Mr. Duke joined Gill Ragon Owen, P.A. on January 2, 2015 as a shareholder and director of the Firm. Over the past 35 years, he has developed a balanced practice by providing counsel to individuals and business organizations while also undertaking litigation matters for a number of clients in various forums. Mr. Duke's experience is varied, and ranges from contract negotiation and drafting, negotiating and documenting commercial loans and acquisitions, to coordinating real estate matters for commercial and residential clients, including defense and prosecution of title insurance claims. Mr. Duke has, on a regular basis, represented the interest of investors, lenders, and secured creditors to realize upon collateral for payment of secured indebtedness, particularly during down-turns in the economy during his 35 year legal career. Mr. Duke has also successfully handled ERISA disability issues on behalf of corporate executives and physicians that were wrongly denied disability benefits and has also represented injured citizens in personal injury litigation. This blend of business representation and litigation experience has given Mr. Duke a unique perspective not commonly available in today’s legal environment and culture. Mr. Duke is a member of Arkansas Bar Association, Pulaski County Bar Association, Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, and the Debtor-Creditor Bar Association of Central Arkansas. He is admitted to practice before all Arkansas Courts, and all Federal Courts in Arkansas, including the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Duke is married to Sheffield Christian Duke, and they have two married daughters, Sheffield Duke Coulter and Riley Duke Connick.
Mr. Duke has received Martindale Hubbell’s highest rating designation of “AV: Preeminent for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability”, and has maintained that rating for at least 15 years.