Jason B. Hendren is a Partner who has been protecting the legal rights of clients for over a quarter of a century.
Jason represents hospitals, physician groups, clinics, doctors, nurses, insurers, and other health care professionals in a wide range of complex medical malpractice litigation. He also defends clients in Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) claims, HIPAA matters, and other complicated health care related litigation. In addition, he has a specialty practice in representing dentists, hygienists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and other dental providers in the wide variety of claims they may face. He also counsels companies of all sizes on general liability, products liability disputes, and governmental relations, working closely with each client to align legal strategy with long-term business goals.
Born with two congenital heart defects, Jason has had numerous heart surgeries that saved his life and inspired him to dedicate his career to representing physicians, hospitals, and health care providers who tirelessly serve patients. His personal experience inspires his passion for medical malpractice defense, giving him empathy and first-hand knowledge of the stress and pressure providers face during every patient encounter.
Jason earned a Juris Doctor, with honors, from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, where his case note was published. Previously he earned a Bachelor of Arts, with honors, in English and Communications at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. During college he became a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.
Jason’s deep involvement in the legal community includes current service with the Arkansas Bar Association as an inaugural member of the Board of Trustees, a member of the Legislation Committee, and Chairman of the Membership Task Force. He is also a member of the Arkansas Supreme Court Historical Society. He recently completed his service on the DRI National Board of Directors as Southwest Regional Representative. He is a past President of the Arkansas Bar Foundation and the Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel as well as a past Chairman of the Arkansas History Commission where he currently serves as a commissioner. He has received two gubernatorial appointments to serve as a Special Associate Justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Recognition
•The Best Lawyers in America , Best Lawyers, 2025 - 2026
•Awarded in: Government Relations Practice, Litigation - Health Care, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
•Mid-South Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers, 2011-2025
•Charles L. Carpenter Memorial Award, Arkansas Bar Association, 2023
•AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
•Harriet Tubman Trailblazer Award, 2020
•Outstanding Defense Attorney Award, Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel, 2019
Presentations
•Legal Issues in Nursing, Perspectives from a Defense Attorney
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, November 2021
Publications
•Medical Malpractice Cases
The Litigation Psychology Podcast; January 30, 2023
•Spoliation of Evidence: Why This Evidentiary Concept Should Not Be Transformed into Separate Causes of Action
University of Arkansas Law Review, 2005
•Peremptory Challenges after Purkett v. Elem, 115 S. Ct. 1769 (1995): How to Judge a Book by Its Cover Without Violating Equal Protection
University of Arkansas Law Review, 1997
In the Press
HBS Attorneys Selected to the 2025 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
November 20, 2025
Hall Booth Smith congratulates its attorneys named to the 2025 Arkansas and Tennessee Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists for excellence across key practice areas.
