Forty Under 40: Colin Johnson
Destiny has shaped Colin Johnson’s career.
The Little Rock native (and third-generation graduate of Catholic High School for Boys) intended to pursue medicine, and earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Arkansas, enjoying two years as a catcher with the Razorback baseball team.
But Johnson never liked to lose an argument, and carefully crafted his verbal responses, so his mother planted a fertile seed that would alter his path: “Have you thought about law school?”
During Johnson’s third year at the UA School of Law, he took a class taught by Kelly Carithers, who specializes in medical malpractice defense at the Davis firm. Upon graduation in 2007, he declined a higher-paying offer to work with Carithers. The depth of trial experience and respectful, open-door atmosphere at the firm couldn’t be beat, Johnson says.
Johnson made partner in 2012. He focuses on litigation defense — general insurance, legal malpractice, premises liability, commercial litigation and contract disputes.
He has secured Martindale-Hubbell’s AV-Preeminent rating, and received the W.A. Eldredge Jr. Outstanding Young Trial Lawyer award in 2011-2012.
Johnson’s partners value his loyalty to clients, courtesy and respect toward trial judges. He takes seriously the personal aspects of supporting professionals who are facing the most challenging process of their lives.
Johnson coached youth in USSSA baseball for several seasons, and volunteers for Conduit for Commerce Inc.