Hilburn & Harper Ltd. of North Little Rock announced that managing partner Ernie Harper Jr. died this month at age 71.
Harper was born in Atlanta and raised in Little Rock. He earned his undergraduate degree at Hendrix College and his Juris Doctor at Southern Methodist University School of Law in Dallas.
Harper began practicing law in 1977 with Wallace Hilburn Clayton Wilson & Hankins Ltd., which would become Hilburn & Harper Ltd.
In a statement, the firm called him a talented leader who mentored many young attorneys and helped innumerable clients.
“At a time like this, we find ourselves at a loss for words,” said Sam Hilburn, managing partner. “Ernie was an outstanding attorney and will be deeply missed by his partners and our law firm.”
Harper is survived by his wife of 48 years, Laura, their children, Christin Harper (Alex Vernon), Matthew Harper (Noelle), Megan Baker (Matt), and Caroline Harper.
