---
title: "Philip Whiteaker | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/philip-whiteaker-6295"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Philip Whiteaker

Arkansas Court of Appeals · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Arkansas Court of Appeals
- State: Arkansas
- Role: Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Current role (until 2022): Judge, District 1, Position 2, Arkansas Court of Appeals
- Judge, Court of Appeals of Arkansas, 2013-present
- Phillip T. Whiteaker was a judge on the Arkansas Court of Appeals from 2012 until his retirement in 2022, serving a full eight-year term after initial election and re-election.
- Earlier career: held the role of a deputy prosecuting attorney (1993–1997) Law

### Education

- Southern Methodist University — J.D.

### Additional information

- Retired: December 31, 2022, after 10 years on the Court of Appeals Law.
- Elected: 2012 to fill a vacant seat; re-elected in 2014.
- Known for a thoughtful, merciful approach to justice, valuing the human stories behind legal issues.
- During his tenure, Whiteaker authored numerous published opinions, including cases involving the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
- His judicial record reflects a focus on both legal precision and compassion.
- His temperament, collegiality, and wit were widely appreciated by colleagues Law.
- Whiteaker was a member of the American Bar Association, Arkansas Bar Association, Pulaski County Bar Association, Lonoke County Bar Association, Judge Henry Woods American Inn of Court, and the Arkansas Judicial Council.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing platform

Scope: statewide

Arkansas Judiciary publishes electronic-hearing Zoom resources and court-user guides for remote proceedings.

Evidence excerpt: Zoom Guides for Court Users

[Arkansas Judiciary: Electronic Hearings With Zoom](https://arcourts.gov/arkansas-supreme-court-statement-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-and-courts/electronic-hearings-zoom)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### audio recording

Scope: statewide

Arkansas Judiciary publishes state-district-court digital audio recording guidance as an official court resource.

Evidence excerpt: AOC Provisional Guidelines for Digital Audio Recording in State District Courts

[Arkansas Judiciary: District Courts](https://arcourts.gov/courts/district-courts)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/6295/philip-whiteaker/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/6295/philip-whiteaker/)
- [Arkansas Court of Appeals current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/6295/philip-whiteaker/)
- [Arkansas Judiciary: Electronic Hearings With Zoom](https://arcourts.gov/arkansas-supreme-court-statement-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-and-courts/electronic-hearings-zoom)
- [Arkansas Judiciary: District Courts](https://arcourts.gov/courts/district-courts)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/6295/philip-whiteaker/)

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