J. Michael Stephenson and Richard West named Crittenden County Volunteer Attorneys of the Year

FAYETTEVILLE, May 1, 2010 - In observance of Law Day, May 1, 2010, Legal Aid of Arkansas announces that J. Michael Stephenson and Richard West have been chosen co-recipients of the Volunteer Attorney of the Year for Crittenden County.  The award recognizes outstanding volunteerism and service to the residents of the county.  Stephenson donated over 60 hours and West over 42 hours of pro bono service to low-income clients during 2009.  Their donation has a value of $15,300 to the community.

Susan M. Purtle, Pro Bono Manager and Senior Attorney for Legal Aid of Arkansas states, “This choice was difficult for the committee as we had two very worthy volunteers and felt that both deserved the award.  Mr. Stephenson has been a volunteer for many years.  These years of service and the effort he makes to ensure his clients win their cases were two of the reasons Mike was chosen for the honor.  His commitment to serving the elderly was an additional factor the committee highlighted.  Mr. West proved invaluable during 2009 and 2010 in helping us with the large volume of family law matters we had in Crittenden County.  His willingness to take on cases that were more involved and, in some cases, contested, was a factor the committee wanted to highlight as truly outstanding.”

J. Michael Stephenson has practiced law in West Memphis, Arkansas, since 1991.  His practice focuses on Social Security disability, formation of business entities, wills and estates, probate, and real estate.  He serves as a civil District Court Judge for Crittenden County.  He represents the Marion School

District and has been Marion District Judge since 2005.  Currently he serves on the Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee for the state of Arkansas.

Stephenson received a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University in 1986 and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis in 1991.

Richard West has practiced law in Crittenden County since 1993.  His practice focuses on family law, divorce, and criminal defense.  He is a part-time Public Defender for the State of Arkansas.  He served in the United States Air Force for five years as a J.A.G. officer.

West is married to the former Danita Keller of Hughes, Arkansas.  They have two daughters, Erin Elizabeth West and Adrienne Dawn Ellis, both of Marion. 

West completed his undergraduate degree in business and finance and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Legal Aid of Arkansas’ vision is to improve the lives of low-income Arkansans by championing equal access to justice regardless of economic or social circumstances.  Legal Aid provides free legal help with civil matters to those who qualify.  If you or someone you know needs help with a legal problem, has questions for a lawyer, has been sued, or doesn’t know where to turn, call the Legal Aid Hotline at 1-800-952-9243.

Contact:
Susan M. Purtle
Legal Aid of Arkansas
1905 E. Mission Blvd. #6
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(870) 972-9224 ext. 4301
(479) 879-21111 (cell)
(479) 442-0603 FAX
spurtle@arlegalaid.org