Date of Election to Current Position: 2014
Education:
B.A., Journalism, University of Arkansas, 1982;
J.D., University of Arkansas, 1985.
Law-Related Employment:
Law Clerk to Associate Justice David Newbern, Arkansas Supreme Court, 1985;
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, 15th Judicial Circuit, Conway County;
Mediator, Arkansas Mediation/Arbitration;
City Attorney, Morrilton, 1990-2012.
Law Practice or Teaching Areas:
Admitted to bar, Arkansas and federal courts, 1985;
Partner, Gordon, Caruth & Virden, PLC, Morrilton, Arkansas.
Prior Judicial Experience: Conway County District Judge, 2012-2014.
Publications:
“Significant Tort Decisions/Arkansas,” ATLA Docket;
Contributing Writer, Arkansas Lawyer, 1985, 1987.
Associations:
President, Morrilton Chamber of Commerce;
Board Chair, Petit Jean Technical College (UACCM);
President, Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, 1995-1996;
Member, Conway County Bar Association (House Delegate);
Member, American Bar Association;
Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
Personal:
Married to Janna Jennings Virden for 31 years; three children: Jessica, Bryant, and Elijah.