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Practices

Education

University of Arkansas BSBA (1968)
University of Arkansas School of Law J.D. (1971)

VCard PDF

R.T. Beard, III

Of Counsel

Email:	rbeard@mwlaw.com
Phone:	(501) 688.8832
Location:	Little Rock
Bar Admissions:	Arkansas

R.T. Beard, III is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. Rick is an experienced trial attorney whose practice focuses primarily on the representation of insurance companies and self-insured corporations in all phases of civil litigation, including defense of medical malpractice claims, personal injury claims, products liability claims and legal malpractice.

Experience

Professional Presentations

DRI Nursing Home / ALF Litigation Seminar, “When the Civil Becomes the Un-Civil: Strategically Handling Incidents Within a Facility to Avoid Litigation.” (2015)
DRI Nursing Home / ALF Litigation Seminar, “Looking Beyond the Medical Chart”. (2011)
ProAssurance Defense Attorney Seminar, “Defending the Case Involving Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.” (2009)
Ramsey, Krug, Farrell & Lensing Hospital Risk Management Seminar, “Never Events.” (2009)
DRI Nursing Home / ALF Litigation Seminar, “Obtaining the Jurors’ Promise to Decide the Case Based on the Facts and Not on Emotion.” (2009)
CNA National LTC Counsel Meeting, “Records – What / Where / Evidentiary Issues / Spoliation.” (2009)
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – LifeSkills Program, “The Words You Least Want to Hear During Your Medical Career.” (2008)
Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers, “Dealing with Gross Pictures.” (2008)
CNA Long-Term Care Counsel Meeting, “So, You’ve Got a New Case. Now What?” (2007)
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – LifeSkills Program, “Malpractice – What It Is and How Not To Do It.” (2006)
CNA Long-Term Care Training Session, “Dealing with Gross Pictures.” (2006)
AICLE, “Top Verdicts and Settlements.” (1991)
AICLE, “Disputed and Unresolved Issues in Medical Malpractice Litigation: Defendant’s View.” (1991)
Arkansas Bar Association, “How to Conduct Two Hours of Devastatingly Effective Voir Dire in Five Minutes.” (1991)
Bridging the Gap (Young Lawyers Section of the Arkansas Bar Association), “Trial Preparation.” (1989, 1990, 1991)
Arkansas Institute for Continuing Legal Education (AICLE), “Failure in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Discussion of Loss of ‘Significant Chance’ and Consideration in Analyzing a Cancer Malpractice Case.” (1989)

Professional Recognition

Chambers USA Senior Statesman: Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense in Arkansas (2021-2024)
Chambers USA: Ranked in Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense in Arkansas (2015, 2017-2020)
Chambers USA: Leading Business Lawyers (Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense)
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1995
Mid-South Super Lawyers Top 50 Arkansas (2018, 2019)
Mid-South Super Lawyers: Personal Injury Medical Malpractice Defense (2006-2023)
Benchmark Litigation - Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, Insurance, Local Litigation Star (2013-2015)
BTI Client Service All-Star Team for Law Firms (2008)

Involvement

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
Fellow, American Academy of Trial Counsel
American Board of Trial Advocates
International Association of Defense Counsel
Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel
Editorial Board of Arkansas Law Review, (1970-71)
Former Executive Council Member, American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
- Associate Editor and Editor of The Affiliate, the national newsletter
- Member, Affiliate Outreach Team
Arkansas Bar Association
- Former President Young Lawyers section
- Former Member House of Delegates
- Former Executive Committee Member
- Former Civil Procedure Committee Member