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Firm History

Firm History

The attorneys of McMillan, McCorkle, Curry, LLP are part of a legacy of fine legal service that dates back to before the Civil War. Our deceased partner, Toney McMillan, represents the fourth generation of the McMillan family to practice law in Arkadelphia.”Colonel” Henry William  McMillan (1830-1910) was the first of the McMillan family to practice law in Arkadelphia.  After graduating from the University of North Carolina Law School, he left his native North Carolina and settled in Arkadelphia. Henry William McMillan began his law practice before the Civil War.  He practiced in all areas of the law, but was known as an adept criminal defense trial attorney.Henry William McMillan had three sons, all of whom became attorneys. The two eldest, Dougald McMillan (1868-1933) and John Henry (1871-1939) attended law school and returned to Arkadelphia to practice law together. Dougald and John Henry McMillan were known to be astute businessmen in addition to their practices as trial attorneys. The youngest brother, David William McMillan (1877-1962), served as the mayor of Hope, Arkansas, before he joined his family to practice law in Arkadelphia.

David McMillan’s son, H.W. “Bill” McMillan (1909-1985), studied law at the University of Texas School of Law.  In his last year of law school, he served as the Editor of the Law Review. When he came home for Christmas that year, he learned that his uncle Dougald had died. As a result, the family needed H.W. McMillan to join their law practice immediately.  H.W. McMillan chose not to return to school, took the bar exam and began his legal career. H.W. McMillan enjoyed a successful career as not only a trial attorney, but also as a civic leader. H.W. McMillan was instrumental in the founding of the Ross Foundation of Arkadelphia and the creation of Lake DeGray, both of which still have a major impact on the economy and quality of life of the area. The Arkansas Bar Association recognized him professionally by awarding H.W. McMillan with its “Outstanding Lawyer Award” in 1971.

H.W. McMillan’s son, Toney D. McMillan (1942-2009), was a member of the firm.  After several years as a Presbyterian minister, Toney D. McMillan returned to school to study law at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law in 1971.  He returned to Arkadelphia to practice law in 1974.  Upon his return, he joined his father, H.W. McMillan, and Otis Turner, who came to the firm in 1950.

Otis Turner (1927-2000), was a native of Arkadelphia and a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law.  During his long career, Otis Turner practiced solely as a trial attorney.  He received gubernatorial appointments to the Circuit Court of Clark County and to the Arkansas Supreme Court.  He was widely known for his exceptional skill as a litigator.  He was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and served on the Board of Bar Examiners and the Board of the Arkansas Bar Foundation.

Ed McCorkle (1944- ), a member of the firm since 1974, is a native of Arkadelphia and a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law.  He was admitted to the Arkansas Bar in 1968.  After practicing law in Bryant, Arkansas, he joined the firm in 1971.

Tom Curry (1957- ), a member of the firm since 1990, is a native of Arkadelphia and a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law.  He was admitted to the Arkansas Bar in 1982.   After serving on active duty in the United States Army as a JAGC officer, he joined the firm in 1987.  He retired from the United States Army Reserve with the rank of Colonel.

Philip McCorkle (1973 – ), a member of the firm since 2002 , is a native of Arkadelphia and a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law.  He was admitted to the Arkansas Bar in 2002.

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Office Location
  • Arkadelphia Office
    929 Main Street
    Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923
    Phone: 870-246-2468
    Fax: 870-246-3851