Achieving Star Attorney Robbi Riggs Shines Bright
By Maci England on Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Robbi Riggs
Job title: Deputy General Counsel at the Office of the Attorney General
Age: 29 | Higher Education: Lyon College, Hendrix College, University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law
Robbi Riggs has always aimed high. Until the 11th grade, she dreamed of becoming a doctor, but after a life-changing experience shadowing former circuit judge Rhonda Wood in Conway, Robbi became determined to go into law.
“[Justice Wood] showed me the legal field is broader than just the courtroom and that there are opportunities focused on reading and writing, which sounded perfect to an introvert like myself,” Robbi said.
Robbi went to college and then law school, passed the bar exam, and started her practice, but that still wasn’t enough for her. She had always enjoyed accounting and wanted to set herself apart, so she earned her master’s degree in accounting and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license along the way.
Now working as a counsel, Robbi protects the legal interests of the attorney general and his office. She oversees grants, negotiates vendor agreements, handles HR matters and more. Her favorite part of the job is when she gets to dig into fiscal questions involving the intersection of law and accounting. She also uses soft skills like communication in order to build meaningful relationships within the office.
“I didn’t expect the amount of non-legal work I do on a daily basis,” Robbi said. “I use my skills in communication, negotiation and relationship-building more often than any legal skills.”
Robbi’s advice to anyone who wants to follow in her footsteps is don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone because you never know where an opportunity will take you.
“Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path,” she said. “It was scary leaving the traditional private practice track, but it has been rewarding beyond imagination.”
