James M. Moody

Professional Experience

The Honorable James M. “Jim” Moody, Sr. served as federal judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas for 18 years until his retirement in March 2014. During his tenure, Judge Moody presided over hundreds of jury and bench trials that covered the waterfront of civil disputes. He was recognized as one of “The Leading Judges in America” by The Lawdragon 500. In addition to a reputation for being a lawyer’s lawyer, Judge Moody is widely identified for civility to the bar and litigants throughout his career. To his credit, the Arkansas chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates awards “The James M. Moody Civility Award” annually to a member who displays professional courtesy and civility while maintaining excellence in advocacy.

Prior to being nominated to the bench by President Bill Clinton and appointed in 1995, Judge Moody was a partner at Wright Lindsey Jennings with a successful litigation practice that included professional malpractice, products liability and complex commercial and tort litigation.

Now as Of Counsel, Judge Moody conducts arbitrations.