Honors & Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America®

 

Since it was first published in 1983, The Best Lawyers in America® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence, earning the respect of the profession, the media, and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals.  Lawyers on the Best Lawyers® list are divided by geographic region and practice areas.  They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.  The 2025 edition of Best Lawyers® includes 19 attorneys from QGT honored in 32 practice areas.

Best Lawyers® also honors a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area as a “Lawyer of the Year.”  These lawyers are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the peer review assessments.  Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity. Six attorneys from our firm earned this distinction in Little Rock for 2025: Timothy W. Grooms for Banking and Finance Law; John E. Tull III for Litigation – Banking and Finance; E. B. (Chip) Chiles IV for Bet-the-Company Litigation; Thomas G. Williams for Product Liability Litigation – Defendants;  Joseph W. Price III for Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; and Geoffrey B. Treece for Litigation – Bankruptcy.  Brandon B. Cate was named Lawyer of the Year for Litigation – Labor and Employment in Fayetteville.

Brandon B. Cate
Commercial Litigation
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Litigation – ERISA
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Media Law
2025 Fayetteville Lawyer of the Year – Litigation – Labor and Employment

Vincent O. Chadick
Agriculture Law
Commercial Litigation

E. B. (Chip) Chiles IV
Appellate Practice
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Litigation – ERISA
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Action – Defendants
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
2025 Little Rock Lawyer of the Year Bet-the-Company Litigation

Joseph R. Falasco
Appellate Practice
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Litigation – Real Estate

Timothy W. Grooms
Banking & Finance Law
Corporate Law
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Land Use and Zoning Law
Litigation – Real Estate
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Real Estate Law
2025 Little Rock Lawyer of the Year – Banking and Finance Law

Michael B. Heister
Appellate Practice
Commercial Litigation
Energy Regulatory Law
Environmental Law

John M. Jewell
Information Technology Law

Jeb H. Joyce
Banking and Finance Law
Corporate Law
Real Estate Law

Sarah Keith-Bolden
Commercial Litigation
Litigation – Labor and Employment

Scott M. Lar
Tax Law
Trusts and Estates

J. Cliff McKinney II
Land Use and Zoning Law
Real Estate Law

Joseph W. Price II
Commercial Litigation
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Litigation – Real Estate
2025 Little Rock Lawyer of the Year – Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law

Steven W. Quattlebaum
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Insurance Law
Litigation – Health Care
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Michael N. Shannon
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

Geoffrey B. Treece
Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Litigation – Bankruptcy
2025 Little Rock Lawyer of the Year – Litigation – Bankruptcy

John E. Tull III
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
First Amendment Law
Litigation – Banking and Finance
Litigation – First Amendment
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants
Media Law
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
2025 Little Rock Lawyer of the Year – Litigation – Banking and Finance

David B. Vandergriff
Banking and Finance Law
Commercial Litigation
Litigation – Banking and Finance
Litigation – Real Estate

Thomas G. Williams
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
2025 Little Rock Lawyer of the Year – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

R. Ryan Younger
Commercial Litigation
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Four lawyers from Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull have been included in the 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, which recognizes associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.  Lawyers recognized in Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch are divided by geographic region and practice areas, reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.

Meredith M. Causey
Commercial Litigation – Little Rock

Philip A. Elmore
Commercial Litigation – Springdale

C. Ryan O’Quinn
Trusts and Estates – Little Rock

Thomas H. Wyatt
Commercial Litigation – Little Rock

Chambers USA

 


Chambers USA reviews and ranks individual lawyers and law firms by practice area in each state. Chambers guides are the culmination of thousands of in-depth interviews by the largest research team of its kind and are trusted globally to objectively rank the world’s best lawyers and law firms.  In the 2025 edition, Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC received the highest ranking possible in the areas of General Commercial Litigation and Real Estate for law firms in Arkansas and was also recognized for its Corporate/Commercial and Labor & Employment practices. Steven W. Quattlebaum, Timothy W. Grooms, John E. Tull III, E. B. (Chip) Chiles IV, Michael N. Shannon, J. Cliff McKinney II, Joseph R. Falasco, Jeb H. Joyce, and R. Ryan Younger received recognition in the publication’s rankings of individuals.

As to the firm’s litigation practice, the publication noted: “A distinguished firm with a significant geographical reach and notable expertise in a range of contentious issues, including class action defense and product liability. The firm is also regularly mandated by clients from a wide array of industries ranging from the automobile to the pharmaceutical sectors, on environmental and toxic tort litigations.  It offers notable capabilities in breach of contract disputes, as well as personal injury and negligence claims.”  Sources said: “The team are always able to sort through complexities to find the real meaning. They can handle any issues with ease and have a good and fair balance of strengths across the team,” and “one of their strongest qualities is being able to balance the pursuit of an issue with the likelihood of a successful outcome.” Also, “They bring passion for giving clients the best possible service, as well as excellent concern for costs and value.” Sources noted that Steve Quattlebaum “is an excellent litigator and I will use him and his team if I need outside counsel for a major issue.” John Tull is described as one of the leading commercial litigators in the market and it is noted that “John has always provided excellent service to me, personally and for our company.”  Chip Chiles is lauded for his “impressive expertise as an appellate lawyer.” Joe Falasco is “commended for his handling of appellate proceedings and class actions” and sources said “Joseph does a good job, he’s really smart and highly involved in the intricacies of a case.” Mike Shannon is noted to have “a strong reputation for handling real estate-related litigation but is equally capable of a wide range of broader contentious commercial work.” Sources commented that “Michael is an excellent litigator” and “a great trial lawyer.” Ryan Younger is “best known for his expertise in representing his clients in business-related litigation” and is described as “a really good up-and-coming lawyer. He’s smart, a fantastic writer and incredibly hard-working.”

For real estate, Chambers remarked: “Excels in advising financial institutions, developers, and multinational corporations on real estate matters. Expertise spans all aspects of purchasing, construction, development, sales, and operations for a variety of real estate projects.  Also offers substantial experience handling mortgages, loans, and tax-deferred exchanges, as well as disputes work. The team is well placed to advise on projects involving collaboration between public and private sector organizations.”  Their strengths include being “efficient and effective,” having “attorneys for each discipline, as well as the depth to divide the workload between multiple attorneys,” and “they have repeatedly demonstrated that they excel in complex and sophisticated matters.” Tim Grooms is noted to have “a stellar reputation for his abilities in high-value and high-complexity real estate work, having advised on a number of significant transactions and financing across his career.”  Sources said: “His dedication and commitment to his clients is well known. He’s informed, involved, and ingenious.” Cliff McKinney is noted to have “a reputation as one of the foremost real estate transactional lawyers in the state, born out of an impressive track record in handling high-value acquisitions and sales, particularly in the retail sector.”  Sources remarked: “He has consistently demonstrated an unfailing dedication to his craft, his community, and his clients” and “he has excelled in everything I’ve asked and seen him do.”  Jeb Joyce is commended for his “in-depth knowledge of real estate law, which forms part of his broader corporate law practice.”  Sources stated: “Jeb provides common sense mixed with a high level of excellent legal knowledge,” and “he has always been responsive and effective in his work.”

Regarding the firm’s corporate/commercial practice, Chambers commented: “Offers substantial experience in banking issues, representing several state and national banks in matters such as formation and regulatory issues. Notable capabilities in undertaking tax matters and also adept at working on tax-exempt bond transactions. The team is also skilled in offering additional assistance with real estate issues arising from corporate transactions. It provides further expertise in handling debt restructurings, asset and stock sales agreements, and joint ventures.”  Tim Grooms is described as “particularly adept at advising clients in the banking and real estate sectors.” Jeb Joyce is a “well-regarded commercial lawyer” and noted to be “a very good lawyer.”

In the labor & employment category, the firm is described as capably representing a variety of clients on labor and employment matters.  The team’s expertise includes wage and hour litigation, discrimination claims, and general contract work.  A noted strength is “the team has a great base of knowledge and handle matter with great ease.” Chip Chiles is singled out for covering “a range of sectors, including software, professional services and financial services.”

The following shows Chambers’ recognition of the firm and its attorneys:

Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC
Commercial Litigation (Band 1)
Real Estate (Band 1)
Corporate/Commercial (Band 3)
Labor & Employment (Band 3)

Key
* – Star Individuals (above rank 1); given to lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their field.

Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers  is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.  The annual selections are made using a patented multi-phase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.  The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.  Fewer than five percent of all lawyers in Arkansas are selected as Super Lawyers and no more than two and one half percent of lawyers in Arkansas are named to the Rising Stars list.  Steven W. Quattlebaum, Timothy W. Grooms, John E. Tull III, E. B. (Chip) Chiles IV, Thomas G. Williams, Michael N. Shannon, and J. Cliff McKinney II received some of the highest point totals in the Arkansas nomination, research, and blue ribbon review process and are included in the list of the Top 50 Arkansas Super Lawyers for 2024.

The following lawyers from our firm were recognized by Super Lawyers for 2024:

Mid-South Super Lawyers

Benchmark: America’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys

 


The firm was recently recognized in the 2024 edition of Benchmark Litigation as one of only four “highly recommended firms” for litigation in Arkansas. Steven W. Quattlebaum, John E. Tull III, E. B. (Chip) Chiles IV, and Michael N. Shannon were highlighted as Litigation Stars and Brandon B. Cate, Joseph R. Falasco, and R. Ryan Younger were named Future Stars.

Benchmark also recognized firms and attorneys in Labor & Employment for 2024 and Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC was highlighted as one of four “recommended firms” in Arkansas, with E. B. (Chip) Chiles IV and Joseph R. Falasco named Labor & Employment Stars – South.

Philip A. Elmore was named to the Benchmark Litigation 2024 40 & Under List. Those named to this exclusive list have proven their eligibility as individuals at the partner level of their respective firms and are age 40 or younger. Every year, Benchmark sets out to identify the best and brightest litigators across the US based on market analyses, peer review, and casework to compile its list of the top emerging talent in litigation. These practitioners are among the top young talent in their respective litigation communities in the United States.

Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC was named the US Award Winner for the State of Arkansas by Benchmark Litigation in 2025, the 12th time the firm has received this honor. The award selection is based on peer review and research conducted by Benchmark’s research team.

Since it’s inception in 2008, Benchmark Litigation has been the only publication in the market to focus exclusively on litigation. The Benchmark brand has grown dramatically and garnered industry-wide accolades as the definitive hub for in-depth analysis of the players shaping the dynamic practice of litigation. The dynamic growth of the brand has driven demand for its expansion to service other markets beyond the original market coverage of the United States to include Canada, Europe, China, and the Asia-Pacific region. Research is conducted through extensive interviews with litigators, dispute resolution specialists and their clients to identify the leading litigators and firms by examining recent case work handled by law firms and asking individual litigators to provide their professional opinions on peers and practitioners within their jurisdiction or practice area. Litigation Stars reflect lawyers who were recommended consistently as reputable and effective litigators by clients and peers while Future Stars are litigators who were consistently referenced by peers and clients as litigators who are likely to become Litigation Stars in coming editions of the guide.

Lawdragon

 


Lawdragon recognized six attorneys from Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC in its 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America guide. Attorneys selected for this guide excel in litigating claims involving antitrust, intellectual property, white collar and investigations, securities and corporate governance litigation, and a vast array of class actions, product liability, and other complex civil litigation. This guide is dominated by firms who typically represent corporations on defense but a significant number recognized represent plaintiffs as well. Members of this guide were selected from submissions, journalistic research, and vetting with the nation’s leading trial lawyers. You can find the complete list here.

Congratulations to the QGT attorneys named to this list:

Michael B. Heister – Complex Business, Environmental, Energy Litigation

Sarah Keith-Bolden – Business Litigation including Employment, Appellate

Steven W. Quattlebaum – Business, Toxic Tort and Product Liability Litigation

Michael N. Shannon – Commercial Litigation, Class Action, Product Liability

John E. Tull III – Product Liability, Complex Commercial

Thomas G. Williams – Tort, Product Liability

Steven W. Quattlebaum was also received into the Lawdragon 500 Hall of Fame in 2021. Created in 2015, the Hall of Fame recognizes past members of the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America and other outstanding lawyers who have made remarkable contributions as leaders, litigators, dealmakers, power brokers, judges and innovators. The list celebrates lawyers whose mark on the legal profession is indelible and the 34 members of the 2021 Hall of Fame class are described as “among the most acclaimed of their generation, having led America’s signature law firms to unprecedented heights, achieved civil rights advances and changed our world for the better.” Steve was named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America list eight times and is one of only two attorneys from Arkansas to be inducted into the Lawdragon 500 Hall of Fame. The full list of the 2021 Hall of Fame class, which also includes the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, can be found here.

Selection to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America comes through a group of veteran legal journalists who review thousands of submissions of outstanding lawyers from all regions and practice areas of the American legal profession, including private attorneys, government and other public interest attorneys, judges, and law school professors. From that group, the 500 leading lawyers are chosen by Lawdragon. Less than one-tenth of one percent of all lawyers in the United States are included as members of the Lawdragon 500.

American College of Real Estate Lawyers

 

Timothy W. Grooms and J. Cliff McKinney II have both been inducted as Fellows of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, the select national association of preeminent commercial real estate lawyers focused on service to clients, colleagues and the profession.  Admission is by invitation only after a rigorous screening process. ACREL’s distinguished, nationally-known lawyers have been elected to fellowship for their outstanding legal ability, experience and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice of real estate law.

Founded in 1978, ACREL has grown from its 125 charter Members to a current membership of over 1,000 prominent real estate lawyers practicing in 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The purpose of the College is to gather together lawyers distinguished for their skill, experience and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice of real estate law, who will contribute substantially to the accomplishments, achievements and good fellowship of the College and to the best interests of the bar and the general public through the fulfillment of objectives of the College, which specifically include: to promote high standards of professional and ethical responsibility in the practice of real estate law; to improve real estate law and practice; to make available to the bar and to the public authoritative educational materials in real estate law and practice; to inform the Members of the most current developments in real estate law and practice; to address issues of importance to real estate law by participating in law reform matters and legislative, administrative and judicial initiatives when appropriate; and to cooperate and consult with national, state and local bar organizations, government agencies and other groups which have an interest in real estate law and practice.

American College of Mortgage Attorneys

 

Established in 1974, the American College of Mortgage Attorneys (ACMA) is a distinguished organization of 500 lawyers across North America who specialize in mortgage law. Its Fellows are dedicated to advancing the profession, improving laws and procedures related to real estate secured transactions, and enhancing the overall professionalism of mortgage law practitioners.

Membership is reserved for attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional expertise and leadership in the field through their legal practice, involvement in bar associations, public speaking, published writings, legislative contributions, and significant legal advocacy.

Among the respected Fellows of ACMA are Timothy W. Grooms and J. Cliff McKinney II.

American College of Trial Lawyers

 

Steven W. Quattlebaum, John E. Tull III, and Thomas G. Williams are honored Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. The College is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, promoting professionalism and civility, and supporting the rule of law, trial by jury, judicial independence, and equal access to justice.

Fellowship in the College is by invitation only and is extended to experienced trial lawyers in the United States and Canada who have demonstrated the highest levels of skill, ethical conduct, integrity, and professionalism.

With more than 5,500 Fellows across both countries, the College strictly limits its membership to no more than 1% of the total lawyer population of any state or province. Fellows are drawn from all areas of trial practice and are recognized as leaders in the courtroom and in the legal profession.

International Academy of Trial Lawyers

 

The International Academy of Trial Lawyers is a prestigious global organization dedicated to upholding and advancing the Rule of Law. Recognized as one of the world’s leading trial lawyer associations, the Academy is committed to excellence in advocacy, integrity in practice, and meaningful legal reform.

Founded in 1954, the Academy brings together the most accomplished trial lawyers from around the world to collaborate, mentor, and champion justice. Its membership includes 500 active Fellows from the United States and more than 150 Fellows from 30 countries, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in civil matters, as well as prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys.

We are proud to have Steven W. Quattlebaum, John E. Tull III, and E. B. (Chip) Chiles IV recognized as Fellows of this esteemed organization.

American Board of Trial Advocates

 

Founded in 1958, the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is a national organization of seasoned trial lawyers and judges committed to preserving and promoting the right to a civil jury trial as guaranteed by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. With more than 7,300 members across 95 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, ABOTA is uniquely balanced between plaintiff and defense attorneys, as well as members of the judiciary.

Membership in ABOTA is by invitation only and reserved for attorneys with a minimum of five years of active trial experience, including at least seven civil jury trials tried to verdict. In addition to courtroom experience, members must uphold the highest standards of civility, professionalism, and integrity in accordance with ABOTA’s Code of Professionalism and Principles of Civility. The organization’s mission includes advancing the ethical and technical standards of trial advocacy to ensure fair and effective representation and to improve the administration of justice.

We are proud to recognize Steven W. Quattlebaum, John E. Tull III, Michael N. Shannon, Thomas G. Williams, and Vincent O. Chadick as active ABOTA Fellows.  Mr. Quattlebaum served as National ABOTA President in 2023, and Mr. Tull led the local chapter as President in 2021-2022.

American Academy of Appellate Lawyers

 

 E. B. (Chip) Chiles IV is a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers (The Academy), an exclusive, invitation-only organization that honors the most accomplished appellate advocates in the country. Fellowship in the Academy is reserved for attorneys who have demonstrated a proven track record in state and federal appellate courts.

Founded in 1990, the Academy was originally composed of Fellows from states with active appellate bars and has since grown to include 355 Fellows representing all 50 states. Membership is capped at 500 and requires at least 15 years of appellate practice. Candidates must be nominated by two current Fellows and undergo a rigorous evaluation before being elected by the Board of Directors.

Litigation Counsel of America

 

The Litigation Counsel of America (LCA) is an invitation-only honorary society of trial lawyers, established to reflect the evolving and diverse landscape of the American legal profession. With membership limited to just 3,500 Fellows—less than one-half of one percent of all U.S. lawyers—the LCA recognizes excellence and achievement in litigation and trial advocacy across all sectors of the bar.

Fellows are selected based on their effectiveness, accomplishments in the courtroom, and outstanding ethical reputation. Most are partners, shareholders, or independent practitioners with at least 12 years of experience. The LCA also includes Judicial Fellows, Academic Fellows, Legislative Fellows, and In-House Counsel Fellows, creating a rich and diverse network of legal professionals.

In addition to honoring distinguished trial lawyers, the LCA promotes superior advocacy, ethical standards, professional development, and community engagement. It also serves as a forum for scholarly legal writing and supports initiatives that strengthen the judiciary and improve the litigation process.

We are proud to have Steven W. Quattlebaum, E. B. (Chip) Chiles IV, and Sarah Keith-Bolden as members of this distinguished organization.

American Law Institute

 

E. B. (Chip) Chiles IV is a member of the American Law Institute (ALI), the leading independent organization in the United States producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize, and otherwise improve the law.

ALI’s founders identified two chief defects in American law: its uncertainty and its complexity. They noted that these defects cause useless litigation, often make it difficult to advise persons of their rights, and create delay and expense after litigation begins. Since its founding in 1923, ALI has sought to provide a resource to the legal profession, legislatures, and courts to alleviate these concerns.

ALI drafts, discusses, revises, and publishes Restatements of the Law, Model Codes, and Principles of Law that are enormously influential in the courts and legislatures, as well as in legal scholarship and education.

By participating in the Institute’s work, its distinguished members have the opportunity to influence the development of the law in both existing and emerging areas, to work with other eminent lawyers, judges, and academics, to give back to a profession to which they are deeply dedicated, and to contribute to the public good.

Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel

 

Joseph R. Falasco is a member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), an association comprised of premier defense and corporate counsel and industry executives dedicated to leading the legal profession by advancing the principles of integrity, professionalism, fair civil justice, intellectual capital, and fostering the trust and value of fellowship as they pursue the course of a balanced justice system and represent those in need of a defense in civil lawsuits.

Since 1936, the FDCC has continued to build on its strong foundation of leadership and service to the legal profession and the related industries served by its members.

FDCC membership is limited, selective, and by nomination only.  Election is by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors upon recommendation of an independent Admissions Committee charged with the responsibility of making a careful investigation into the qualifications of each nominee to ensure that those selected have distinguished themselves professionally.  FDCC membership is international in scope, and includes members from all 50 of the United States plus Australia, Austria, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Uruguay, and other countries.