James L. Bargar

PRO

James L. Bargar

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 20 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Conway, AR
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Personal Injury, Family ... +2 more

243 US-64, P.O. Box 2380, Conway, AR

Virtual Consultation Available

About James

Biography

Tired of "thin-file" lawyers who try to "wing it" in court? The Bargar Law Firm will fight for you!

From before arrest to trial, we have the experience you need to tackle your criminal matter!

At the Bargar Law Firm, we have two decades of experience handling the toughest divorce/custody cases. No case is too tough or too complex.

From a simple car wreck to a catastrophic injury or medical injury case, we will fight for you!

Small town compassion, big-city results.

We fight to protect what matters most - your kids, your peace, and your future.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 60%

Family law, including uncontested as well as complex divorce, custody, guardianship, child support, adoption, paternity, and related proceedings.

20 years

60%
Personal Injury 20%

Select personal injury cases in the areas of auto and tractor trailer collision, products liability, and wrongful death.

20 years

20%
Family 10%

Family law, including uncontested as well as complex divorce, custody, guardianship, child support, adoption, paternity, and related proceedings.

10%
Car Accident 5%

5%
Criminal Defense 5%

Select criminal cases, both felony and misdemeanor, in both circuit and district state courts.

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2023 2019 2018
...
+ 3

Licenses

Licensed in Arkansas for 20 years

State: Arkansas

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Bargar Law Firm, P.A.

243 US-64, P.O. Box 2380, Conway, AR, 72032

bargarlawfirm.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find James online.

James L. Bargar's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

81 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Guardianship

Posted by Lauren | November 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship

Phenomenal Attorney who works with Integrity and Professionalism!

I hired James in order to re-open and modify my divorce case. Reasons my case needed to be re-opened included custody/guardianship modification and contempt of opposing party. With James’ expertise, my case was able to be settled outside of court and all issue were resolved. James and his team re...sponded to ALL of my questions within 24 hours (usually within hours). All responses were thorough. James ALWAYS let me know where my case stood and was upfront with his guidance. I really appreciated that. He always left me with the option to choose what paths I wanted to take based on his expertise. Of course, James is trustworthy and it would be a disservice for me to not have heeded to his legal guidance for my case. I’d hire James again - no questions asked!

Posted by Crystal | April 01, 2014 | Guardianship

Excellent Attorney!!

Mr. Barger recently handled my guardianship case. He was a godsend! He was extremely kind and, although it was NOT his job, provided emotional support! He made an unbearable situation bearable. Whenever I contacted him, I ALWAYS received a prompt response. I would highly recommend him!!

Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2013 | Guardianship

Knowledgeable attorney willing to work with a long-distance client

My father originally hired James Bargar to help resolve a messy divorce. Dad had worked with two other attorneys who were not responsive and failed to keep him informed about his case, so I found Mr. Bargar's ad in the telephone book and asked my dad to make an appointment to see him. My dad was not ...an easy man to work with (he's in his late 80s) but James treated him respectfully and kindly, listening to my dad vent about his anger and keeping him on track. He went through boxes of case files from the other two attorneys, and was able to sort out what had, and had not, been done. While the divorce was progressing, my father's health declined rapidly, and James helped me handle the necessary paperwork to become dad's guardian and I became James' client. When my dad passed, he then helped us settle the probate and estate--a lengthy process that took months because my dad had failed to get his affairs in order. Keep in mind that my dad lived in Mayflower, James' office is in Conway, and I live 2000 miles away! All of this work over the course of several years was handled via long distance, almost entirely by e-mail. This doesn't mean that James is impersonal--quite the opposite! E-mail allows the client to get answers much more quickly than snail mail, and I often received responses right away. This is so important because I would have been unable to fly to Arkansas to handle this on my own. James' fees and billing procedures were very reasonable and transparent, and I feel confident that I was not overcharged for his services. If anything, he probably did not charge as much as he could have when there were times my dad just wanted to talk to him because he was angry about the courts. Sometimes there were lapses in between communications, but I think that was due to the slow process of the judicial system and the courts, not to inattention from James. Lastly, I think I need to mention that James is a kind and caring man. When it became clear that my dad was never going to come home from the hospital, and that death was near, James pushed aside other clients to meet with me when I unexpectedly had to fly into town. He told me funny stories about my dad, and treated both of us extremely well during difficult circumstances. Yes, I would definitely recommend James to anyone who finds themselves needing his assistance with a divorce, separation, or other family law situation. I would also recommend him for anyone who is out of town and needs legal help, or someone needing assistance because of an aging family member. He is a gem in a profession often criticized for its lack of compassion.

See All Client Reviews

James L. Bargar's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Victoria Leigh headshot
Victoria Leigh

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"James is reasonable and practical and a delight to work with as a fellow attorney bc he communicates timely and well."

Taylor D. Martin headshot
Taylor Martin

Family lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"As a former deputy prosecuting attorney, I worked on several cases against James. He was one of the most thorough and prepared attorneys I ever went up against. Professional, smart, and experienced. Also, he was always available and had fantastic communication skills. I would recommend any close family member or friend seeking a family law attorney to James Bargar."

Joe A. Denton headshot
Joe Denton

Unknown lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have no hesitation in endorsing James. I know him both as a fellow lawyer and as oppsosing counsel on a matter. He is a passionate advocate who isn’t afraid to go to the mat for his clients ."

Tammy Brasuell Gattis headshot
Tammy Gattis

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Really nice guy, reasonable and easy to work with in Court."

Bonnie Lee Robertson headshot
Bonnie Robertson

Family lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent instincts, good litigator."

Stefan Kane McBride headshot
Stefan McBride

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"My only hesitation in recommending James is that it makes it more likely that I might face him as opposing counsel. He's smart and does careful work."

John Greel Ralls Jr. headshot
John Ralls

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this talented and knowledgeable attorney, who is well-respected in the legal community."

Michael B. Phillips headshot
Michael Phillips

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is a great attorney. His knowledge of Arkansas family law and his advocacy skills on behalf of his clients are unsurpassed."

Tommy Lee Bennett headshot
Tommy Bennett

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is a fantastic lawyer. He is smart, aggressive, and honest to a fault. The only criticism that comes to mind is that he does not charge enough. Get him while you can still afford him."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse James.He is a talented advocate with outstanding work ethic."

Timothy Osbern Isaac headshot
Timothy Isaac

Personal injury lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer's work. James Bargar is a knowledgable and skilled trial attorney who is dedicated to his clients, above all. I consider James to be a role model for me, and I know others do too."

Debra Joan Cheatham Reece headshot
Debra Reece

Family lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. James Bargar is an excellent family law attorney. I highly recommend him. He is the only family law attorney to whom I refer my friends and family."

Beau Wilcox headshot
Beau Wilcox

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James has long been one of my colleagues and I can honestly say that he is as well-prepared and well-versed as any attorney I know. He approaches the practice with enthusiasm and has great compassion for those clients who are in need of zealous representation."

Marvin Leibovich Jr. headshot
Marvin Leibovich

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is one of the hardest working lawyers in town. His skill and reputation is beyond reproach. I have no hesitation calling on James when I have legal questions."

R. Allen Dodson headshot
R. Dodson

Family lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Talented trial attorney. Aggressive where appropriate. Very knowledgeable. Has good feel for a case and the strength or weakness of his client's position. I refer family law cases and personal injury cases to him regularly."

Quincy Walter McKinney headshot
Quincy McKinney

Child custody lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known James for a number of years now and have referred a number of clients to him and would not hesitate to in the future. When I send someone his way I know they are in good hands. James and I have worked as opposing counsel on a number of case. Everything from divorce and custody cases to personal injury litigation. Every time he has proved a worthy adversary. He is always prepared and works very hard for his clients. He is a zealous advocate with briliant drafting skills and in court experience! I would highly recommend James as an attorney."

Bradley Joseph Williams headshot
Bradley Williams

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James' encyclopedic knowledge of family law and dedication to achieving the best results for his client are unmatched. Anyone would be lucky for James to agree to represent them in their family law case, and I have recommended many potential clients to him over the years."

View All Endorsements
Victoria Leigh headshot
Victoria Leigh

Debt collection lawyer

Taylor D. Martin headshot
Taylor Martin

Criminal defense lawyer

Tammy Brasuell Gattis headshot
Tammy Gattis

Family lawyer

Bonnie Lee Robertson headshot
Bonnie Robertson

Family lawyer

Stefan Kane McBride headshot
Stefan McBride

Child custody lawyer

Michael B. Phillips headshot
Michael Phillips

Personal injury lawyer

Molly Elise Lucas headshot
Molly Lucas

Family lawyer

Christopher Gomlicker headshot
Christopher Gomlicker

Discrimination lawyer

Quincy Walter McKinney headshot
Quincy McKinney

Personal injury lawyer

Timothy Osbern Isaac headshot
Timothy Isaac

Personal injury lawyer

Marvin Leibovich Jr. headshot
Marvin Leibovich

Family lawyer

R. Allen Dodson headshot
R. Dodson

Oil and gas lawyer

Bradley Joseph Williams headshot
Bradley Williams

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Top Rated Family Law Attorney, Mid-South Super Lawyers

2021

Excellence in Family and Divorce Law, Lawyers of Distinction

2020

Excellence in Family and Divorce Law, Lawyers of Distinction

2019

Excellence in Family and Divorce Law, Lawyers of Distinction

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2018

Best Divorce Lawyer in Faulkner County, Log Cabin Democrat - BEST OF THE BEST

2017

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

10 Best Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2014

10 Best - Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys

2014

Readers' Choice Awards - Personal Injury, Arkansas Life Magazine

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2013

Top 100 Tial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

What Family Court Judges Want You to Know, NBI seminar

2011

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2005

Assistant Editor, UALR Law Review

2005

Associate Editor, UALR Law Review

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Owner, The Bargar Law Firm, P.A.

2004 - 2006

Law Clerk, Littlepage & Associates, PC/ Littlepage Booth

Associations

2014 - Present

Pulaski Co. Bar Association

2014 - Present

American Association for Justice

2008 - Present

Faulkner County Bar Association

member

2006 - Present

Arkansas Bar Association

2006 - Present

Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association

2006 - Present

Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Sample of Legal Cases

Order of Protection - Defense

prevailed - no permanent OP entered

Divorce - temp alimony

prevailed - judge awarded temp alimony

Divorce - final hearing

mixed - prevailed in preserving client's interests in property and having support set greater than child support chart; some issues reserved for later date.

Child Support Adjudication - Defense

prevailed - limited client's liability

Guardianship - permanent hearing - contested

prevailed - guardianship entered

Guardianship - permanent hearing

prevailed - client's rights preserved

Divorce - final hearing

mixed, but prevailed in having opposing case dismissed.

Divorce - final hearing

mixed - divorce entered, settled some issues, adjudicated other issues in client's favor; some issues reserved for later date.

Order of Protection - Defense

prevailed - no permanent OP entered

Custody - modification of visitation

prevailed - won on custody and contempt, other side forced to pay fees and costs

Divorce - final hearing

prevailed - client retained custody and ordered to receive support

Criminal - class C felony assault

reduced to class A misdemeanor - no jail

Guardianship - permanent hearing - contested

prevailed - guardianship entered for clients

Divorce - final hearing

prevailed - divorce granted

Criminal - class A misdemeanor assault

prevailed - charges nolle prossed

Divorce - final hearing

prevailed - case continued due to failure to comply with discovery

Child support adjudication

prevailed - CS ordered, and arrearage computed for non-payment

Linn v. Miller, 99 Ark. App. 407

Prevailed on appellate matter.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2005

University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

UALR

M.Ed.

1996

UALR

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1990

Greenbrier High School

Speaking Engagements

2011

Media Law and Ethics

Issues in Media Law

2010

Univ. of Ark. Comm. College at Morrilton

Rhetoric and Writing

2009

Central Baptist College - Media Law Class

Issues in Media Law history

2008

AP Gov't class - Mills Univ. Studies H.S.

Current Issues in Constitutional Law

2007

AP Gov't class - Mills Univ. Studies H.S.

Current Issues in Constitutional Law

Publications

2009

self-published - compact disc "Stuff ya gotta know about filing for divorce and custody in Arkansas"

Languages

English

Activity

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