Kristin Riggan | Kevin Archer | William Ables | Jennifer Desjardin | Casey Riggan
Kristin Riggan, Attorney at Law
I started my interest in domestic law at the William H. Bowen School of Law, Litigation clinic. I worked with other law students and the Clinic Attorney, Beth Levi, and the Arkansas Center for Legal Services for domestic matters. This rooted my desire to help the less fortunate, and provide an affordable avenue to the law.
Next, I clerked for the ACLU. During this endeavor I was exposed to the process of bill writing, issue advocacy, and learned the importance of how precise the language of a legislative bill must be. The ACLU’s political issues aside, the experience was invaluable and I don’t know of any other clerkship that could have granted me such up close, in person access to the Legislative bill writing experience as well as the lobbying/advocacy process. I have since met several state representatives and know how to adequately work as a conduit between citizen’s and legislative bill writers.
Immediately after becoming licensed, I worked for two general practice firms, one in Little Rock and one in Hot Spring County. I have a background in criminal justice, psychology, marketing, and counseling. In October 2014, I became a qualified Ad Litem attorney.
In April 2015, I became mediator certified for domestic and civil mediations.
Quirky fact: In a quest to find a food I do not enjoy, (I like all so far) my children and I have eaten insects.
2 truths and a lie:
- I’ve been to over 50 Hard Rock Cafés.
- I am a certified scuba diver.
- I once drove to Canada to eat at Wendy’s.
Kevin Archer, Attorney at Law
My interest in law started as one in theory as a student in Political Science to one in practice. Through volunteer work prior to law school, I saw firsthand where there was great demand yet absence of counsel for various legal issues.
While at the UALR Bowen School of Law, I worked with other law students in the Consumer Protection and Delta (Family Litigation) Clinic. Our work in the delta regions of Arkansas showed me some of the unique challenges in counties with fewer resources, and both the need and feasibility for more affordable access to legal services.
After receiving my license, I had the opportunity to work with Kristin Riggan as an intern in 2017. I was offered an associate attorney position in August of 2018.
Quirky fact: I was a dolphin attack survivor
2 truths and a lie:
- I’ve been to jail over a dozen times.
- I’ve had a staring contest with a Gibraltan monkey.
- I went bar hopping in Germany when I was 13.
William Ables, Attorney at Law
My love of the law began when I was a young child. I love litigating for my clients’ interests. It took me years to finally go to law school. I served in the US Army as a Russian Linguist for about eight years during the Cold War. When I left the Army, I was married and started college at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I became an engineer with an advanced degree. In 2011, I went back to law school.
I then tried to do Patent Law, but that did not allow me to be in the courtroom, my dream. This was in Arizona, and I missed my home state of Arkansas. I moved back to Arkansas in 2017 and started litigating on behalf of my clients.
My next path began in 2021, when I had to have my left leg amputated. I was looking for a place that would allow me to continue advocating for my clients. In 2023 I became an attorney with The Riggan Law Firm.
Quirky fact: My wife and our family lived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for work.
2 truths and a lie:
- I have been to all 50 states.
- I drove an 18-wheeler and had a Class A CDL.
- I have my pilots license for small planes.
Jennifer Desjardin
My interest in family law began after I went through my own divorce. I realized that the need for a compassionate and fully involved legal team makes all the difference, especially when you are going through an emotionally trying situation. My three daughters are my greatest driving force. Before I began my legal career, I was a stay-at-home mommy. It’s never too late and we are never too old to start over!
I am also a Process Server for The State of Arkansas, and am a certified Notary Public. I would love to get my license to become a Private Investigator as well.
Quirky fact: I actually enjoy Karaoke bars, and like singing karaoke. My most notorious karaoke moment was when I rapped California Love while wearing a mask and gloves during the Covid-19 outbreak.
2 truths and a lie:
- I have been a gestational surrogate.
- I was named after a character on tv show from the 70’s.
- I attended the Super Bowl in 2013.
Casey Riggan
I graduated Bauxite in 00 and went to Pulaski Tech for a degree in Drafting. Spent a few years working for the Pulaski County Assessor drawing their parcel maps and researching land deeds dating back to the 1800s. Next I worked for a firm drawing the guts of buildings. Started with HVAC systems, then fire suppression systems, and helped out with other disciplines when work was lite. A couple examples being multiple Baptist Health hospitals, Mercy hospitals, the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, and UAMS. Lastly I was with an architect and helped design shopping centers, dispensaries, clinics, apartment complexes, and remodels or tenant finish outs.
I recently made a career change to get closer to home. I felt like I spent too much time away from my family so that led me to join Riggan Law. My goal is to learn as much as I can about the law and the messed up system to help ease the client’s mind and make the process easier on them.
2 truths and a lie:
- I make an award winning BBQ sauce.
- I backpacked the Smokies from TN to NC.
- I was in a theater class lead by Jerry Van Dyke.