Arkansas Money & Politics is proud to introduce its list of Influencers for 2024, those who inspire us all to reach higher, achieve more and improve things in our communities. Within this list, find leaders in the corporate, nonprofit and public-service spaces — people who provide jobs, feed the state’s economy and provide a hand up to those who need it.
The individuals on this list were handpicked by a blue ribbon panel, who culled hundreds of nominations down to the final listing. They represent not only the best of what they do, but the present and future leaders of our state, who work for the good of us all. As the state’s leading publication focused on the business, community and policy, AMP is proud to shine a bright spotlight on these outstanding achievers and their accomplishments.
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Judy Simmons Henry
Business Litigation Chair
Wright Lindsey Jennings
Judy Simmons Henry has been engaged in an active complex business litigation practice for more than 35 years and serves in management at Wright Lindsey Jennings in Little Rock as the law firm’s business litigation chair. She joined WLJ in 1988 after serving in the federal judiciary for three years. Highlighted clients include the CEO of the Miss America Pageant, NCAA Division 1 coaches, national banks, investment companies, construction industry businesses, public utilities, religious organizations, former cult followers, health care providers and a transportation company. Henry has served as a National Football League Players Association Certified Contract Advisor and is the firm’s sports law practice leader, for which she represents Division 1 coaches in contract negotiations and student athletes in compliance, NCAA eligibility and contract transactions. Most recently, Henry has led the charge for name, image and likeness and publicity rights representation of both businesses and athletes across Arkansas and regionally. Her diverse legal career has garnered cover stories in Super Lawyers and Arkansas Money & Politics, and she is frequently featured or quoted in local, regional and national publications. Simmons Henry is listed among The Best Lawyers in America, Mid-South Super Lawyers and Chambers USA Leaders in their Field. Super Lawyers has recognized her as a Top 50 Arkansas Lawyer since 2006 and as an Outstanding Mid-South Female Business Litigation Lawyer since 2012. She is an inducted fellow of Litigation Counsel of America. The Pulaski County Bar Association honored her with its Vincent Foster Outstanding Lawyer Award in 2021, and the Arkansas Bar Association honored her for her dedication to providing continuing legal education to her peers. In the community, Judy recently completed two consecutive terms as chair for the Baptist Health board of trustees, where she is a member of the executive committee. She has served on the board for more than 20 years.
