Forty Under 40: Jim Smith

Jim Smith took a huge career step in 2000 when he moved from Little Rock to Northwest Arkansas to open the first Friday, Eldridge, and Clark Law Firm office outside the capital city.

Smith, 32, is a lifelong Arkansan except for the one year he attended New York University while working on his master’s degree in tax law.

Smith also attended Arkansas Tech in Russellville and the University of Arkansas.

He was inducted into the Hall of Distinction this year at Arkansas Tech. When not working in his firm, Smith enjoys playing golf, fishing, spending time with his one-year old son, and serving the community.

Smith works with the Arkansas Rice Depot, a nonprofit organization that gives food to families. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Arkansas chapter of American Red Cross. Smith is the president of the board of directors of the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association.

“It’s easy to get up and go to work everyday,” Smith said. “I get to work with cutting edge law partners and clients and I get to represent people involved in business.”