Who is this guy?
That's me, right there.
I don't always look that way. That little guy flying through the air? That's my youngest child, Crosby. He was showing me his ninja moves. He has two older sisters, Aniston & Henley.
They are awesome big sisters, and great kids.
Being a dad is the best thing I have ever done, but I couldn't do it without my wife, Leslie.
This is Leslie.
She will probably make me change this photo. The truth is she needs her own "about me" page to talk about all of the ways she supports our family. She is not only my partner in life, but an important part of our office here at Harris Law.
Growing up
The youngest child.
Something you might not know.
The youngest child.
In my family, I was the youngest of three siblings, blessed with two older brothers. My upbringing unfolded amidst the picturesque landscapes of North Arkansas and Southern Missouri, where I had the privilege of experiencing the beauty of both regions. Completing my high school education in West Plains, MO, I proudly joined the ranks of t
In my family, I was the youngest of three siblings, blessed with two older brothers. My upbringing unfolded amidst the picturesque landscapes of North Arkansas and Southern Missouri, where I had the privilege of experiencing the beauty of both regions. Completing my high school education in West Plains, MO, I proudly joined the ranks of the spirited Zizzers!
Being the youngest in a family of three has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping my abilities and approach as an attorney. Growing up surrounded by older siblings inherently exposed me to diverse perspectives, personalities, and situations, instilling in me a keen sense of adaptability and empathy.
Through observing and interacting with my brothers, I learned the importance of active listening and understanding different viewpoints—a skill I now employ to comprehend my clients' unique circumstances fully. As an attorney, this capacity to empathize enables me to connect with clients on a personal level, making them feel heard and valued during what can be trying times.
Moreover, being the youngest often meant navigating situations where I had to negotiate and find common ground amidst differing opinions. This has honed my mediation and conflict resolution skills, assets that serve me well in legal negotiations and settlement discussions. I am adept at finding collaborative solutions, always seeking to strike a balance between parties to achieve favorable outcomes.
As the youngest, I also had to assert myself amidst older siblings, fostering a strong sense of determination and the will to persevere. These qualities have translated into my legal practice, empowering me to tenaciously advocate for my clients' rights and relentlessly pursue justice on their behalf.
Furthermore, growing up in the presence of older role models fostered a strong sense of responsibility. This sense of duty is now reflected in my commitment to providing honest and transparent legal advice to my clients. As an attorney, I prioritize maintaining open and clear communication, ensuring my clients are well-informed throughout their legal journey.
In conclusion, being the youngest among my siblings has endowed me with invaluable traits and skills that have become essential assets in my legal career. From empathy and adaptability to conflict resolution and unwavering determination, these qualities enable me to effectively navigate the complexities of the legal realm while genuinely supporting my clients' best interests.
Small town life.
Something you might not know.
The youngest child.
My formative years were spent in the comforting embrace of a small town, an upbringing that indelibly imprinted my values. In this close-knit community, the significance of togetherness and collective support became evident, shaping my perspective on the importance of community bonds.
The essence of this environment instilled in me a profo
My formative years were spent in the comforting embrace of a small town, an upbringing that indelibly imprinted my values. In this close-knit community, the significance of togetherness and collective support became evident, shaping my perspective on the importance of community bonds.
The essence of this environment instilled in me a profound belief that assisting others is not just a noble act, but an inherent responsibility. Witnessing how individuals rallied together to lend a helping hand in times of need taught me the intrinsic value of empathy and altruism.
As an attorney, these foundational principles guide my approach to the practice of law. I am driven by a genuine desire to advocate for the rights and well-being of my clients, recognizing the profound impact my work can have on their lives. My commitment to the principles of community and compassion fuels my passion for delivering justice and ensuring that each client's voice is heard and validated.
Moreover, growing up in a small town has endowed me with a sense of approachability and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. I recognize the importance of cultivating authentic relationships with clients, fostering an environment of trust and understanding. This empathetic connection not only allows me to grasp the intricacies of each case but also empowers my clients to share their concerns openly and honestly.
In essence, my upbringing in a small town has profoundly influenced the way I practice law, reinforcing my dedication to the well-being of others and igniting an unwavering commitment to advocating for justice and the common good.
Something you might not know.
Something you might not know.
Something you might not know.
Behind the serious and composed demeanor that most people witness in court or at my office as their lawyer lies a lesser-known facet of my personality – one that often comes as a delightful surprise to those who get to know me beyond the legal setting. In truth, I must confess that outside of my professional life, I am quite the goofball.
My ability to strike a balance between the serious responsibilities of my legal practice and the lightheartedness of my personal life has had a profound impact on my approach as an attorney. Embracing my playful side allows me to connect with clients on a human level, fostering a relaxed and approachable environment that eases their anxieties during challenging times.
Incorporating humor into interactions with clients can alleviate the tension that often accompanies legal matters, making the entire process more manageable and less daunting. This affords my clients the space they need to express their concerns openly, confident that they are conversing with an attorney who is not only professional but also genuinely invested in their well-being.
Furthermore, my penchant for being a bit of a goof grants me a unique perspective on creative problem-solving. As an attorney, I am no stranger to navigating complex legal issues, and the ability to think outside the box and approach challenges with a fresh perspective can yield innovative solutions for my clients.
In essence, embracing my playful side in my personal life has enriched my role as an attorney. It reinforces the value of compassion, authenticity, and approachability in my interactions with clients. While I take my clients and my work seriously, my playful nature allows me to approach their cases with a fresh perspective and infuse a touch of levity into their legal journey.
My Story
Why I wanted to be an attorney
As Mark Twain, the celebrated American author, once said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." In my journey as an attorney, I've come to embrace this sentiment wholeheartedly. Regardless of the challenges that may arise, I am committed to standing tall with unwavering determination and advocating fiercely for the rights and well-being of my clients. With a fervent spirit and a dedication to justice, I aim to level the playing field and ensure that every individual, no matter their circumstances, has a resolute advocate in their corner.
During my tenure in the Army National Guard, a pivotal event unfolded that irrevocably altered the course of my life. Engaged in training exercises, I became entangled in a severe tank accident, an incident that inflicted a grievous injury to my knee, triggering an arduous journey of recovery. Youthful and filled with trepidation, I found myself confronted with a complex process known as arbitration, tasked with resolving the aftermath of the accident.
Seeking guidance through this labyrinthine legal landscape, I was assigned a JAG attorney to shepherd me through the maze of proceedings. Yet, instead of shedding light on the path ahead, I found myself mired in obscurity, kept in the dark about critical aspects of the process. The experience left me feeling bullied and disoriented, coerced to navigate a system that appeared deliberately enigmatic.
A moment of profound impact arrived when my own attorney, his tone dripping with disdain, scornfully queried, "Where did you go to law school?" I knew he was aware of my absence from any law school. This humiliating encounter amplified my sense of helplessness, leaving me no choice but to submit to decisions I couldn't fully grasp.
In the wake of this disheartening ordeal, a resolute determination ignited within me. I vowed to become an attorney unburdened by arrogance, one who would offer forthright opinions, regardless of their favorability. My aspiration was to be a stalwart defender of the vulnerable, an advocate who empowers rather than intimidates.
Guided by the pursuit of justice, I embarked on a transformative journey to become an attorney armed not only with legal acumen but also with compassion and empathy. My mission was clear – to dispel shadows with the beacon of knowledge, replacing fear with courage and advocating for the rights and dignity of every client, regardless of their station in life.
That transformative moment amid adversity molded me into the attorney I am today – a champion of justice, committed to reshaping the landscape of legal advocacy, where the powerless find strength, and the voiceless are heard. Endowed with unwavering integrity and an indomitable spirit of resilience, I pledge to make a difference in the lives of those who seek my counsel, one case at a time.
EDUCATION
I completed my undergraduate studies at Arkansas State University in 2001, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. During my time there, I was privileged to be a four (4) year member of a National Championship Speech and Debate Program, which played a significant role in shaping my path towards a legal career.
Continuing my academic journey, I obtained a Masters of Arts degree from The University of Arkansas in 2005. During my time at the university, I also had the opportunity to contribute to the debate program as a coach, further solidifying my passion for effective communication and advocacy.
In 2008, I earned my Juris Doctorate from the prestigious University of Tulsa School of Law. Throughout my legal education, I remained actively involved in teaching, serving as an adjunct professor at Tulsa Community College, where I had the privilege of instructing speech classes and coaching their debate team.
My educational background, enriched by my experience in speech and debate, has provided me with invaluable skills in effective communication, critical thinking, and persuasion – qualities that continue to benefit my clients in the practice of law.