James Earl Hensley Jr.

James Earl Hensley Jr.

4.7
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 26 years

Family Lawyer at Conway, AR
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury

700 South German Lane, Suite 101, Conway, AR

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Family 50%

Divorce, custody, DHS, Child Support, Grandparent's rights, Out of State Cases.

29 years | 4,000 cases

50%
Criminal Defense 40%

From DWI to Capital offenses. State and Federal Courts.

29 years | 6,000 cases

40%
Personal Injury 10%

Don't sign anything until you talk to us. You have rights. You may not even need us. But call us first to make sure!

29 years | 250 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Arkansas for 26 years

State: Arkansas

Acquired: 1999

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2004

Location

Hensley Law Firm PA

700 South German Lane, Suite 101, Conway, AR, 72034

Hensley Law Firm, P.A.

700 South German; Suite 101, Faulkner, Van Buren, Searcy Conway, Pulaski, White Counties, Conway, AR, 72034

Hensley Law Firm, P.A.

100 North Peabody, Stone, Izard, Independence, Cleburne Counties, Mountain View, AR, 72560

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James Earl Hensley Jr.'s Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

123 Client Reviews

Showing 86 - 90 of 123 reviews

Posted by Tyler | August 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

James Hensley Comments

To start off James was a great lawyer! I hired him for a divorce and not only did he get literally everything I asked for he also explained the situation in detail and let me know everything I needed to know, while also going over several scenarios in detail. As the husband in a divorce sometimes y...ou hear that you may be up the creek when it comes to legal issues but James was able to get primary custody for me and I was able to keep my house.

Posted by Wade | August 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Very quick and thorough

Mr Hensley informed me and my daughter of exactly what to expect and was spot on 100%

Posted by Amanda | August 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Stay away from him

He refused to fight for me and my kids. He lied to me repeatedly throughout my case. He told me he subpoenaed people to testify for my side and did not. He charged me and additional $2500 for a 2 day hearing and refused to return any of it when he strong armed me into taking a very crappy deal after ...2 hours into the hearing. He had no intention of presenting my case at the hearing. We had everything we needed to slam dunk the case. Since he didn't subpoena the people he told me he did, it would have just been my word against my ex. I had pych examiner, police, and more to testify. But again he didn't subpoena them. So we really had nothing to present. This was the 4th hearing. He refused to allow me to testify at any of the hearings. Hiring him was the worst mistake I have ever made.

James Hensley

Replied last August 20, 2017

I have waited a bit to respond to this. The remarks of Amanda are hurtful to me and my staff who spent dozens of hours on the phone, meeting with her and her family, and filing everything possible to have her children returned. Amanda even admits that we had 4 hearings. She doesn't mention the other hearings regarding the order of protection. We were even able to prevent her from being arrested for the conduct which found us in Court. She doesn't mention working with her for more than a year speaking with her at all hours and almost every day. The additional money she speaks of was not for a 2 day hearing. It was to somehow defray the costs of working for her for a bit more than minimum wage. Amanda was about to lose her children and we were able to ensure she had joint custody of the children within a few months with a minimal effort. The witnesses she speaks of could not have helped. There was only one witness we had to deal with and that was her child who after one year testified against her. It is possible that this child was coerced by his father who certainly hated Amanda because we were able to get custody from him. He rarely paid support and was even arrested along with his wife at the time when the children were present. But the child went against Amanda and we could have lost all of the children without the agreement we were able to obtain for her. I don't mind taking a hit when I stumble. We all stumble and then do better next time. Not sure what else could have been done. I will not speak of the other troubles we had with this case but Amanda is very wrong about my service to her and all the help I have given her and her family over the years. Perhaps she needed to vent and I was the easiest to blame. I would still help Amanda if she needed me. I have been practicing for 18 years as of August 26, 2017. I have had thousands of clients and a handful of people who I was not able to get what they wanted. I wish Amanda well and invite her to correct her post.

Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Horrible Lawyer

Thought he would do the job to the best of his ability, because of all the great reviews I read, and felt very confident in handing him thousands of dollars to fight for us, and he thoroughly let us down. He didn't do anything he said he would, never listened to anything, and couldn't remember anythi...ng important dealing with our case. He was too busy running his own mouth, and judging others, to listen and care about what was really going on. He refused to look at any of the evidence we had, and ended up screwing us come court day. We aren't any better off than we were before hiring him, and out of a lot of money. We now can't afford to hire someone who would really help us! Very disappointed, and still living in hell with no relief in sight! Hire someone who will actually care, listen, and fight for you, which, is NOT this man!!! He's arrogant, and a huge waste of time and money!!!!

James Hensley

Replied last August 20, 2017

Not sure who might have said such things. Sometimes a lawyer can't accomplish what a client desires. For instance, just hiring an attorney will not guarantee a criminal case can be won. The lawyer does everything possible though. If the case involves a family law issue, the decision is up to a Judge. Although lawyers work hard and believe in a client's case, the Judge may disagree. All my clients have my cell number and access to me on the weekends and holidays. I have never been accused of running my own mouth and judging others. Sometimes people just want to vent. This person said a lot of ugly things and has hurt my ratings. But this person has not given me the opportunity to respond directly so me and my staff are left wondering how we might help.

Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Excellent attorney

My husband and I recently hired Jim and we could not be more happy with his work ethic, values and genuine concern and care for our case. He was and still is, always available to answer our questions and emails. He is very experienced and reputable.

See All Client Reviews

James Earl Hensley Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Matthew Porter McKay headshot
Matthew McKay

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Cecily Patterson Skarda headshot
Cecily Skarda

Unknown lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I met Jim more than 10 years ago when he was opposing counsel on a case I had. Jim was a tough, smart and committed lawyer who represented his client very well. At the same time, he was pleasant to work with, trustworthy and professional. Since that time we have had a few things together and he even served as special judge in a domestic relations case I had in another county. Jim was fair, objective and knowledgeable as a judge. Jim is a great guy and an awesome attorney who is truly committed to serving his clients."

James Gregory Crumpton headshot
James Crumpton

Family lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Jim on several cases and would recommend him. He knows the law and is responsive to his clients' needs."

Tasha Chloe Sossamon Taylor headshot
Tasha Taylor

Real estate lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked with Jim on a matter and was impressed with how courteous and responsive he was. He is a great advocate for his clients and I highly recommend him as an Arkansas attorney."

Stefan Kane McBride headshot
Stefan McBride

Unknown lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Although I do not know Mr. Hensley personally, his weekly updates on Arkansas appellate decisions are a tremendous service to the legal community. It is clear that he understands the law and he is able to communicate his understanding in a clear, understandable, and—perhaps most importantly—engaging way."

Megan Elizabeth Wooster headshot
Megan Wooster

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Hensley is truly dedicated to his clients and the legal community."

Claiborne Hambrick Ferguson headshot
Claiborne Ferguson

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Great guy, cares about his clients. Call him today."

John Dimitrios Andreopoulos headshot
John Andreopoulos

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse James. He is a renowned lawyer and advocate."

Armando Edmiston headshot
Armando Edmiston

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He files every pre trial motion possible and is not afraid to go to trial if he needs to."

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Bryan P. Christian headshot
Bryan Christian

Unknown lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robin Miller Emis headshot
Robin Emis

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am privileged to endorse Jim Henlsey as an outstanding criminal defense/family law attorney. Jim is one of the finest, if the not THE finest, attorneys of my acquaintance. He prepares thoroughly for every case and his trial skills are unparalleled. He is a credit to the Arkansas Bar."

Scott Allen Scholl headshot
Scott Scholl

General practice lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've worked with Jim as an opposing counsel and as counsel for clients charged as co-defendants. I've found him to be a conscientious lawyer that cares about the quality of service he provides his clients and strives to obtain the best results possible for them."

View All Endorsements
Matthew Porter McKay headshot
Matthew McKay

Family lawyer

Patrick Dwayne Melikian headshot
Patrick Melikian

Criminal defense lawyer

Cecily Patterson Skarda headshot
Cecily Skarda

Family lawyer

David H. Williams headshot
David Williams

Personal injury lawyer

Richard Albert Luthmann headshot
Richard Luthmann

Appeals lawyer

Megan Elizabeth Wooster headshot
Megan Wooster

Criminal defense lawyer

Debra Joan Cheatham Reece headshot
Debra Reece

Criminal defense lawyer

Angie Lee Smith headshot
Angie Smith

Divorce and separation lawyer

Claiborne Hambrick Ferguson headshot
Claiborne Ferguson

Criminal defense lawyer

Carmine John Giardino headshot
Carmine Giardino

Car accident lawyer

John Dimitrios Andreopoulos headshot
John Andreopoulos

Personal injury lawyer

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer

Lisa Douglas headshot
Lisa Douglas

Unknown lawyer

George Frank Carder III headshot
George Carder

Unknown lawyer

Stephanie Haley Williams headshot
Stephanie Williams

Unknown lawyer

John A. Flynn headshot
John Flynn

Unknown lawyer

James Gregory Crumpton headshot
James Crumpton

Family lawyer

Bryan P. Christian headshot
Bryan Christian

Business lawyer

Scott Allen Scholl headshot
Scott Scholl

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2004.

Reprimand issued in AR, 2004

updated on 01/07/2014

This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Honors

2004

Lawyer of the Year, Cabot Star Herald

Work Experience

2000 - Present

, Innocence Project

1999 - Present

President, Hensley Law Firm, P.A.

Associations

2009 - Present

Faulkner County Bar Association

2007 - Present

United States Supreme Court

2003 - Present

American Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2003 - Present

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Instument-rated Pilot

2001 - Present

Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2001 - Present

White County Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

Lonoke Bar Association

Past President

1999 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

Arkansas Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

Arkansas Supreme Court

Sample of Legal Cases

Bagwell v. State of Arkansas

The Bagwell Rule established for Arkansas

See More Legal Cases

Education

1998

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

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

University of Arkansas - Little Rock

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

High Schools and Clubs

Criminal Law & Family Law

Languages

English

American Sign Language

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2004
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution