Andy Ballard
Circuit Court District 6.2 Division 14 Candidate
Candidate introduction at February 9th Indivisible Judicial Forum at UALR Bowen School of Law
Age: 39
Law School and Graduation Year: William H. Bowen, 2005
Occupation: Family Law Attorney
Previous Elected Office: N/A
Community Service: Feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, and caring for those with less means.
1. What experience, knowledge, and attributes of yours make you believe you will be a good judge?
14th Division is a Family Law court (70% domestic relations, 30% probate). See court administrative plan for 2020, 2021. I am a family law attorney, and the only one in this race. I write the book, “Arkansas Practice Series: Family Law and Practice”, which is published by Thompson Reuters. I am a certified attorney ad litem for children and incapacitated adults. I present numerous CLEs a year in family law and probate matters. I present attorney ad litem qualification training each year, except 2019 because of being a candidate for office, for the AOC. I have raised three daughters with my wife and law partner, Lisa C. Ballard.
2. What are the three most important areas where the administration of justice can be improved at the circuit court level, and how would you implement improvement?
First and most important: Electing judges with experience in the subject matter they will preside over. I am running as the only candidate with in depth experience in family law and I am voting. This is how we implement this improvement. If this is done, then faster dockets, better decisions and more stable families will follow. Bad, misguided and/or slow decisions harm children and families. The decisions in 14th Division can harm the parties and families psychologically, financially, spiritually and/or physically.
3. What changes if any can the court system
make to reduce the numbers of juvenile and criminal offenders?
The voters can elect candidates with experience, training and education in child and families related issues--from a legal, social and psychological perspective. If decisions are tailored for individual families and children that promote stable and safe environments for children, then we can reduce juvenile and criminal offenders. Every aspect of life and society begins in the home. Decisions made for children affect generations to come.
4. Do you believe in leveling the playing field between pro se parties (parties without lawyers) and parties represented by counsel, and if so, how would your court do this?
The playing field should always be level. Judges are to be impartial in all aspects. My court will always be impartial to all litigants (pro se or represented).
5. Do you believe that alternate dispute resolution (mediation and arbitration) should play a greater role in disputes that come to the circuit courts, and if so, how should that happen?
Family law courts already have the ability and authority to order mediation. This service should be utilized when appropriate. Also, alternative dispute resolution is more effective when ordered at the proper time.