Richard A. Williams is a prominent law figure, known for his foundational role in shaping the operations and growth of Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard LLP. His influence extended into the national law community, where he became a tax law expert and a leader in law practice management.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Williams’ career journey began after earning a journalism degree and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas. His expertise in tax law was honed during his tenure at the IRS and as a clerk for a United States Tax Court judge in Washington, D.C.
In 1975, he established Williams, Selig & Sayre, focusing on tax and securities law. Recognizing the firm’s potential for expansion, he orchestrated a merger in 1980 with Maurice Mitchell, forming the now-thriving Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard. The merger transformed the firm into a comprehensive legal service provider. His thriving tax practice represented sellers of large corporations in several of the largest actions of their type to occur in Arkansas, and the firm became an early leader in hiring female partners, as well as marketers to strategically build practices.
Throughout his career, Williams distinguished himself as a visionary in law firm management, resulting in frequent speaking engagements across North America. He co-founded the American Bar Association Law Practice section, emphasizing critical aspects like finance, technology and marketing. Under his leadership, the section grew to 25,000 members and remains active today. He also was the only attorney from Arkansas to have lectured at the prestigious New York University Institute on Federal Taxation.
Williams’ contributions went beyond legal practice; he played pivotal roles in community organizations and political campaigns. His legal counsel to Sen. Dale Bumpers and Congressman Ray Thornton underscored his impact on Arkansas politics. And his commitment to community service earned him accolades, such as the W. Jay Jernigan Award for his extensive contributions to LifeQuest of Arkansas.
Williams officially retired in 2010, and has since reflected on his proudest achievements: “The thing I am most proud of is the creation of this law firm with Maurice Mitchell and John Selig. Building a big, successful law firm was always a dream of mine – not by myself, but to team up with other people and build a great law firm.”
Legacy Highlights
- University of Texas (J.D. and bachelor’s in journalism)
- Co-founded the American Bar Association Law Practice section
- Tax law expert, honed from working at IRS and for the U.S. Tax Court in Washington, D.C.
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