James Ellis Crouch

Crouch, Harwell, Fryar & Ferner, PLLC is the oldest firm in Springdale, Arkansas. Serving the Legal Needs of Northwest Arkansas since 1947.

Real Estate — Jim has years of experience in a variety of real estate matters. He has assisting developers with commercial subdivisions, residential subdivisions, planned unit developments, and horizontal property regimes ( condos ), which experience includes drafting declarations of covenants, conditions, and restrictions, rezoning, and formation of property owners associations. On numerous occasions, Jim has assisted on the buying and selling of real estate ranging from assisting a young couple on buying their first home  to assisting commercial landlords on the sale of shopping centers. He has been on the panel of attorneys approved by Fidelity National Title Insurance Company and Chicago Title Insurance Company  for title insurance defense and has handled numerous cases involving the curing of title defects. Jim has represented commercial and residential landlords, including the Springdale Public Housing Authority and Fayetteville Public Housing Authority. That representation has included providing legal services related to Rental Assistance Demonstration conversions for public housing. He has also been involved in numerous disputes, including unlawful detainers cases (evictions), between landlords and tenants,  primarily  representing the landlord. His real estate practice also includes both defending and prosecuting real estate condemnation. 

Wills, Trust and Probate — These services Jim provides include a variety of legal services ranging from simple wills to revocable trust, business and healthcare powers of attorneys, beneficiary deeds and living wills. Jim has represented numerous families in the probate of the estate of a loved one, both dying with and without a will. Unfortunately the death of a loved one, often involves litigation. Therefore, Jim has been involved in will contests. He has also been on both sides of contested guardianships, representing persons seeking a guardian for a mother or father and has represented wards ( the persons alleged to be incapacitated)  opposing guardianships.

Commercial Litigation — Over his more than 40 years of experience, Jim has handled a vast array of commercial litigation,  including economic damages product liability cases, breach of construction contracts, covenants not to compete, theft of trade secrets , Packers and Stockyards disputes,  foreclosures, wrongful discharge defense and  employment discrimination defense.

Railroad Law —  Jim has had the good fortune to represent a short-line railroad. The number of legal matters involving railroads is vast, including FELA defense, crossing cases, condemnation, dealing with the Federal Railroad Administration, easements and contracts.

General Business — As a lawyer in a growing community, Jim has had the rewarding opportunity to assist everyone from the so-called mom and pop grocery to multi-national companies. This practice includes the formation of for-profit and not- for- profit corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. One day he might be drafting a buy-sell agreement for members of a small company and the next day assisting a company in selling its assets. No legal matter involving the needs of a business owner are too small for Jim to render assistance.  Northwest Arkansas has a diverse population. Accordingly,  Crouch, Harwell, Fryar and Ferner firm has legal assistants who speak Spanish , and the services offered include immigration cases.