DUNCAN FIRM PROFILE
Meet Phillip J. Duncan
"It's not enough to simply win a case. I see firsthand how lives are changed forever due to poorly made products that cause serious, debilitating injury or even death. That’s why we go further by supporting new policies and laws in hopes of ending unsafe practices and eliminating defective products so that no one else has to suffer — the kind of change we can all live with."
Phillip J. Duncan
For more than 30 years, Arkansas native Phillip Duncan has worked tirelessly to help injured Arkansans and their families. Upon graduating from Arkansas State University and University of Arkansas-Fayetteville School of Law, he began his career as public defender in Little Rock. Later, he entered into private practice as a plaintiff trial lawyer. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as a fair but fierce trial attorney committed to being a champion for the rights of others.
The Duncan name has been part of many other law firms. But in 2006, he made the decision to launch his own. Today, Duncan Firm is defends the rights of people from all walks of life. Supported by a team of personal injury lawyers and experienced staff, Phillip Duncan who will seek the justice you deserve.
Compassion For People, A Passion For Justice
From the top floor of Three Financial Centre, the family-run Duncan Firm works with unequaled care to bring justice to those suffering from unexpected and tragic injuries or wrongful death through the fault of others. Phillip Duncan has handled cases and class action suits involving serious injury and death not only in Arkansas, but nationwide. For example, cases involving poor safety standards at railroad crossings. Cases dealing with badly designed 12- and 15-passenger vans and other vehicles that rolled over or crashed, resulting in serious injury and death. And he has helped people who suffered an injury or even paralysis in unsafe workplaces. Phillip Duncan approaches each case as if preparing for trial and regularly utilizes cutting-edge technology — a combination that has helped lead to multi-million dollar jury verdicts and settlements.
A true family firm
Married with three daughters, Phillip Duncan believes in the strength of family. The legal team at Duncan Firm is a reflection of that, made up of family members and loyal staff with many years of combined experience in law, business, and insurance. All are dedicated to helping clients and their families receive the attention and help they need. In short, we go the extra mile to look out for your best interests. Because Phillip Duncan's name is on the door, you can count on it.
Curriculum Vitae
Admitted:
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1984
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1981
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, 1987
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, 1976
- Arkansas Bar, 1974
Education
- Arkansas State University (B.S., 1971)
- University of Arkansas Law School (J.D., 1974)
- Advanced Course in Trial Advocacy, National College of Advocacy (Certified, 1993)
Memberships and Accolades
- Pulaski County and Arkansas Bar Associations
- American Bar Association
- Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association
- The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- Arkansas Bar Foundation
- Roscoe Pound Foundation
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Recognized as a Mid-South "Super Lawyer"
- Best of Their Brethren: Product Liability" (voted by Arkansas lawyers)
- Phi Alpha Delta
- Recognized as a featured "Summation" litigator
Representative Cases
Phillip was the lead lawyer in the following cases. They were filed, prepared, and tried by Phillip Duncan himself. The cases on this site are representative of the trial work of Phillip Duncan. Phillip worked each case from the investigation all the way through to trial or settlement. Each of these cases took years and involved the experience of a lawyer willing to go to trial to get just results for the client.
Morris, et al. v. Union Pacific Railroad Company, U.S.D.C.,
Western District of Arkansas, El Dorado Division, No. 00-1133 (jury verdict: $8 million)
Air Evac v. General Motors, Allison, and Dallas Air Motive v. Anderson, U.S.D.C., Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division, No. 98-5143 (jury verdict: $2.9 million)
Little John Trucks v. Palmer Gregory v. Shelton, U.S.D.C., Eastern District of Ark., Western Div., No. LR-C-97-0523 (settlement: $3.5 million)
Tappin v. ASPD, No. LR-C-91-627 U.S.D.C., Eastern District of Arkansas, (certified as Arkansas class action; confidential settlement)
Barnett, et al. v. General Motors, U.S.D.C., Western District of Tennessee, Western Division, No. 95-2215-TU, No. 95-2133-TU, and 96-2284-TU(consolidated litigation from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee; certified as a class in Arkansas; confidential settlement)
Baranowski v. General Motors, No. LR-C-96-922, U.S.D.C., Eastern District, Western Division (confidential settlement)
Walker v. General Motors Corp., No. LR-C-96-223 U.S.D.C., Eastern District, Western Division (confidential Settlement)
Clower v. Nissan, U.S.D.C., Northern District of Mississippi, No. 94CV-172-S-D, (confidential settlement)
Clay v. Southern Pacific Railway Co., U.S.D.C., Western District, El Dorado Division, No. 94-118 (confidential settlement)
Jamie S. Wilson and Danny Lee English v. Nelida E. Rodriguez and Radio Plano, Inc., District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, 141st Judicial District, No. 141-150213-93 (settlement: $666,506.50)
Baker, et al v. GM a/k/a/ Johnson, et al v. GM (55 named plaintiffs in consumer fraud case) U.S.D.C., Eastern District, Western Division, No. 89-238 (confidential settlement)
Page v. Suitt Const. Co., Inc. et al., U.S.D.C., Eastern District, Jonesboro Division, No. 84-295 (jury verdict: $4 million)
Dees v. Allied Fidelity Ins. Co., 655 F. Supp. 10 (1984) (jury verdict: $2.35 million)
Bryant v. Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Company, U.S.D.C., Eastern District, Pine Bluff Division, No. PB-C-83-165 (jury verdict: $900,000)
Sanders v. Arkansas Missouri Power Co., 267 Ark. 1009 (jury verdict: $1,099,000)
Gott v. Union Pacific Railroad Company, U.S.D.C., Eastern District of Arkansas, Jonesboro Division, No. JC-99-110 (confidential settlement)
Cobb v. General Motors Corp., U.S.D.C., Eastern District of Arkansas, Western Division, No. 00-CV-69 (confidential settlement)
Chance, et al. v. Western Arkansas Anesthesiology Associates, P.A., et al., U.S.D.C., Western District of Arkansas, Fort Smith Division, No.01-2275 (confidential settlement)
McElroy, et al. v. CSX Corporation, Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, No. 2000-C-376 (confidential settlement)
Watts, et al. v. Medcath of Arkansas, Inc., Circuit Court of Ashley County, Arkansas, No. 98-288-I (confidential settlement)
