Little Rock, AR – Herschel H. Friday, distinguished attorney and former managing partner of Friday, Eldredge & Clark has been posthumously inducted into the Arkansas Bar Association Legal Hall of Fame. A formal ceremony honoring Mr. Friday’s induction was held on Thursday, September 12th, at the Robinson Center in Little Rock.
Mr. Friday joined the firm in 1952 and under his leadership as managing partner from 1974 until his death in 1994, Friday, Eldredge & Clark solidified its standing as the state's largest law firm. Following his service in World War II as a Pilot and B-17 and B-29 Instructor, his legal career began after earning his law degree in 1945 from the University of Arkansas. His legal acumen was quickly recognized in municipal finance, taxation, city and county ordinances, and constitutional law and he played a pivotal role in shaping landmark cases such as Rowe v. Housing Authority of Little Rock, Lawrence v. Jones, and Hollis v. Erwin. His expertise in municipal bond financing was instrumental in the development of public infrastructure across the state, benefiting countless communities. His legal practice extended into areas such as constitutional law and amendments, ballot titles, usury, and high-profile representation of Missouri Pacific Railroad in the Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific merger.
A dedicated leader, he also served as president of the Arkansas Bar Association, president of the American Bar endowment, member of the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association and as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Throughout his career, Mr. Friday’s contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the Arkansas Bar Association Outstanding Lawyer Award in 1971, Humanitarian of the Year by the National Conference for Community and Justice in 1995. He also served as Chair of the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce.
Despite national recognition, including being vetted as a potential nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Richard Nixon in 1971, Mr. Friday remained committed to Arkansas, choosing to dedicate his talents to his home state.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Friday was deeply involved in civic life. He contributed his time to organizations such as the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and the Arkansas March of Dimes. In recognition of his civic contributions, he was named Citizen of the Year or Arkansas of the Year by many organizations.
The induction of Herschel H. Friday into the Legal Hall of Fame is a direct reflection of his profound influence on both the legal community and the state of Arkansas. Although it has been 30 years since, his legacy of service, excellence, and leadership have guided our firm for many decades and will continue to inspire future generations of attorneys.
