Forty Under 40: Emily Reynolds

In 2012, the law firm Emily Reynolds worked for placed her on a secondment assignment for a client — Walmart.

Eighteen months later, she transitioned to a permanent in-house job with the company’s litigation department. Reynolds has supported numerous areas in the years since, including corporate affairs and government relations. In her current role, she is one of five attorneys defending the retailer’s U.S. division, which encompasses all areas of store operations.

Being a lawyer for the world’s largest company is ever-changing, she said.

“It’s always something new, and that’s the neatest thing about my job,” she said.

A Hot Springs native, Reynolds earned a journalism degree from the University of Arkansas in 2006. Three years later, she graduated from the UA School of Law, where she was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Food Law & Policy.

Following law school, Reynolds began her career in Benton County, working for Warner Smith & Harris before joining Mitchell Williams. She clerked there during law school and also for Benton County Circuit Judge Xollie Duncan.

In 2010, Legal Aid of Arkansas recognized Reynolds as the 2010 Outstanding Volunteer Attorney for her pro bono work. She continues that type of work through Walmart’s medical-legal partnership with Arkansas Children’s.

Reynolds says her involvement with Bentonville nonprofit Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter is a real passion. She’s been president of the board for the past three years.

“The mission of showing those kids there is hope for their future … I don’t think there is anything more important,” she said.

Reynolds is a member of the current class of Leadership Arkansas. She enjoys spending time outdoors and is a doting mother to her 6-year-old daughter.