Meet The Sanders

Ernest Sanders, Jr.

Former Circuit Judge and Co-Leader

Former Judge Ernest Sanders was born and raised in Crossett, AR by a single parent mother. After high school, he attended the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), where he was a 4-year letterman in Track and Field and the first African American graduate of UCA's Honors College in 1988.

In the fall of 1988, Ernest entered law school at the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville, Virginia and earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1991. He then returned home to Arkansas to start his legal career.

Before launching Ernest Sanders Law Firm, PLLC, Former Judge Sanders began his legal career with the Little Rock City Attorney's Office. His next stop was as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the Sixth Judicial District in Pulaski County. While at the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Ernest experienced another first: He became the first African American Division Chief for the 6th Judicial District when he was appointed Division Chief over the Youth Crimes Division.

In 2010, Former Judge Sanders left the parole Board to become Circuit Judge of 5th Division Circuit Court in Pulaski and Perry Counties, after receiving an appointment from Governor Mike Beebe. As a Circuit Judge, Ernest presided over jury and non-jury trials for both civil and criminal cases.

Since 2011, Former Judge Sanders has worked as the founding owner of Ernest Sanders Law Firm, PLLC, with a general practice of law. He also serves as City Attorney for Joiner, Arkansas and is an adjunct professor at the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law.

Former Judge Sanders has been married to Dr. Kim K. Sanders for 28 years, and they have two children: Trinity and Trey. Ernest serves at The House of Glory alongside Dr. Kim.