Exhibit 5.1
Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow PLLC |
| A PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY |
| 111 Center Street |
| Suite 1900 | (501) 379-1700 |
| | Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 | Telecopier |
| | | (501) 379-1701 |
May 17, 2006
Simmons First National Corporation
P. O. Box 7009
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8 for the Simmons First National Corporation Incentive and Non Qualified Stock Option Plan
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by Simmons First National Corporation (the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about May 17, 2006 (the "Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of 218,410 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Plan Shares"), issued under the Company's Incentive and Non Qualified Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the Plan Shares are validly issued, fully-paid and non-assessable.
The law covered by the opinions expressed herein is limited to the Federal securities laws of the United States of America and the laws of the State of Arkansas.
We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow PLLC
