On Friday, June 6, 2025, Panel B of the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct cautioned Attorney Olivia Ann Sheppard for professional misconduct in a domestic relations case. The decision stemmed from a complaint filed by her former client, Laif Poulton, regarding her representation in a custody, visitation, and child support matter.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Olivia Ann Sheppard,” with case no. 2024-008.
In August 2022, Poulton hired Sheppard, paying her $3,000 to handle his case. Sheppard filed a complaint and attempted to serve the opposing party, but, after failing, obtained a court order on December 15, 2022, allowing service by warning order. However, she did not file the required proof of service. A hearing scheduled for April 12, 2023, was postponed after the opposing counsel filed a motion for continuance, citing Sheppard’s failure to comply with service rules. Sheppard did not respond to this motion or a subsequent motion to dismiss filed on August 10, 2023, by the opposing counsel, who again pointed to improper service.
Poulton reported minimal communication from Sheppard, stating she did not return his calls or texts. After no further action from Sheppard following the court’s December 2022 order, Poulton hired new counsel to continue his case. Sheppard did not refund the $3,000 fee.
The committee found Sheppard violated multiple Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct, including failing to provide competent representation, act with diligence, communicate with her client, protect her client’s interests upon termination, expedite litigation, and comply with court orders. As a result,
Sheppard was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to Poulton and $150 in costs to the Clerk of the Arkansas Supreme Court within 30 days of the order’s filing. The committee noted Sheppard’s lack of prior disciplinary history in its decision.
The Disposition states:
“WHEREFORE, it is the decision and order of the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct, acting through its authorized Panel B, that Olivia Ann Sheppard, Arkansas Bar Number 2016204, be, and hereby is Cautioned for her conduct in this matter. Sheppard shall pay restitution in the amount of (THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS) pursuant to Section 18.C of the Procedures.”
According to Avvo.com, Ms. Sheppard is a family attorney in Bentonville, Arkansas. She attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law, graduating in 2016. She acquired her law license in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
