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Congratulations to WLJ partner Stuart Jackson, who received the Arkansas SHRM 2024 Russell Gunter Legislative Advocacy Award at the 2024 Employment Law & Legislative Affairs (ELLA) Conference.
This award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing legislative initiatives and education that benefit the HR profession.
Stuart has spent his entire 30+-year legal career at Wright Lindsey Jennings, where he’s led the firm’s Labor & Employment team and currently serves as the firm’s strategic planning partner. He focuses on advising employers on compliance with civil rights laws, and developing personnel policies, employment agreements and covenants not to compete. Lately, he has focused extensively on defending businesses against various EEO claims, advising clients on day-to-day employment matters, and defending collective and class actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act.
When Arkansas legalized medical cannabis in 2016, Stuart did not hesitate to immerse himself in understanding the potential implications for employers and HR professionals. His rapid rise as an authority figure in this emerging area of law is a testament to his deep knowledge and commitment, which benefit the HR community, employers, fellow attorneys and the news media.
Stuart continues to keep employers updated regarding the ongoing evolution of medical cannabis law, including updates in 2022 on the proposed adult-use cannabis amendment and its potential interaction with the various medical marijuana rules that apply to Arkansas businesses. That initiative did not ultimately make it to the ballot.
Today, he assists employers with ongoing challenges associated with cannabis drug testing measures, safety-sensitive job designations, and numerous other policy and procedural concerns.
Wright Lindsey Jennings celebrates Stuart’s unwavering commitment and dedication to the HR community, and we are proud to see him recognized for his exceptional contributions.