Pine Bluff native and lawyer Jerry M. Hunter was recently honored with the Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service by the Eighth Circuit Bar Association.
The award honors individuals who have achieved professional excellence, demonstrated leadership in the legal community, contributed to the delivery of volunteer legal services to underserved communities, earned peer recognition and served as mentors to less experienced lawyers or students, according to a news release from Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr.
Since 2010, the Eighth Circuit Bar Association has presented this award to 10 individuals — one from each judicial district within the circuit — whose careers embody the professional excellence, leadership, mentorship and service exemplified by Arnold. Recipients are nominated by the chief judges of each district and recognized at the Eighth Circuit Judicial Conference.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Hunter earned a bachelor’s degree in history and government. Hunter obtained his Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in 1977. In 1987, he completed the Senior Executive Program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
From 1989 to 1993, Hunter was general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), nominated by President George H.W. Bush and confirmed by the United States Senate. In this capacity, he directed operations in 33 regional offices, supervised 1,800 employees, prosecuted unfair labor practice cases before the Board and represented the agency in federal courts, according to the release.
Currently, Hunter is senior counsel at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.
“Attorney Hunter’s journey from Pine Bluff to the national stage is an inspiring example of the excellence our community produces,” said Woods. “His achievements remind us that our roots do not limit our reach, and that dedication, skill and integrity can make a lasting impact far beyond where we begin.”