Ernest B. Cate is City Attorney for the City of Springdale, Arkansas.

Education

He is a native of Springdale and a graduate of Springdale High School. He received his Bachelors of Arts degree, magna cum laude, in Political Science from the University of Arkansas in 1991, and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law in December of 1993.

Work Experience

He was an associate in the law firm of Ball & Mourton, Ltd., and also was a sole practitioner in Springdale before joining the Springdale City Attorney's Office in 1998. He was promoted to Senior Deputy City Attorney in January of 2007. In January 2011, Governor Mike Beebe appointed Ernest to the position of Springdale District Judge, where he served until December 31, 2012. He was appointed City Attorney beginning January 1, 2013, and was elected to a four year term beginning January 1, 2015. Ernest has gained significant experience in the areas of planning and zoning, and has been the lead attorney in two significant Arkansas Supreme Court cases involving planning law.

Teaching Experience

Ernest also teaches continuing legal education seminars on issues relating to eminent domain and the law of easements. In addition, he is a certified law enforcement instructor and provides instruction at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA).