Paul D. Waddell
Since graduating with honors from the University of Arkansas School of law in 1987, Paul has extended his success to the legal arena. An AV Preeminent-rated lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell, Paul has consistently been recognized by Best Lawyers, a national listing of peer-reviewed lawyers, and Mid-South Super Lawyers in the areas of medical malpractice and employment law. In 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2018, Paul was named to the Arkansas Top 50 Super Lawyers. Paul was named by Best Lawyers as "Attorney of the Year" in the field of medical malpractice in 2018. Paul was also recognized as "Outstanding Defense Attorney" in 2018 by the Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel.
In the past thirty years, Paul Waddell has tried more than 160 jury trials, thus developing an extensive litigation practice, primarily in the areas of medical malpractice, employment law and catastrophic injury claims. Paul brings a focused approach to each case and excels in quickly identifying the core issues that will be key to a successful case resolution. As evidenced by the number of cases Paul has tried to date, he has enjoyed considerable success in the courtroom.
While Paul has primarily devoted his professional efforts to the defense of individuals and corporations for three decades, he has also represented individuals and families involved in complicated personal injury and death claims, resulting in multi-million dollar settlements for his clients. In this regard, Paul’s extensive experience in defending cases gives him a unique ability to evaluate a case and then effectively prepare the case for settlement or trial.
Practice Areas
Medical Malpractice
Employment Law
Insurance Defense
Personal Injury
Catastrophic Claims
Court Admissions
Arkansas, 1987
U.S. District Court Eastern District
of Arkansas, 1987
U.S. District Court Western District
of Arkansas, 1987
U.S. District Court Eastern District
of Tennessee, 2014
U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1987
Education
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Leflar Law Center
J.D., 1987
Honors: With Honors
Law Review: Arkansas Law Review, Research Editor, 1986 - 1987
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro
B.A. History, 1984
Honors: With Distinction
Published Works and Presentations
“Service of Process - Default Judgments,” Arkansas Law Review, 40 Ark. L. Rev. 381, 1987
Professional Associations
Federal Practice Committee,
Eastern District of Arkansas, 2013–2015
Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel,
President, 2007 - 2008
Craighead County Bar Association,
President, 2007 - 2008
Arkansas Bar Association,
Ethics Committee, 2002 - 2004
Arkansas Bar Association,
House of Delegates, 2001 - 2003
International Association of Defense Counsel,
1998 - Present
Defense Research Institute
Arkansas Bar Association
Craighead County Bar Association
Arkansas Bar Foundation
Litigation Counsel of America
Honors & Awards
AV Rated Martindale Hubbell
Best Lawyers in America (Employment Law)
Best Lawyers in America (Medical Malpractice)
Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year (2018)
Mid-South Super Lawyers (Medical Malpractice)
Mid-South Super Laywers,
Top 50 Attorney in the State of Arkansas
Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel "Outstanding Defense Attorney" (2018)