Conway attorney Allen Dodson has accepted the position of Faulkner County Attorney nearly a month and a half after former county attorney Stephan Hawks resigned.
Dodson noted that debate had elevated surrounding Hawks’ departure, but he was confident that he would be able to be a positive influence in the county.
“I know I have a good rapport with many people in the county,” Dodson said. “I know there has been some banter back and forth, but I hope that once I get going, we can all get down to the job at hand.”
Dodson replaces David Hogue, who worked two stints as interim county attorney in Hawks’ absence. Conway attorney Joe Don Winningham served as interim attorney for a week but resigned citing a conflict of interest.
“Among the available candidates for this position, Dodson possesses the balance of characteristics and experience most suitable to fulfill the duties of the Faulkner County Civil Attorney,” said Preston Scroggin in a press release. “We welcome him as our new attorney and look forward to again having a dedicated, full-time county attorney serving the citizens of Faulkner County.”
Dodson admitted to a long interview process. “They are nothing if not thorough,” he said about the county judge’s office. “I know it took multiple weeks to go through the process.”
Dodson graduated from Conway High School in 1985 and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1989, after which he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. He has also worked in various roles at Acxiom. As a clerk during law school, he dealt with real estate and development issues, as well as product liability litigation.
Dodson graduated with honors from UALR Bowen School of Law in December of 2006, where he also made Law Review and won the school’s Moot Court competition. Since then he has sustained a solo law practice primarily in such areas as real property, oil and gas, contract negotiation, and business issues, as well as other areas of civil law. He has also served as special judge in the District Court of Faulkner County on several occasions.
“I realize that we aren’t an incredibly large area like Chicago,” he said. “But this county is growing. I believe that I have a particular skill set that matches up with what the county desires. One does always keep their eye on the horizon, and I thought this would be a good position if it ever came available. I am very proud to have this opportunity.”
Comments (11)
Add commentI wonder why the county needs
I wonder why the county needs an attorney.... we have the prosecuting attorney office and they are willing to serve the County's need? Wonder what they are paying this new attorney...they over paid the last one at $110,000 to 120,000? I understood the PA was willing to do the work and could employ an attorney for $60,000 similar to what they pay in other counties.
I do think we need a county
I do think we need a county attorney, but, like you,
I would like to know what the salary is. AND will he
get sick and vacation time. Plus, what about side
jobs? I hope the Quorum court makes some stipulations
on this position. I believe this attorney should not
be allowed to do private legal work for fellow county
employees like has happened in the past. We don't need
a new divorce attorney.
Ummmm.....
First, it's law. Second, there is a reason a prosecuting attorney is called a prosecuting attorney. S/he PROSECUTES. A county attorney deals with issues related to county departments, not crime.
May I suggest you look up the differences of the two positions online or - something I strongly suggest - shadow the two different positions so you may be duly informed and will be able to understand why a prosecutor doesn't handle county matters.
Ignorance is bliss until posted.
Ummmm to totally correct!
AND if you find a qualified attorney to do this job for $60K, he's either desperate or it will be a part-time job for him. Allen Dodson is a good man who will do a great job.
I hope he does :)
I hope he does :)
I wonder if he realizes he is the first mate on the Titanic
From the article he is a good person. Hope he can stay clean in the mess that is there. Did he get the county civil attorney complimentary truck to drive along with his salary?
Did David Hogue not want the job? Especially after he got to see it up close?
That said good luck to Mr. Dodson.
County Attorney
THAT is a good question as to why Faulkner County needs it's own attorney besides for the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Prior to any of this, the Prosecuting Attorney has always been the County attorney for Faulkner as well as any other county in this state. So why has the need arrived? Is the prosecuting attorney not doing what he should be doing?
This is a decision of the
This is a decision of the county judge. Even though the Quorum Court has pushed back, he has been adamate that he have a full time civil attorney under his direct supervision.
YEP
Is the prosecuting attorney not doing what he should be doing?
Yep he is not doing what he should be doing!!!!
Couldn't get a conviction when a man was shoot down caught on film in front of the CPD station. When the guy did not have a gun permit but had a gun in his car should have at least charged him with illegal possesion of a fire arm ETC.
@freckles....seems that
@freckles....seems that Counselor responded with what I was going to say. Most counties in the state obtain services from the Prosecuting Attorney's office. I believe Faulkner and two others are the exception. If I recall correctly, the past co attorney was hired away from the PA office primarily because he was in tight with Co Judge. While at the PA office he was paid in the range of $50 to 60k and was performing the task of Co Attorney. So, I ask, wonder what he is paid for this work? Wonder why we have to have a co attorney?