02 Jun 2024 Men of the Moment 2024: Eric N. Wilson

It hardly seems likely someone could just happen upon a legal career, but Eric N. Wilson, Associate Attorney at Shaw & Elenbaas, said his start in the legal field was largely a product of “happenstance.” That, and the late Frank Shaw. 

“Some 14 or 15 years ago, I was doing odd jobs around the office for Frank Shaw while I mulled over options on what to do after college. Over time, Frank discovered I had a strong aptitude for reading, writing, and analyzing often difficult situations. He wanted me to use those skills in a more focused way. So, he took me in as his paralegal,” Wilson said.

The more he worked, the more intrigued Wilson became with the legal profession. He accompanied Shaw to trials, discussed cases, and researched the law. For Wilson, his connection to law was not only the challenge or interest of it, but also that the work felt meaningful. Thoughts of graduate school soon turned to thoughts of law school.

Wilson sees his clients as more than just a case number. “I work in criminal defense, meaning a person only makes a meeting with me if they’ve been charged with a crime, or anticipates being charged with a crime,” he said. Wilson often talks to people after they’ve experienced the worst day of their life. “Learning more about a person, despite the reason they came to me, has always been satisfying,” he said. 

Wilson is a member of the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and values the support, collaboration and consultation of other professionals in the field. He expressed gratitude to Frank Shaw, Lauren Elenbaas and Diana Clements for being among the most significant influences of his career and credits many others who watched him “grow up in the job” since his early 20s. Wilson also credits his staff for their continued endurance and respect. He is most grateful to his grandparents for instilling in him a set of virtues that emphasize kindness, forgiveness and hard work.

Contact Attorney Eric Wilson at 501.329.5803, or at theshawfirm.com.