Getting to Know Donald K. Campbell...
I became a lawyer because... I have a picture in my office dated December 25, 1912, displaying my great-grandfather sitting as municipal judge in Monticello, Arkansas deciding whether to let someone out of jail on Christmas Day. My great-grandfather, grandfather, and granduncle practiced law together during that time. There has been at least one lawyer in my family actively practicing law in Arkansas since the late 1880's. I've followed this family tradition with the hope to be as respected by my clients and fellow lawyers as were each of those family members.
What I like most about the law is... That people who have done something wrong even those with money and/or power, can be brought before twelve average people and judged based upon their actions not their power, money or influence.
My most rewarding case... I helped a divorced women recover money from her home owner's insurance company when her estranged husband tried to burn her house down so she and their children would not have a place to live. She prosecuted the estranged husband for arson and the insurance company refused to pay to replace the children's clothing, their beds or furniture in their home. All she wanted was to be paid the money the insurance company had promised to pay if she had a loss of property due to a fire. This single mother had been so desperate to get clothes and beds for her children she considered settling for 50% of what she was entitled to receive from the insurance company. However, I was successful in getting her 100% of the money she was owed, and forced the insurance company to pay her a 12% penalty for their refusal to pay, as well as made them responsible for paying my attorney's fees.
My most disappointing case... I was involved in a case where a pregnant mother of three was taken by her husband to a hospital for an induced delivery. The woman died after 32-hours in labor and the doctors failed to deliver the viable fetus. The jury believed the insurance company's lawyer's argument that she was going to die anyway so the family was therefore not harmed. At the time, the fetus was not considered a person which would have allowed the father to file a claim for injury. Needless to say, I was devastated and ready to quit practicing law. The case was appealed and sent back for a new trial. The case eventually settled. I learned from that jury verdict to never give up hope for justice and to continue to fight to the last ounce of my being if the case is one that demands justice.
I joined The Brad Hendricks Law Firm... because it provided me with an opportunity to help more people and to continue to do it in an ethical and just manner.
My opponents describe me... as honest and a seeker of justice, but I don't lay awake at night worrying about what they think.
A job I would never choose to do... I could never be a CEO of an insurance company. Insurance companies pay bonuses to their employees based upon how much money they save the company by not paying full compensation to people with valid claims. I could not enjoy my work or life knowing I made more money when I ensured my employees did everything possible to limit payments to people injured through no fault of their own.
I admire... My grandfather...a true renaissance man. He was a pilot that flew both military and civilian planes from the 1930's thru 1940's. He was a veteran stationed both in India and at the Pentagon during WWII. He was the Senior Military Representative for the United States at the surrender of Singapore by the Japanese during the end of WWII. In 1948, he helped draft the Arkansas Probate Code which is still used today. He went on to win the Arkansas Bar Association Lawyer-Citizen Award in 1960. In addition to these roles, my grandfather was an amateur archeologist, an amateur photographer, as well as an amateur astronomer that owned the largest private telescope in the world during the 1940's. He was also an active member of the Presbyterian Church.
My favorite quote... "Ah, you who make iniquitous decrees, who write oppressive statutes, to turn aside the needy from justice and to robe the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be your spoil, and that you may make the orphans your prey!" Isaiah 10:1-4
Favorite sports team... All Arkansas Razorback sport teams.
Music... I like all music except opera.
A sound I love is... is the laughter of my children.
Something I hate... is the "skidding" sound of someone when a part of their body hits the basketball court while diving for a basektball. This sound makes me recall my personal experience skidding across the court and it makes my skin crawl every time I hear it.
Trivia... Insurance actuaries have admitted that insurance companies increase in premiums were a result of poor investment decisions, like investing in ERON and WorldCom and other similar companies, made by the executives of insurance companies than all of the tort claims filed against insurance companies.
I most treasure... my reputation for being honest, trustworthy to all. I value the great friendships I enjoy with many people here in town. Some which have lasted over forty years.
I enjoy... watching any Razorback sports team play, bicycling, basketball, football or soccer, visiting with friends, and eating too many salty foods.
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