Garland entered the practice of law in 1974.

• Education: University of Arkansas at Monticello Majoring in Accounting (B.B.A., 1968); University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law (J.D., 1974). Prior to entering the practice of law, Garland was an accountant practicing with an emphasis on securities regulation and regulatory compliance.
• Background: Recipient, Outstanding CLE Program Planner Award, Arkansas Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1986-1987. Chief Counsel, Arkansas Securities Department, 1974-1976. Former Arbitrator, National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and New York Stock Exchange.

Garland is also the 46th person in the world to be certified by the 50 States Marathon Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of health and fitness, as having run a marathon (26.2 miles) in each of the 50 states in the United States.