Firm History

Robertson, Beasley, Shipley & Robinson, PLLC, (RBSR) is among the oldest law firms in the Arkansas-Oklahoma region, with a rich tradition of service to its clients and the legal community. The firm’s founder, Thomas Brady Pryor, was born on July 25, 1869, and began practicing law in Fort Smith in 1893. In 1908, he undertook representation of the Arkansas-Missouri Railroad, which became the firm’s flagship client during the era.

In the ensuing years, the law practice Mr. Pryor founded continued to grow and expand, through the efforts and talents of many succeeding partners. Now in its second century of existence, the law practice is known as Robertson, Beasley, Shipley & Robinson, PLLC. Its mission remains the same today as it was from the start: to provide its clients with sound legal advice and quality advocacy in an efficient and ethical manner.

RBSR represents individuals, small businesses, and large corporations on a wide variety of legal matters. In addition to providing civil advocacy in state and federal courts, the firm’s attorneys advise and counsel clients on contract, corporate, commercial, and tax matters.  They work closely with business clients on all types of labor and employment law issues. They also help individuals and business owners in estate planning and trust and probate administration, and provide assistance in family law matters, real estate, and bankruptcy.

Building and maintaining productive, long-term client relationships has been a hallmark of the firm. Several national insurers became clients of the firm during the 1920s, and have remained thus for a period of more than 90 years.  RBSR attorneys prepare and try cases encompassing all areas of insurance practice, including motor vehicle accidents, property, fire, and casualty claims, construction litigation, premises liability, insurance coverage disputes, excess coverage, bad faith, and products liability.

Fort Smith Office