Herschel Hugar Friday’s professional endeavors took him from serving as a major in the U.S. Air Force, to managing partner of Arkansas’ largest law firm and even a near presidential nomination to the Supreme Court.
It all started in Lockesburg, where Friday was born in 1922. And it was his late teenage years that profoundly shaped his life and career.
During the six years of World War II, Friday served as an Air Force pilot and B-29 instruments instructor and earned his bachelor of laws degree from University of Arkansas. While he went on to serve as a major in the Air Force Reserves – and learned a sense of discipline, leadership and duty – law was his true calling. He excelled academically in his youth and that served him well as he became a leading attorney in Arkansas and managing partner of Friday, Eldredge & Clark LLP, the state’s largest law firm, according to Arkansas Business research.
His legal practice was renowned for municipal finance, taxation, city and county ordinances and constitutional law issues. He made significant contributions in landmark cases, such as Rowe v. Housing Authority of Little Rock, Lawrence v. Jones and Hollis v. Erwin. Friday’s expertise extended to constitutional amendments, ballot titles, usury, choice of law and the Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific litigation.
Throughout his career, Friday held numerous prestigious positions, including president of the Arkansas Bar Association and member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates. He was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and received multiple awards, such as the Arkansas Bar Association Outstanding Lawyer Award in 1971 and Humanitarian of the Year by the National Conference for Community and Justice in 1995.
In 1971, Friday was almost nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by former President Richard Nixon. Despite his national recognition, Friday preferred to serve within Arkansas, showcasing his dedication to his home state.
He was heavily involved in civic activities, dedicating his time and resources to various organizations, including the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Arkansas March of Dimes. He was named 1989 Arkansan of the Year by Arkansas Easterseals and the 1981 Citizen of the Year by March of Dimes. His work in municipal bond financing contributed significantly to the development of public facilities, roads and services statewide.
Legacy Highlights
- University of Arkansas (Bachelors of Law), U.S. Air Force
- Served as managing partner of Arkansas’ largest law firm: Friday, Eldredge & Clark LLP
- Significant contributions in landmark cases, such as Rowe v. Housing Authority of Little Rock, Lawrence v. Jones and Hollis v. Erwin
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