News

3rd ANNUAL BAILEY & OLIVER SPEECH COMPETITION

Bailey and Oliver Law Firm is sponsoring the 3^rd Annual Bailey and Oliver Law Firm Speech Competition for Bentonville High School students.  The students participating in this event are the top 15 finalists who had competed in a preliminary round.  The competition will be held at Bailey and Oliver Law office in Bentonville, AR. 

 Several topics were submitted by the students for consideration, but the final topic selected by the firm, is whether the government should hold an obligation to see further advances in alternative energy. 

 First place receives $300, second place receives $200, and third place receives $100.  Judges for the competition include Judge Mark Fryauf, Bentonville School Superintendent Michael Poore, Tracy Neal, Jim Laudell, Kimberly Garrett, Eugene Kelley, Martin Swope, Jon Woods, Bart Hester, and members of the firm.

PSA TESTING

PSA testing is a controversial test for determining prostate health. PSA testing works by detecting levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the patient’s blood. Prostate-specific antigen is a protein produced by the prostate used to liquefy semen (2). These levels are generally low but may be elevated when the patient has prostate inflammation, enlargement, or prostate cancer (1). Doctor recommendations vary, but most agree that patients should at least be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of PSA testing. At Bailey and Oliver Law Firm we agree.

It is important to remember that elevated PSA isn’t necessarily indicative of cancer, but it can be. The FDA has approved PSA testing along with a digital exam to detect cancer in men 50 and over (1). Medicare currently covers PSA testing. The benefit of PSA testing lies in its ability to detect prostate cancer before symptoms are present, which is especially important in fast-growing cancer which may spread to other areas of the body. Risk factors for prostate cancer such as age, race, and diet should be considered when deciding to have a PSA test.

PSA testing is also helpful in detecting the recurrence of prostate cancer. PSA levels are generally elevated well before other warning signs of cancer recurrence can be detected. This ideally allows for treatment of recurrent cancer before it spreads or grows significantly.

However, in one study 65%-75% of patients with elevated PSA were found NOT to have cancer (3). This means that patients need to weigh the potential benefit of early detection against the risks of unnecessary tests and cancer treatments due to elevated PSA. Risks of these tests and/or treatments include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bowel dysfunction and infection (1,2). These risks may be unnecessary because the majority of patients with elevated PSA do not have cancer, some prostate cancer is slow growing, and not all prostate cancer requires treatment (2).

Ultimately whether to get a PSA test is up to you and your doctor. The results of a PSA test should be discussed with your doctor to determine what it may signify, and what action to take, if any.

Sources
1. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/PSA
2. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-cancer/HQ01273
3. Smith DS, Humphrey PA, Catalona WJ. The early detection of prostate carcinoma with prostate specific antigen: The Washington University experience. Cancer 1997; 80(9):1853–1856.

2011 PREMIER TRIAL SKILLS CLE

Alan Lane's presentation on the 30 (b)(6) witness

Sach Oliver speaking on Ethics

Bailey Oliver Law Firm was honored to partner with the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association to host a Continuing Education Seminar on December 8, 2011 at the University of Arkansas Global Campus, Rogers, AR.The seminar was attended by some of the premier plaintiff lawyers in the state of Arkansas. The presentations covered a variety of topics. Sach

Oliver opened the meeting speaking on ethics. Bruce Mulkey’s presentation gave insights and suggestions into how to get the most out of deposing the defense expert. Alan Lane, of the Odom Law Firm spoke on the strategy of deposing the 30 (b)(6) witness early on in the discovery process and the reasons for doing so. Randy Hall, of the Law Offices of Gary Green gave one of the most informative presentations on fire code cases. Ross Downs, of Downs Law Firm gave detailed information and on what specific documentation is necessary to build an 18 wheeler case. Sach Oliver and Frank Bailey’s portions included cutting edge deposition preparation techniques that work to bring maximum results for our clients. Ryan Scott talked about the importance of being thorough and detailed in researching and preparing pleadings.

Bob Lambert providing the defense's perspective

Bob Lambert of Roy, Lambert, and Lovelace was kind enough to give the defense and the insurance companies’ perspective on negotiation, and trial strategy.

Judge Gordon Webb

Judge Gordon Webb gave an over view of Act 570 Public Safety Improvement Act Theft/Drug Provisions and the changes it will bring to the state of Arkansas.

On December 9, 2011 the second portion of the seminar was held at the law office of Bailey and Oliver in Bentonville, AR. The attorneys attending the workshop were able to work on the cases that they had prepared for this workshop. All of the cases were revised according to some tried and true rules with final presentations to a focus group to provide feedback. For many of the attorneys attending the workshop, this was their first exposure to a focus group.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON

Sach auctioning the television for charity!

On November 9, 2011, Sach Oliver of Bailey and Oliver Law Firm spoke at the Rogers/Lowell Chamber of Commerce Business-to-Business luncheon.

Sach spoke to the audience of approximately 60 people about building their own culture within their businesses. Sach used the book written by Tom Hsieh the CEO of Zappos, Inc. Delivering Happiness A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose, to give examples of ways to promote customer service and develop a company culture and have fun while working. Sach also talked of trusting people and let them take the lead and the importance of hiring people who are dedicated about their work but also know how to have fun while working.

Sach gave some examples of The Bailey and Oliver Law Firm’s culture. Sach gave the example of building a company library and offering incentives to employees who read the books. A list of favorite books from the Bailey and Oliver Library was shared with the Chamber audience. Sach also talked about the firm’s policy of calling clients and keeping them informed on the progress of their case and to see if there was anything in addition we could assist them with. Each client has their picture taken and become members of quite a large extended family.

During the September meeting, Sach spoke on the importance of safe playgrounds for children. Charity auctioneering is one of the ways that Sach gives back to the community, so on this day, Sach auctioned off a television with the proceeds going to the highest bidder’s charity of choice. Jim Brandon with Prudential Insurance was the highest bidder and he chose CASA of NWA as his charity to receive the proceeds of this auction. A cornerstone of the Bailey and Oliver Law Firm culture is to be active in our area and support a charity of choice.

Bailey and Oliver Law Firm has been the sponsor for the 2011 Business-to-Business luncheon for the Rogers/Lowell Chamber of Commerce.

CONGRATULATIONS TO FRANK BAILEY

Frank Bailey and the Bailey and Oliver Law Firm are very proud to be included in the Best Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report second edition of the 2011-2012 “Best Law Firms” publication. We are very excited to be a part of such a publication. The rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process, peer review form leading attorneys in similar fields, client, and lawyer evaluations. To be qualified for a ranking, a law firm must have at least one lawyer who is included in Best Lawyers as part of a peer review assessment.

Law firms must provide general demographic information, and background information on the attorneys and the law firm. Once all of the data is tabulated each firm is scored. 10,968 law firms were eligible and out of those 9,633 firms were selected for ranking in the publication.

Premiere Trial Skills CLE

The Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association and Bailey and Oliver Law Firm are hosting a Continuing Education Seminar on 12/8/11 and 12/9/11 focusing on Premier Trial Skills. This is the 5th year that Bailey and Oliver Law Firm has hosted this CLE program.

This year the speakers will include Bruce Mulkey, of Mulkey Attorneys Group who will speak on deposing the defense expert. Alan Lane, of the Odom Law Firm will discuss the 30 (b) (6) witness. Randy Hall, of the Law Offices of Gary Green will cover the new fire code with Fire Cases 101. Ross Downs, of Downs Law Firm will teach how to build an 18-Wheeler Case for Trial. Bob Lambert, of Roy, Lambert & Lovelace will present the Defense Perspective. Frank Bailey, Sach Oliver and Ryan Scott of Bailey and Oliver Law Firm will discuss various techniques and proven methods for the successful prosecution of cases.

On Thursday 12/8/11 the seminar will be held at the University of Arkansas Global Campus,
Pinnacle Center One, 3300 Market Street, Suite 402, Rogers, AR 72758

On Friday 12/9/11 the seminar will continue at the Bailey and Oliver Office in Bentonville, AR for in-depth hands-on workshop concentrating on case review. This portion of the CLE is open to the first 18 attorneys to register and who have also registered for the seminar on 12/8/11.

Please go to the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association website to register.

2011 – 3rd Annual Closing Argument Competition

November 4, 2011, Bentonville, Ark. – Bailey and Oliver Law Firm hosted the 3rd Annual Closing Argument Competition on October 15, 2011, for University of Arkansas law school students.

The goal of the competition is to encourage advocacy and reward those law students for advancing their advocacy skills. The top 32 students from the intraschool competition are eligible to participate.

Bryan Fisher of Springfield, MO was the winner of the competition. Bryan is a 2nd year law student at the University of Arkansas. Bryan had this to say about participating in the competition. “The Bailey and Oliver Closing Argument Competition was a great experience. The opportunity to have practicing attorneys, who are regularly litigating in court, listen to you speak and offer advice and comments in invaluable. Thanks to Bailey and Oliver and the participating attorneys for donating an entire morning helping us hone our skills and for the generous awards.” Suzanne Rogers of Houston, TX was the second place winner. Suzanne is a 2nd year law school student. Suzanne had this to say about her participation. “This was a great experience for everyone involved. The best way for law students to gain a practical trial skill set if from trial attorneys. Their willingness to donate their time is invaluable and it helps us to remember that we should never stop improving.” Chris Bryant of Searcy, AR was the third place winner and is also a 2nd year law school student.

Bruce Mulkey of Mulkey Attorneys Group was one of the judges for the competition. He commented “it was impressive competition and the winners were each outstanding. Arkansas has some excellent courtroom advocates on the way.”

Sach Oliver graduated from the University of Arkansas Law School in May 2006. As a law student Sach won the coveted “Best Oral Advocate” award in the National Trial Competition sponsored by the American College of Trial Lawyers. His affinity for oral advocacy prompted him pair with the University of Arkansas Board Of Advocates to create the Closing Argument Competition.

“Being a graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law I am proud to be one of the hosts of the Closing Argument Competition for the 3rd year in a row. The Bailey and Oliver Law Firm strongly believes it is important for us to encourage local law students and their education in the practice of law.” – Sach Oliver

Hughes Family Tragedy – Lawsuit Filed

 Our firm, Bailey & Oliver Law Firm, represents the Hughes family in this lawsuit. This is truly a preventable and needless tragedy.  Please see the following article from KNWA

Cancer Challenge Live Auction

The Cancer Challenge’s 3 day sporting and social event took place June 23-25, 2011. This year $638,000 was raised through the golf and tennis tournaments, trap shoot, 10K/5K run and one mile walk and an “Evening of Magical Moments” Gala with Silent and Live Auction. The goal was $730,000 which is still attainable as there is still one more event, which will be held on August 29, 2011 which is the Poker Run. What is unique about the Cancer Challenge is the proceeds stay in Benton and Washington Counties. Since its start, over $8 million have been raised to assist cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas.

Sach Oliver with Bailey and Oliver Law Firm and his team conducted the Live Auction. A total of $36,900 was raised during this auction. The largest auction item sold was the 14-Day Stay in Tuscany, Italy, with Business Class Airfare, raising $16,000. The second largest auction item was a stay for 7-Nights in a Private Vacation Home in Maine. This sold for $5000. The third largest auction item was 2012 NCAA Final Four in New Orleans with a $250 Visa Gift Card. This raised $4000.

Sach Oliver’s Auction Team consisted of the following spotters: Chad Daniels of Chick Master, Inc., Drew Garland of Ashley Health and Rehabilitation, Ryan Scott of Bailey and Oliver Law Firm, Sara Scott of Ashley Health and Rehabilitation, and Tommy Zulpo of MHC Kenworth.

Tina Waggoner, Executive Director of the Cancer Challenge thanked Sach Oliver by saying “Thank you so much for being auctioneer extraordinaire of the Cancer Challenge Gala and Auction. You rocked it and helped us to raise an additional $40,000 for local cancer patients.”

Rodeo of The Ozarks

Bailey and Oliver Law Firm is committed to being involved in the community in a variety of ways and this just one example.  This year we have teamed up with Rodeo of the Ozarks and the Heroes for Horses Program and are honored to have sponsored the Team Roping Event at this year’s Rodeo.  $250 was donated every time a team came in at 7 seconds or less.  The proceeds will go towards the Heroes for Horses Program.  This program was created for our veterans in which horses assist with therapy and transitioning into civilian life.

“Success!”  “This is the best word to describe the newest program benefiting area Veterans.  Heroes and Horses of the Ozarks is collaboration between the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks, the Rodeo of the Ozarks and Bailey & Oliver Law Firm.  I am very excited to pilot this program September 2011.    Community support is growing which means the program will grow as well.  The improvement in daily life skills for Veterans who are in the program will be testimony to how effective horses are in therapy.  Thanks again to the Board of Directors of Rodeo of the Ozarks and Bailey & Oliver for the initial support in getting Heroes and Horses of the Ozarks started in Northwest Arkansas.  Hang on for the ride; it’s going to be awesome.”

Steve Smith, Member of the Board of Directors of the Rodeo of the Ozarks stated “Heroes for Horses and Rodeo of the Ozarks is a perfect fit and we are happy to have a new sponsor in Bailey and Oliver Law Firm.  Heroes for Horses honor our heroes and our rodeo celebrates our freedom and they go together hand in hand and we are just thrilled to have them be a part of our rodeo and hope we can continue our relationship.”