R.T. Beard, III
Of Counsel
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: Ranked in Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense in Arkansas (2017-2020)
- Chambers USA: Ranked in Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense in Arkansas (2015)
- Chambers USA: Leading Business Lawyers (Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense)
- The Best Lawyers in America©: Commercial Litigation (2006-2021)
- The Best Lawyers in America©: Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2011-2021)
- Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1995
- Mid-South Super Lawyers Top 50 Arkansas: (2018, 2019)
- Mid-South Super Lawyers: Personal Injury Medical Malpractice Defense (2006-2020)
- 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
News & Articles
Firm News