Brian C. Smith

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

3.0 (1 reviews)

Little Rock, Arkansas

21+ years experience

Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Contact Information

501-370-3305

https://fridayfirm.com/attorneys/bsmith

400 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 2000, Little Rock, AR 72201-3493

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Bio

Brian C. Smith practices in the firm’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice Group. His practice includes experience in the design, implementation and administration of tax-qualified retirement plans including defined benefit pension plans, profit-sharing plans, 401(k) plans and ESOPs. He also works with nonqualified deferred compensation plans and health and welfare plans for financial institutions, regular business organizations, professional corporations and governmental and non-profit organizations. Brian assists plan sponsors and fiduciaries with regulatory compliance with ERISA, with state and federal tax issues and with local legislation affecting retirement and welfare plans. In addition, he acts as counsel to plan sponsors and fiduciaries with respect to ERISA controversies and litigation.

Local Legal Snapshot

Jurisdiction

Arkansas

State Capital

Little Rock

Highest Court

Arkansas Supreme Court

Bar Association

Arkansas Bar Association

Typical Consultation

$150-$300

Typical Hourly Range

$250-$450/hr

Fee Model Notes

Hourly or flat-fee billing is common.

Estimates vary by market, complexity, urgency, and attorney experience.

Practice Areas

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Little Rock (2023)
Recognized: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Practice Area: Real Estate Law

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2021

Education

University of Florida, LLM Taxation, graduated 2004
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, JD, graduated 2003
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, BS in Accounting, graduated 1998

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Reviews

Amanda Howard

3 months ago

Solid but Room for Improvement

Brian C. Smith provided thorough guidance on my ERISA-related query, leveraging his extensive experience in employee benefits and executive compensation. His deep knowledge of tax-qualified plans was evident, and his recommendations were well-researched. However, communication could have been more timely, as follow-up responses were occasionally delayed. While his expertise in real estate law added value, the overall experience felt slightly impersonal. I appreciated his recognition as Lawyer of the Year for Employee Benefits, but clearer expectations on billing and turnaround times would have been helpful. Competent, but not exceptional.