Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

James W. "Jim" Wyatt

Little Rock,AR

Summary

Criminal defense attorney with over thirty years of trial and appellate experience in state and federal courts. Represents clients in a wide range of state and federal criminal cases, including drug cases, white collar fraud, federal health care fraud and murder. Serves as lead attorney on capital murder death penalty cases across the state of Arkansas. Has argued before the Arkansas Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit on criminal appeals.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Attorney - Partner

Montgomery Wyatt Hardy. PLC
02.1997 - Current
  • Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
  • Enhanced public speaking skills through regular presentations at legal seminars and conferences.
  • Represented clients in jury trials, criminal proceedings and appeals in state and federal courts.

Chief Public Defender

Arkansas Public Defender Commission
02.2016 - Current
  • Mentored junior public defenders, providing guidance on best practices in case management and courtroom tactics.
  • Drafted persuasive legal briefs that effectively communicated key points of the argument to judges or opposing counsel.
  • Attended continuing education seminars and workshops to stay current on developments in criminal defense law and practice.
  • Worked closely with investigators to uncover new evidence or witness testimony that supported client defense strategies.
  • Negotiated favorable plea deals for clients, reducing sentences and avoiding trial when possible.
  • Provided pro bono services for low-income individuals who could not afford private counsel, promoting access to justice within the community.
  • Managed a high caseload effectively, prioritizing cases based on urgency and complexity.


Education

J.D. -

University of Arkansas At Little Rock
Little Rock, AR
05-1993

Bachelor of Arts -

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
05-1990

Skills

  • Case analysis
  • Legal writing
  • Legal research
  • Client advocacy
  • Cross-examination
  • Courtroom presence
  • Professionalism
  • Staff supervision
  • Discovery processes
  • Criminal law
  • Litigation experience
  • Knowledge of federal and state laws

Accomplishments

Super Lawyers - 10 Year Recognition

Pulaski County Bar Association, President, 2019 - 2021

Pulaski County Bar Association's Award of Excellence, 2022

Pulaski County Bar Foundation Ike Scott Fellow, 2022

Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, President, 2008-2009 and 2016-2017


Timeline

Chief Public Defender

Arkansas Public Defender Commission
02.2016 - Current

Attorney - Partner

Montgomery Wyatt Hardy. PLC
02.1997 - Current

J.D. -

University of Arkansas At Little Rock

Bachelor of Arts -

University of Arkansas
James W. "Jim" Wyatt