About Us

Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. is a full-service law firm with Arkansas roots and national reach. For 70 years, we have delivered sophisticated legal counsel to individuals, entities and corporations for everything from day-to-day business needs to the most complex, specialized corporate matters. From offices in Little Rock, Rogers and Jonesboro, Arkansas and Austin, Texas, we leverage the power of our experience for our valued clients.

FULL-SERVICE CORPORATE LAW

Comprehensive Legal Counsel
Nationally Ranked Practices
Nationally Ranked Lawyers
Diverse Industry Experience

VALUES

Since 1954, our firm has been firmly grounded in service, integrity and innovation. Our values are the foundation of our firm and define who we are.

Respect: We strive above all to value one another.
Transparency: We practice honest and open communication.
Inclusion: We value differences and foster an environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered.
Adaptability: We embrace change.
Balance: We encourage taking time for things that matter.
Community Involvement: We believe it is our responsibility to give back to our communities.

Firm History

1954

Lasley, Spitzberg, Mitchell & Hays Law Firm is formed

Attorneys P.A. Lasley, Henry Spitzberg, Maurice Mitchell and Steele Hays join together to establish a law firm.

1955

Firm becomes Spitzberg, Mitchell & Hays

P.A. Lasley leaves firm.

1958

Little Rock Schools Desegregation Crisis

Governor Faubus orders Little Rock high schools to close in order to block desegregation. Firm partners join the public protest against closing schools. In 1959, Maurice Mitchell aids a successful S.T.O.P. Campaign to recall segregationist school board members.

1979

Firm Becomes Spitzberg, Mitchell & Gill

Steele Hays is appointed to the Arkansas Court of Appeals and leaves firm.

1979

Allan Gates Joins Firm

Allan Gates joins the firm from an environmental law practice in Washington, D.C.

1979

First Female Associate Hired

Attorney Beverly Basset is hired as the firm's first female associate. She leaves in 1985 to become Arkansas Securities Commissioner.

1980

Little Rock Merger; Firm Becomes Mitchell, Williams, Gill & Selig

The firm merges with Williams, Selig & Sayre. This merger brought partner Richard A. Williams, partner John S. Selig (former Arkansas securities commissioner), attorney Eugene G. Sayre and attorney Jean D. Stockburger to the firm, which established a thriving tax, corporate and securities practice.

1983

Former Arkansas Insurance Commissioner William H.L. "Bill" Woodyard, III Joins Firm

Bill Woodyard joins the firm and establishes the Firm's Insurance Regulatory practice.

1985

Firm Elects Two Female Partners

Tax Attorney Jean Stockberger and Municipal Finance Attorney Anne Parker were elected as the firm's first female partners.

1985

Firm Hires First African-American Associate

The firm hires Associate Cynthia Davis.

1990

Firm Founder Henry Spitzberg Passes Away

Firm founder, friend and colleague Henry Spitzberg passes away on April 11, 1990.

1991

Firm becomes Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard

The firm officially changed its name to Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. as it is today.

1992

Northwest Arkansas Expansion

The firm expands to Northwest Arkansas, merging with the Bentonville practice of Attorney Ernie Lawrence.

1997

Little Rock Expansion

The firm merges with the Ivester and Camp Law Firm in Little Rock.

1998

Little Rock Office Location

The Little Rock office moves to the TCBY Building, what is now the Simmons Bank Tower, in downtown Little Rock where it still resides today.

2004

Firm Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The firm celebrates its 50th anniversary with an intentional focus on our long-standing values of giving back to our communities and launches the Take Time To Give® program.

2006

Firm Elects African American Partner

Insurance Regulatory Attorney Derrick Smith is elected to partnership.

2007

Texas Expansion

Firm opens Austin, Texas office. In 2008, Firm merges with insurance regulatory and litigation firm Long, Burner, Parks & DeLargy.

2011

Loss of Firm Founders Maurice Mitchell and Steele Hays

In 2011, the firm lost two of its original founders. Maurice Mitchell passed away on April 2, 2011. Steele Hays passed away on June 23, 2011.

2013

Jonesboro Expansion

The firm expands to Jonesboro and opens an office.

2014

William H.L. "Bill" Woodyard, III Passes Away

Insurance Regulatory practice founder and named partner Bill Woodyard passes away.

2024

Firm Celebrates 70th Anniversary