January 07, 2020
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. has selected Attorney Jeffrey H. Thomas as the law firm’s new Managing Director. Thomas will work with Mitchell Williams’ Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer to lead the full-service corporate law firm as it advocates for and partners with clients to help them succeed in today’s complex business environment. He succeeds R.T. Beard, III who has served as Managing Director for the past seven years and will now transition to an Of Counsel role.
“Rick has done an outstanding job leading our firm while positioning us for continued success. Having worked closely with Rick over the last several months, I have a new and profound appreciation for the time, energy and effort he puts into this role every day and want to personally express my gratitude for his service,” said Thomas. “The Board’s appointment is a true honor and I now look forward to serving all of Mitchell Williams’ members as we build upon our firm’s proud legacy and continue to lead both locally and nationally in providing the highest quality legal service to our clients while positively impacting our communities.”
Since joining Mitchell Williams in 1987, Thomas served in multiple leadership positions, including Practice Group Chair, Recruiting Committee Chair and member of the Compensation Committee. The law firm elected him to the Board of Directors in 2016. Thomas’ practice focuses on insurance regulatory issues and related matters and he has successfully led and managed complex regulatory and compliance issues for Fortune 100 companies on the national stage throughout his career at Mitchell Williams.
“Jeff was the natural and perfect choice when it came time to select a new managing director,” said Beard, an experienced trial attorney and member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. “The Board is very enthusiastic to have him in this position and looks forward to his leadership and guidance.”
In addition to his role as managing director for Mitchell Williams, Thomas provides strategic advice and manages state and federal regulatory relationships for insurance companies and related financial institutions; counsels business clients on risk management issues, including formation and use of captives and other risk management vehicles; and frequently speaks at industry and trade meetings on compliance and risk management issues.
The Best Lawyers in America© has recognized Thomas in both Insurance Law and Administrative / Regulatory Law from 2013–2020. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law and received his Bachelors of Arts from the University of Arkansas.
About Mitchell Williams
Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. is a full-service corporate law firm that provides strategic, comprehensive legal services to help clients achieve their goals. Established in 1954, the firm has offices in Little Rock, Rogers and Jonesboro, Arkansas and Austin, Texas. For more information, visit MitchellWilliamsLaw.com.