Whitney S. Payne brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to her role as a Law Clerk at Payne Law Firm. With plans to join the firm as an attorney in the fall of 2025, Whitney is already making a significant impact with her extensive experience in substance abuse counseling, education, and advocacy. A Licensed Certified Social Worker and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Whitney has devoted her career to helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of addiction and recovery.

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Before joining the firm, Whitney served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas School of Social Work, where she taught courses on topics like addiction, drug policy, and family dynamics. Her contributions extended beyond the classroom as she supervised field placements, developed impactful curricula, and presented on addiction and harm reduction at conferences across the country. Whitney’s role as an educator reflects her commitment to fostering understanding and creating meaningful change in how communities address substance use disorders.

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Whitney’s work with the Northwest Arkansas Community Correction Center as a Treatment Coordinator further solidified her reputation as a compassionate advocate. In this role, she supervised substance abuse program leaders, facilitated psycho-educational groups, and conducted assessments to develop personalized treatment plans for individuals in need. Her hands-on experience in addiction treatment gives her a unique perspective that she now brings to her legal career, allowing her to approach cases with empathy, insight, and a deep understanding of the complexities clients face.