Kayla Applegate

In 2015, I joined James, House, Downing & Lueken after being co-counsel in a civil litigation case with Pat James. I am a trial attorney and my practice focuses on business and commercial litigation, high-conflict divorce/custody litigation and personal injury. There is nothing I would rather do than help others navigate the complexities of the legal system. I have the pleasure of working alongside some of the most talented, hardworking and detail-oriented attorneys in Arkansas. We all work tirelessly to get the best results for our clients in every case.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

It’s been my passion to advocate for others and become an attorney for as long as I can recall. I think it began around age 10 when I read a John Grisham novel, which led to nonfiction books about trials.

Best career moment so far

July 27, 2017, hearing the judge read the jury’s $700,000 unanimous verdict in a slip and fall case that I first started on when I was a law clerk in 2010 and then took to trial as the lead attorney.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Creative problem solving. There is a misconception that lawyers lack originality, but often cases have intricate issues that require forming creative legal arguments. By that same token, I also had to develop unique ways for compromising and settling cases.

Biggest challenges in my career

My first jury trial as lead counsel. It was a big case that was all on me. My hard work paid off, but in the legal system, your effort doesn't always equal victory, and it's overcoming losses that's most challenging.

I wish someone told me at the start of my career

How much emotional fatigue I would experience. I have developed a healthy work-life balance, but it took time to get there. For those like me who are competitive and passionate, that can really be difficult to learn.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Sheridan

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

Best career moment so far

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Biggest challenges in my career

I wish someone told me at the start of my career

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Sheridan

First Thing I Do at the Office

Check and respond to emails

Hobbies

Gravel and road cycling

Binge Watch

"Parks and Recreation"

Last Good Read

"My Own Words" by Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Favorite Meal in Town

Pizza at Raduno followed by ice cream from Loblolly

Best Recent Local Discovery

Rattlesnake Ridge hiking trail

Latest Splurge

Gravel bike

Most-Used App

Email/Outlook

Dream Vacation

Bora Bora

SPONSORS