Paul D. Waddell

Paul D. Waddell

Principal
870.336.8234
870.931.1800

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

       Arkansas Association of Defense    
       Counsel,
       1998 - Present; 
       President, 2007–2008
 

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)