Little Rock’s Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and founding member Steve Quattlebaum said the firm prides itself on being a “go-to” firm for significant transactions and litigation.
Some people have said, and I believe it is true, that we have a very deep bench of exceptional lawyers capable of assisting businesses and individuals navigating difficult transactions or defending or prosecuting challenging lawsuits,” he said. “We are often hired to assist in matters that are well underway or approaching trial, and that ability to quickly get up to speed on a case or transaction has proven valuable to our clients many times. On the litigation side of our firm, we pride ourselves on being trial lawyers who enjoy trying cases. That attitude and approach has served our clients and our firm well.”
Quattlebaum said the firm has built a reputation for being efficient at getting up to speed on complex legal, business and scientific matters.
“This is a skill that we have worked hard to develop and refine,” he said. “In litigation, we are often involved in cases that include complicated scientific and business issues. Similarly, there are detailed and specific business and technical issues in the transactions in which we are involved. One of our strengths is the ability to quickly and efficiently develop a true understanding of our clients’ immediate issues at hand so that we can explain the case to juries or judges in understandable terms or, in a transaction, ensure that the terms of the contract are clear and reflect the intent of the parties. That ability to understand and condense complex facts and issues in persuasive and creative ways is probably one of our strongest traits.”
Quattlebaum said the COVID-19 pandemic “pressed the accelerator” on the adoption of technology in the legal industry, and because the legal field is not necessarily known for rapid adoption of tech such as the video communication platforms that enjoyed a pandemic heyday, that had a profound effect on the practice of law.
“Hearings, court appearances and depositions are now routinely done by virtual platforms like Zoom and [Microsoft] Teams,” he said. “Working remotely is another concept that is much more readily accepted than before. I think those changes are here to stay. We are also on the forefront of the advent of artificial intelligence which will dramatically change the way we all do business in the near future.”
The advancement of tech in the industry may appeal to newer generations of lawyers, but Quattlebaum said he thinks new attorneys are entering the field for the same reasons as older generations — to serve and help others.
“Being drawn to help others with some of their most troublesome and challenging issues really is a calling,” he said. “At the most fundamental level, that is what practicing law is about. The legal profession presents many different opportunities for an interesting and rewarding career. The issues we address are often some of the most important of our times. Cases and transactions with complicated facts and technical issues are intellectually stimulating and incredibly interesting. I like to think that young people today see all those aspects of law practice as intriguing reasons to choose this profession.”
The firm has experienced steady growth, including a new office in Springdale, and recently added its 40th attorney to the roster. Quattlebaum said he thinks his team’s ability to adapt and move quickly helps it compete in a competitive market.
“There are many great lawyers in Arkansas and firms that are older and larger than ours,” he said. “We are committed to providing exceptional service to our clients with a genuine dedication to their issues. If we can consistently provide platinum service with a commitment to the highest ethical standards and with a personal dedication to achieving the best results for our clients, we will have achieved our objective to have done our job well and with distinction.”
QGT lawyers are encouraged to be involved with local civic and charitable organizations about which they are passionate. Through its members, the firm works with groups such as the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers, the Nature Conservancy, the Downtown Little Rock Partnership, Junior Achievement of Arkansas, Arkansas Foodbank, the Salvation Army, Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, the Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation, the Arkansas Bar Foundation and more.
FEATURE IMAGE TOP: Timothy Grooms, left, and Steve Quattlebaum
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