. “He's always willing to share his knowledge and experience.”
The firm congratulates Will on this well-deserved recognition and extends its sincere thanks to the Arkansas Bar Foundation and the Arkansas Bar Association for honoring him with one of the highest distinctions in the Arkansas legal community.
Learn more about Will: here