New Judge Named by Ark. Workers’ Comp Commission

The Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission (AWCC) recently announced it named Frank Arey, a one-time special appointee to the state’s Court of Appeals, as its newest Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The AWCC, administrator of the state’s workers’ compensation laws, serves as the referee if misunderstandings arise between employees claiming job-related injuries and the insurance representatives of their employers.

The ALJs hold hearings to arbitrate between parties and then issue opinions to resolve disputes regarding the state workers’ compensation laws, rules, and other related matters.

Arey received his bachelor of arts in history in 1984 from Hendrix College, Conway, and his juris doctor in 1988 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law. He was an adjunct professor at the UALR School of Law, teaching in 1991, 1992, and 1995.

Since August 2000, he has been with the Department of Arkansas Heritage, managing three of the department’s agencies. He handled legislative and legal issues in addition to other duties.

Prior to Arkansas Heritage, he was chief counsel for the state Department of Human Services, managing the Office of Chief Counsel consisting of 150 attorneys, auditors, fraud investigators, hearing officers, and support staff.

He was an Arkansas Court of Appeals judge from May 1997, to December 1998, filling an interim vacancy when appointed by Gov. Mike Huckabee. He participated in more than 305 decisions at the state’s second highest court. He also has served in private practice.