Rose Law Firm
| Company type | Private law firm |
|---|---|
| Industry | Legal services |
| Founded | November 1, 1820 in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States |
| Founder | Robert Crittenden, Chester Ashley |
| Headquarters | Little Rock , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Legal services |
| Website | www |
Rose Law Firm is a United States-based law firm with its main office located in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Established on November 1, 1820, by founders Robert Crittenden and Chester Ashley, it ranks as the third oldest legal practice in the United States and is the longest-standing firm west of the Mississippi River. Additionally, it holds the title of being Arkansas' oldest continuously operating business.
In 2018, the firm appointed its inaugural female managing member, signaling a shift in its leadership dynamics. The year 2020 marked the firm’s bicentennial anniversary, commemorating two centuries of continuous growth and enduring influence within its market.
Founding era – 1820–1865
The origins of Rose Law Firm date back to 1820 when Crittenden and Ashley formed a partnership; their original handwritten contract is still preserved in the firm's boardroom. Robert Crittenden, who served as territorial governor of Arkansas, was instrumental in securing Arkansas' statehood as the 25th state in 1836. Chester Ashley later represented Arkansas as a U.S. Senator. After dissolving his partnership with Crittenden due to political disagreements, Ashley joined forces with Watkins from 1837 to 1844. Watkins held positions as Arkansas Attorney General (1848–1851) and Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court (1853–1854) but primarily concentrated on private legal practice. Upon the death of his partner James Curran in 1854, Watkins stepped down from the judiciary to focus on managing his law firm.
Rose family era – 1865–1905
The Rose family became associated with the firm in 1865 when U. M. Rose entered into partnership with George Claiborne Watkins. By 1881, the firm operated under the name U.M. Rose and Geo. B. Rose, with George being Uriah’s son. The addition of W.E. Hemingway in 1893 led to the formation of Rose, Hemingway & Rose. The firm further expanded through a merger in 1905 with Cantrell and Loughborough.
Rose Law Firm has a notable tradition of political and civic engagement. U.M. Rose, a founding partner, co-established and served as president of the American Bar Association from 1901 to 1902, represented the United States at the Second Hague Peace Conference, and contributed to drafting the Hague Conventions. The firm’s roster includes six individuals who have served on the Arkansas Supreme Court—including three Chief Justices—and six who have presided over the Arkansas Bar Association. Its members have also held prominent positions such as Commissioner of the Uniform Commission on State Laws and President of the National Association of Bond Lawyers, highlighting its significant role within the legal profession.
Contemporary period – 1905 to present
By the late 1970s, Rose Law Firm had grown to nine partners and was known by an extended name: Rose, Nash, Williamson, Carroll, Clay, & Giroir. In 1980, it streamlined its name to simply Rose Law Firm. Frequently described as "Arkansas’ premier establishment law firm" and regarded as "the legal representative for influential clients," it counted among its clientele Tyson Foods, Wal-Mart, Stephens Inc., Worthen Bank, and media assets owned by the Hussman family. Hillary Rodham joined as the firm’s first female associate and later became partner during Bill Clinton’s tenure as Arkansas Attorney General and Governor. Partners such as Webster Hubbell, Vince Foster, and William H. Kennedy III subsequently served in high-ranking positions within the Clinton administration. Although the firm expanded fivefold between the early 1970s and early 1990s, it remained predominantly led by white males from privileged backgrounds, featuring few female partners and lacking Black partners.
During the 1990s Whitewater investigation, Rose Law Firm attracted national scrutiny when authorities examined Bill Clinton's professional activities at the firm related to Jim McDougal’s Madison Guaranty Savings & Loan and Castle Grande projects.
The firm's headquarters in Little Rock occupies a historic red brick structure originally built as a YMCA facility featuring hardwood floors and an indoor swimming pool; this is complemented by an adjacent modern building. In 2017, Rose broadened its international footprint by inaugurating a second office in Fayetteville following its acquisition of Henry Law Firm, which specializes in intellectual property matters.
Affiliations
Rose Law Firm represents Arkansas within two legal network alliances: State Capital Law Group and Lex Mundi.