LITTLE ROCK — State Representative Dolly Henley has received the 2026 Consumer Advocate Award from the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA) in recognition of her leadership and commitment to protecting the rights of Arkansas consumers during the 2025 Arkansas General Assembly.
The award was presented at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock by Jim Jackson, a noted trial attorney who practices statewide and a 1985 graduate of Hope High School. A photograph accompanying this release shows Jackson presenting Representative Henley with the commemorative plaque at the Capitol.
The Consumer Advocate Award is given annually to elected officials and community leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding access to the civil justice system and preserving the rights of individuals and families across Arkansas.
Representative Henley was recognized for her stance on tort reform legislation considered during the 2025 legislative session. In particular, she voted against House Bill 1204, legislation that trial lawyers and consumer advocates argued would have restricted citizens’ legal rights while increasing leverage for insurance companies in civil cases.
“Representative Henley consistently demonstrated a willingness to carefully consider how legislation affects every day Arkansans,” Jackson said. “Her vote reflected an understanding that the civil justice system exists to protect people, not powerful interests.”
Jackson, who graduated from Hope High School in 1985, said it was especially meaningful to present the award on behalf of ATLA.
“I’m proud to be from Hope and to practice law across Arkansas,” Jackson said. “It’s important to recognize public officials who stand up for fairness and accountability in our legal system.”
The Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association represents attorneys throughout the state who advocate for individuals injured by negligence or wrongdoing and who work to promote public safety and consumer protection.
The 2026 Consumer Advocate Award highlights Representative Henley’s commitment to her constituents and her role in preserving access to justice for Arkansans statewide.