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Joseph M. Kraska

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Joseph M. Kraska

Partner
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Biography

Joseph M. Kraska is a partner in the Little Rock office who specializes in representing employers in labor and employment matters. Joseph’s primarily practice area is in labor and employment matters with a focus on traditional labor law. He represents clients in collective bargaining, RC petitions, unfair labor practice charges, labor arbitrations, OSHA compliance matters, federal and state employment discrimination matters, and provides general employment advice to clients.

Joseph served ten years on active duty in the United States Air Force before attending law school. Currently, Joseph is a Chief Master Sergeant in the Arkansas Air National Guard and serves as a senior advisor on the state’s Joint Force Headquarters Staff, where his primary duties include advising the state’s senior leadership on force development and force management initiatives for approximately two thousand assigned personnel in the state. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law. There, he served as President of the Student Veterans Organization and Executive Editor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review. He also earned his Bachelor of Arts with honors from the American Military University.

Credentials

Admitted

State Courts:

  • Arkansas
    • Supreme Court

U.S. District Courts:

  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas

U.S. Court of Appeal:

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

Education

  • J.D., University of Arkansas at Little Rock
  • B.A., with honors, American Military University

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Arkansas Bar Association

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Best Lawyers®, 2024-2025
    • Awarded in: Labor and Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment, Trusts and Estates
  • Arkanas Rising Star, Super Lawyers®, 2021-2022
  • Little Rock’s Best Lawyers, AY Magazine, 2020-2022

Presentations

  • Sowing Success: Complying with Dramatic New Labor Standards Affecting H-2A Employers
    HBS Webinar; May 24, 2024
  • An Afternoon in HR
    HBS Helping Businesses Succeed Series; September 21, 2023
  • Labor and Employment Law Update
    West Central AR SHRM; January 25, 2022 and July 26, 2022
  • OSHA COVID-19 Guidance
    Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce; April 7, 2021
More +
  • OSHA: Inspections & Investigations
    Employment Law Alliance Webinar; August 26, 2020
  • Transgender Status Protection Under Title VII
    Arkansas SHRM ELLA Conference; September 26–27, 2019

Publications

More +
  • Important Developments with the EEOC in 2017
    HR Professional Magazine, January 2018

In the Press

Hall Booth Smith Names Twelve Partners

Atlanta, GA (July 10, 2025) – Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS) is proud to announce the elevation of 12 attorneys to Partner in recognition of their outstanding legal work, unwavering dedication, and contributions to the firm’s continued growth. These promotions reflect HBS’s ongoing commitment to cultivating leadership from within and delivering exceptional service across a

HR Daily Advisor: Abtin Mehdizadegan & Joseph Kraska on Navigating the DOL Rule Struck Down by a Texas Court Under the FLSA

Abtin Mehdizadegan and Joseph Kraska guide employers in HR Daily Advisor on navigating the DOL rule struck down by a Texas court under the FLSA.

Federal Court Blocks Controversial New U.S. Department of Labor Rule Requiring Substantial Increases in Exempt Employees’ Salaries

On November 15, 2024, in a significant ruling that will impact employers across the nation, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas struck down the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) new rule that would have required employers to increase the salary-basis threshold under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In light of

HBS Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers Awards

HBS has been recognized for its outstanding legal work as 10 of its attorneys are selected to the 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

DOL’s Protection for Farmworkers Rule Temporarily Enjoined

Background and Overview On August 26, 2024, a federal court in Georgia issued a ruling enjoining the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regarding its implementation of the rule Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States (“Final Rule”). The case is styled as State of Kansas, et al., v. United States

33 HBS Attorneys Named to 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America

HBS is excited to announce that 33 lawyers have been included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Navigating the Changing Landscape of Labor Relations: An Update on Recent Developments for Employers

In a world where the only constant is change, the realm of labor relations and employment law is no exception. The landscape is continually reshaped by new regulations, technological advancements, and shifting societal norms. For employers navigating these turbulent waters, staying informed and agile is not just advantageous, it's essential. This article delves into three

34 Hall Booth Smith Lawyers Named to 2024 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America

Hall Booth Smith is pleased to announce that 34 lawyers have been included in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. The award recognizes associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.

NLRB Issues Its Long-Awaited Decision on Employer Handbook Rules: Why All Employers Should Take Note

Introduction On August 2, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) finally issued its long-awaited, watershed decision in Stericycle, Inc., 372 NLRB No. 113, which has nationwide impact on employers of all sizes and industries, whether unionized or not. Under the Board’s new standard, when employers seek to implement specific work rules or policies, the

HBS Little Rock Adds Associates Allison T. Scott and Joseph M. Kraska

Hall Booth Smith is proud to expand its Little Rock office with Associates Allison T. Scott and Joseph M. Kraska. Allison T. Scott Allison focuses her practice on business litigation, general liability, medical malpractice, and premises liability matters. Prior to joining HBS, she was an Associate with a local firm where she practiced in the