Mitchell Williams Appoints Attorney Derrick Smith to Lead Law Firm as Managing Director
January 05, 2026
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. has selected Attorney Derrick Smith as the law firm’s Managing Director. Smith will work with Mitchell Williams’ Board of Directors to lead the law firm effective Jan. 1, 2026. He succeeds Attorney Jeff Thomas who has served as Managing Director since 2020.
“It is truly an honor to be appointed as Mitchell Williams’ next Managing Director. I look forward to supporting and serving our talented, dedicated, and diverse collection of professionals as they continue to advance the support of the goals of our incredible clients and contribute to our wonderful communities,” said Smith
"Derrick’s 25 years of dedicated legal service with our firm, including his leadership as chair of our Regulated Business Practice Group and valued contributions on our Board of Directors, make him the ideal choice to guide us forward," said Jeff Thomas, outgoing Managing Director. "The Board and I have full confidence that Derrick’s experience and commitment will continue to strengthen our firm’s legacy and ensure our future success."
Smith said, “Our firm is forever grateful to Jeff for his contributions to the firm as Managing Director, particularly during the pandemic for which there was no pre-set strategy. He did a truly remarkable job leading our firm through unprecedented times and positioning us for continued success. We are especially grateful that he will continue to represent clients as a partner in our national insurance regulatory practice.”
Smith joined Mitchell Williams in 2000 and has held leadership roles in the firm, including chair of the Regulated Business Practice Group and as a member of the Board of Directors. Smith’s legal practice centers on insurance regulatory law and government relations, where he helps national and regional insurance and business clients navigate regulatory and government challenges to achieve their goals. Recognized for his expertise in insurance regulatory law, Smith guides clients through governmental processes, working effectively with regulators and officials at both the local and state level.
In 2026, Smith was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© as "Lawyer of the Year" Government Relations practice in Arkansas. He has also been recognized The Best Lawyers in America© in Insurance Law, Administrative / Regulatory Law and Government Relations. He was selected as Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 in 2006.
Smith earned his Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Arkansas Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Hendrix College.
About Mitchell Williams
Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. is a full-service law firm with Arkansas roots and national reach. For over 70 years, the firm has provided comprehensive legal counsel to corporations, organizations and individuals, handling routine business matters as well as highly complex corporate issues. From offices in Little Rock, Rogers and Jonesboro, Arkansas and Austin, Texas, Mitchell Williams provides strategic solutions and extensive experience to its valued clients. Learn more at MitchellWilliamsLaw.com.