October 28, 2025

Three RMP Attorneys Named to Arkansas Money & Politics “Legal Elite”

Article Summary:

Lee Moore, Neal Pendergraft, and Joseph D. Reece named to Arkansas Money & Politics “Legal Elite”.

Legal Topics

EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ELIMINATES NON-COMPETE CLAUSES

On Tuesday, the Federal Trade Commission issued a new Rule putting an end to employment-related non-compete clauses. In its justification for the rule, the FTC called non-compete clauses “an unfair method of competition” and stated it is a “violation for [employers] to… enter into non-compete clauses (“non-competes”) with workers.” In today’s very competitive labor market, the new FTC Rule creates a significant disruption for employers.

WHEN IS THE FTC ELIMINATION OF NON-COMPETE CLAUSES SET TO TAKE EFFECT?

This new FTC provision—set to take effect in 120 days—renders existing non-compete agreements unenforceable. Existing non-compete agreements with senior executives will remain enforceable, although employers cannot require newly hired senior executives to sign such an agreement.

WHAT REQUIREMENTS HAS THE FTC IMPOSED ON EMPLOYERS BY ELIMINATING NON-COMPETE CLAUSES?

After the Rule takes effect, employers are required to deliver personal notice to employees (past and present) who signed a non-compete agreement informing them agreements are no longer enforceable. In the notice, employers must inform employees they are free to accept any job or start any business, even if it is directly competitive with the employer.

IS THE FTC’S ELIMINATION OF THE NON-COMPETE CLAUSES OPTIONAL FOR EMPLOYERS?

Compliance with the FTC Rule is not optional. Employers should consider new ways they can protect against a former employee gaining a competitive advantage by using the employer- provided training, the relationships made possible by the employer, or the confidential information learned from the employer. RMP can assist you in navigating this disruption and can provide advice on how to most effectively protect your vital business interests going forward.

RMP: Your Employment Law Attorneys

RMP Attorneys At Law has an experienced Employment Law Attorney team dedicated to helping you navigate these changes. If you have any questions or would like guidance, reach out to one of our employment attorneys, Tim Hutchinson, Seth Haines, Larry McCredy, or Taylor Baltz or call  479.443.2705.

RMP Law is proud to announce that Joe Reece, Lee Moore, and Neal Pendergraft have been recognized by Arkansas Money & Politics as members of the 2025 “Legal Elite.”

The AMP Legal Elite honors approximately 50 of Arkansas’s top attorneys who demonstrate exceptional skill, professionalism, and commitment to their clients. Each attorney is chosen by Arkansas Money & Politics readers or nominated by the publication itself for their outstanding work and reputation within the legal community.

This recognition highlights Joe, Lee, and Neal’s dedication to excellence and the trust they’ve earned from clients and colleagues alike. RMP Law congratulates them on this well-deserved honor.Read the full list of honorees at Arkansas Money & Politics: 2025 Legal Elite.

Lee Moore - Managing Partner

Lee Moore is a founding member and managing partner at RMP Law. With a focus on estate planning and tax law, Moore has become one of the most respected attorneys in the field. He has been recognized for his achievements by numerous organizations, including being named Lawyer of the Year in trust and estate in  Fayetteville in 2011, 2017 and 2019 and receiving the Outstanding Professional Advisor award at National Philanthropy Day in 2013. Moore’s expertise has led him to serve as program co-chairman for the Arkansas Federal Tax Institute. He is also a member of the real property, probate and trust law section of the American Bar Association, as well as a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Neal Pendergraft - Of Counsel

As a founding member of RMP, Neal Pendergraft has been an integral part of the firm’s success. He has used his extensive experience in taxation, estate planning and business law to provide advisory services to the firm. In addition to his legal work, Pendergraft is deeply involved in the community through his philanthropic and business pursuits. He serves on the boards of several organizations in northwest Arkansas, where he is highly regarded for his commitment to improving the quality of life for the people who live and work in the area.

Joseph D. Reece - Managing Partner

Estate Planning Lawyer in Arkansas, RMP Law

According to Joseph D. Reece, the most rewarding part of his work in law is helping clients solve problems and achieve their goals through complex estate planning strategies. Reece is a native of northwest Arkansas and has more than 22 years of experience practicing law. He is a founding member of RMP Law. He earned an accounting degree from University of the Ozarks in Clarksville before obtaining his law degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and a Master of Laws degree in estate planning and taxation from the University of Miami. His areas of focus include representing businesses and families in northwest Arkansas in estate planning, tax planning and business matters. He has been recognized for his outstanding legal expertise by the The Best Lawyers in America publication and Mid-South Super Lawyers magazine. He is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and Washington County Bar Association.

RMP Law is proud to announce that Joe Reece, Lee Moore, and Neal Pendergraft have been recognized by Arkansas Money & Politics as members of the 2025 “Legal Elite.”

The AMP Legal Elite honors approximately 50 of Arkansas’s top attorneys who demonstrate exceptional skill, professionalism, and commitment to their clients. Each attorney is chosen by Arkansas Money & Politics readers or nominated by the publication itself for their outstanding work and reputation within the legal community.

This recognition highlights Joe, Lee, and Neal’s dedication to excellence and the trust they’ve earned from clients and colleagues alike. RMP Law congratulates them on this well-deserved honor.Read the full list of honorees at Arkansas Money & Politics: 2025 Legal Elite.

Lee Moore - Managing Partner

Lee Moore is a founding member and managing partner at RMP Law. With a focus on estate planning and tax law, Moore has become one of the most respected attorneys in the field. He has been recognized for his achievements by numerous organizations, including being named Lawyer of the Year in trust and estate in  Fayetteville in 2011, 2017 and 2019 and receiving the Outstanding Professional Advisor award at National Philanthropy Day in 2013. Moore’s expertise has led him to serve as program co-chairman for the Arkansas Federal Tax Institute. He is also a member of the real property, probate and trust law section of the American Bar Association, as well as a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Neal Pendergraft - Of Counsel

As a founding member of RMP, Neal Pendergraft has been an integral part of the firm’s success. He has used his extensive experience in taxation, estate planning and business law to provide advisory services to the firm. In addition to his legal work, Pendergraft is deeply involved in the community through his philanthropic and business pursuits. He serves on the boards of several organizations in northwest Arkansas, where he is highly regarded for his commitment to improving the quality of life for the people who live and work in the area.

Joseph D. Reece - Managing Partner

Estate Planning Lawyer in Arkansas, RMP Law

According to Joseph D. Reece, the most rewarding part of his work in law is helping clients solve problems and achieve their goals through complex estate planning strategies. Reece is a native of northwest Arkansas and has more than 22 years of experience practicing law. He is a founding member of RMP Law. He earned an accounting degree from University of the Ozarks in Clarksville before obtaining his law degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and a Master of Laws degree in estate planning and taxation from the University of Miami. His areas of focus include representing businesses and families in northwest Arkansas in estate planning, tax planning and business matters. He has been recognized for his outstanding legal expertise by the The Best Lawyers in America publication and Mid-South Super Lawyers magazine. He is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and Washington County Bar Association.

Who Is RMP Law?

Thorough & Caring

RMP specializes in tackling complex legal problems with compassion and understanding.

Award-Winning

Nationally recognized and awarded for our work on complex estate planning and litigation.

Proven History

RMP has a history of proven results in significant matters across many areas of the law

Let Arkansas-Based Lawyers Help 

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JOHNSON
5519 Hackett Street, Suite 300
Springdale, AR 72762

BENTONVILLE
809 SW A Street, Suite 105
Bentonville, AR 72712

JONESBORO
710 Windover Road, Suite B
Jonesboro, AR 72401

LITTLE ROCK
17901 Chenal Parkway, Suite 200
Little Rock, AR 72223

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