
MEET JOHN PATTERSON
John Patterson, born and raised in Searcy, has been a personal injury lawyer for 44 years. He believes in honesty and hard work. John possesses very high ethical standards and believes that the right lawyer does make a difference when you are injured through the fault of another. Although each case is different, his skill and experience has enabled him to obtain millions of dollars in compensation for his clients. John has been married to Cara for 46 years. They have two daughters and two sons-in-law and six grandchildren.
Education
- Searcy High School, 1971
- Hendrix College , B.A., Economics, 1975
- University of Arkansas School of Law, Fayetteville, J.D., 1978
Member
Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, President 2006-2008, past Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Board of Governors; Arkansas Bar Association and the American Bar Association; American Association for Justice, Board of Governors 2012-2018, Aviation Law Section; White County Bar Association, Two Time Past President
Honors and Awards
Roxanne Wilson Advocacy Award and the Outstanding Member Award by the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, Hendrix College Sports Hall of Honor,
Boss of the Year, Keys to the City of Beebe, Two Time State Golf Champion and Magician.
Admitted
United States Supreme Court; Arkansas Supreme Court; United States District Court of Arkansas; United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

MEET CHERYL SUMMERHILL, PLS
Cheryl has been working as a legal secretary for 46 years, the last 35 of which have been in Searcy working with John Patterson. Her caring attitude and willingness to work until the job is done make her an asset to our firm and our clients. She possesses skills, dedication, and high professional and ethical standards.
Education
- Barton High School, Honor Graduate, 1974
- Phillips County Community College, 1975
- PLS (Professional Legal Secretary) Certification, 1993
Honors and Awards
2011-2012 President, AALS-the Association for Arkansas Legal Support Professionals
2012 Award of Excellence Recipient, NALS…the association for legal professionals
2013-2014 NALS LIC (Leadership Identification Committee) Member
2019 NALS Little Rock Education Conference Task Force Chair
AALS & White County Legal Support Professionals Award of Excellence Winner
NALS Continuing Legal Education Award
Best of the Best Secretary in The Daily Citizen’s Reader’s Choice Awards
Personal
Cheryl is a native of Phillips County and has been married to Wayne for 46 years. Their family consists of a daughter and son-in-law, son and daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren.