Garland County Circuit Court Judge John Homer Wright was recently honored as Outstanding Trial Judge of the Year by the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, receiving a record nine attorney nominations for the prestigious award.
Wright received the award April 28 during the association's annual convention. A news release said the award is presented to a jurist who is "dedicated to the preservation of the American Justice System, the right to trial by jury, and who is an outstanding jurist in his or her dedication to the preservation of individual rights, and free and fair access to the courts."
"Judge Wright is widely known and respected as a fair and just trial judge," Robin Smith, outgoing ATLA president, said in the release. "His efforts to ensure a fair trial for every person who comes into his courtroom is paramount to upholding and protecting the civil justice system, and makes him deserving of this award."
Wright's time in the Garland County judicial system spans more than three decades. He began his career in the system in 1985, when he began serving as a judge for Garland County Municipal Court. In 1999, he assumed his current position as Division 1 circuit court judge and is also the presiding judge of Garland County Drug Court.
During his time in the county's judicial system, Wright has been active in the Hot Springs community, including serving on the Garland County Library Board of Trustees and the First Methodist Board of Stewards. He is currently the past president and chairman of the Christmas for Kids Foundation.
Wright said Thursday he was almost unaware of his award due to his notification letter getting lost in the mail.
"They have an annual meeting in Eureka Springs, and the awards were presented at that time," Wright said. "I found out about it only four days ahead of time, but fortunately, my schedule worked out so I could get up there."
Wright said he appreciated the award, especially in light of his respect for the ATLA.
"I appreciate the Trial Lawyers Association," Wright said. "They are certainly serious about what they do, and they put a lot of time and thought and effort into it. To be recognized by them is a great honor."
When asked what he does to stay on top of his craft, Wright credited the circuit court's administrative office, noting it does a good job of "providing continual education" for its judges. He also gave a nod to the relationships between those within his line of work.
"Our programs every year are very good. Our interaction between judges is very good," he said.
Wright said he has four more years of continuing his practice as a circuit judge and then he will be aged out of the Garland County court system.
In the meantime, Wright said he plans to continue doing law in the same way he has always done.
"I'm prepared to continue working," he said.
Local on 05/20/2017