Vance Lawyers

Charles M. Merkel, III was born and raised in Clarksdale, MS. He attended the University of Mississippi for his undergraduate and law degrees, graduating with honors both times. While at Ole’ Miss as an undergraduate, he was awarded the Taylor Medal for English; this is the University’s highest academic honor, awarded to less than 1% of the student body. Upon graduation, he received the coveted position as a judicial law clerk for US District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Jackson Division.

Edward (Ted) P. Connell, Jr., is a partner with the law firm of Merkel & Cocke, P.A. Mr. Connell received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mississippi in 1994, graduating cum laude. This was followed by receipt of his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1997. While attending the University of Mississippi School of Law, Mr. Connell authored “Mississippi Casinos and the Detention of a Patron: What are the Parameters of a Casino’s Powers in Detaining a Patron and the Subsequent Liability Which Can Follow?” which was published in the National Gaming Law...

I was born in Crosby, North Dakota. Prior to the study of law, I served in the United States Coast Guard from 1990-1995. I was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2002 following my graduation from the University of Mississippi School of Law. I am a member of the Coahoma County Bar Association, the Mississippi Bar and the Mississippi Association for Justice.

A nationally recognized trial attorney with offices in Cleveland and Madison, Mississippi, Attorney Arthur Calderón proudly serves clients throughout all of Mississippi. With years of experience serving both companies and individuals, he is dedicated to using his knowledge and skill to fight for the rights and best interests of all of his clients. As the founder of Calderón Law, Attorney Calderón focuses his practice on representing people who have suffered catastrophic injuries (including victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination), employees injured on the job, and persons charged with felony crimes. Using his broad legal knowledge to develop comprehensive legal...

LOUIS H. WATSON, JR. Louis’ firm, Watson & Norris, PLLC, maintains a statewide federal court practice. Louis is a member of NELA and serves as a mediator. Louis was Editor-In-Chief of the Mississippi Law Journal and authored “Enforceability of Covenants Not to Compete in Mississippi,” 64 Miss. L.J. 703 (1995).

Michael "Mike" Carr focuses his practice on state and federal criminal defense, personal injury, and civil rights.

Mike is a very experienced trial attorney, having litigated more than 50 jury trials in state and federal court as lead counsel, ranging from complex six figure civil personal injury cases to triple homicide capital murder defense. He is often hired as specialized counsel assisting lawyers in other states and has been admitted pro hac vice in Georgia and Tennessee on multiple occasions.

In addition to this practice, Michael is heavily involved in several professional organizations. He is an on-call attorney for the Police...

I have practiced law in Mississippi since January, 1977. My math background has helped me assist my client's with their financial problems in ways that those without a math background are unable to do. My bachelors degree was in mathematics and I received both my bachelors degree and my Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi. My primary focus is in the areas of Chapter 13, Chapter 7, Chapter 12 and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy along with Social Security Disability Claims. I am one of only three attorneys in Mississippi selected as a super lawyer by...

Born July 24, 1984 to the late Mr. Jesse Adams and Mrs. Viola Adams in Grenada, Ms. At the tender age of six, she knew that she wanted to be an attorney to make a difference in her community. She graduated with honors from the Grenada High School in 2002 and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Being a talented musician and avid learner, she continued her studies at the University of Memphis. At the University of Memphis, her honors entailed Dean's List, National Dean's List, Whoâs Who Among American College Students and has been nominated as a Candidate...

Flip Phillips is a founding partner of Smith, Phillips, Mitchell, Scott & Nowak, LLP. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law where he served as President of the Law School Student Body and Member of the Mississippi Law Journal. For over 40 years, Flip has represented plaintiffs and insurance policyholders nationwide. Flip’s landmark cases have helped abolish sovereign immunity and define the rules of automobile insurance in Mississippi. They have expanded the role of punitive and extra-contractual damages in insurance regulation and contract enforcement throughout the United States. Flip has served...

Todd Jeffreys was born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1974. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Mississippi where he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, degree in 1997. While at Ole Miss, Todd was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and the Golden Key National Honor Society.Upon obtaining his undergraduate degree, Todd attended law school at the University of Mississippi where he obtained is Juris Doctor, cum laude, degree in 2000. While at Ole Miss law school, Todd was a member of the Mississippi Law Journal, the Moot Court Board and was awarded...

John C. Cox was born and raised in Cleveland, Mississippi. He is a 1996 graduate of Delta State University and a 1999 graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is licensed before all state and federal courts in Mississippi, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. He is an "AV" rated lawyer by the Martindale-Hubbell, and has been listed in Super Lawyers magazine on multiple occasions. His areas of practice include all civil and criminal law, including family law, personal injury, and white collar criminal defense. ...

The Law Office of Marc Boutwell is one of Mississippi's top law firms. We take pride in our team of experienced attorneys who are committed to the success of our clients. Our trial attorneys have the litigation and experience to handle large class-action suits and the personal touch to handle local legal matters in Oxford, MS. The Law Office of Marc Boutwell prides itself on providing quality legal services to its clients. Our trial attorneys take ample time to understand our clients' needs and what outcome they want while educating them on legal issues.

Ed Williams earned his Juris Doctorate with honors, Cum Laude, in 2016 from Mississippi College School of Law. Ed completed his undergraduate work at Mississippi State University where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science.

While in law school, Ed was a member of the MC Law Moot Court Board, Law Student Bar Association, Phi Alpha Delta Honors Program, American Association for Justice, and the Mississippi Association for Justice. As a member of the 2016 ABA Arbitration moot court competition team, Ed won first place in the National Championship. He was also a finalist in the...

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Hiten H. Patel is the Founder and Managing Attorney of HP Attorneys, PLLC, a North Mississippi law firm that practices Criminal Defense, Business Law, Personal Injury, Collections and other General Civil Litigation. Hiten has over ten years of experience in criminal and civil litigation, including trial experience in Mississippi and Alabama. Hiten graduated from Auburn University with a degree in political science, and attended Mississippi College School of Law for law school.

I am attorney Missy Wigginton, and from my law office in Tupelo, Columbus, Jackson MS, Memphis TN and Florence AL. Mama Justice - MW Law Firm, I work hard to help those who suffered an injury or lost a loved one as the result of someone else's negligence obtain the justice they deserve. Serving the good people in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama, I have over 22 years of successful legal experience advocating on behalf of those who have been injured. A Mississippi native, I have a genuine concern for the matters that affect the members of my community, and I...

Attorney Victoria V. Washington is the founder and owner of The Washington Law Firm PLLC in Southaven, Mississippi. She serves clients throughout north Mississippi. Ms. Washington has invaluable insight into the criminal justice system and understands how a criminal accusation or personal injury can affect you. She experienced her brother's wrongful conviction in 2003 and a near-death car crash in 2016, which fuel her passion for her clients. Licensed to practice in the state of Mississippi since 2014, Ms. Washington has represented criminal defendants in juvenile, circuit, municipal and federal courts, securing many favorable settlements, case dismissals, and not-guilty...

I have 41 years legal experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants. This year I have had over $8,000,000 in legal settlements in just 4 cases. My top paralegal has been with me for 39 years and is considered by her peers to be the best in the area. I often start my workday at 4 am when it’s quiet and I can do my research and writing. I’ve been fortunate to represent not only individuals but several local, national and international companies as well as our State and 7 different Indian Tribes nationwide. I often work by...

Christopher E. Kittell practices law at the Kittell Law Firm in Hernando, Mississippi. He received his BBA in Computer Information Systems from Delta State University in 1996 and his JD from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1999. Chris received the prestigious James O. Eastland Scholarship to attend law school and was a member of the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi while attending law school at Ole Miss. Chris is happily married to his wife Jennifer and is the proud father of three children. Chris practices primarily in the area of civil...

Robbie Hayes founded Hayes Law Firm, PLLC in January, 2014 after being a being a partner at Rozier Hayes, PLLC since 2009. Hayes Law Firm, PLLC handles cases involving criminal law and general civil litigation.

Kerry M. Bryson is a graduate of University of Mississippi School of Law. He was formerly a Network Engineer and Information Technology Systems Administrator for law firms and owned computer service companies. He leverages his broad legal training and technology skills to bring efficiency and savings to his clients. Mr. Bryson obtained a degree in philosophy from the University of Mississippi. He focused on the study of logical systems. He obtained his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer status through self-study. He has a passion for finding more efficient methods for accomplishing tasks, and he is skilled at comprehending complicated systems....

Anna is focused on providing high-quality general legal counsel in a variety of areas, including divorce, child custody, estate planning and probate, land issues, real estate closings, juvenile law, criminal law, elder law, family law, and business formation.

J. Kevin Rundlett was raised in Middle Tennessee and grew up in a Christian family. He graduated from Auburn University in 1995 and Mississippi College School of Law in 2001. He is married to Vicki Rundlett and they have three beautiful children. Lawyers at Rundlett Law Firm, PLLC have been helping Mississippi citizens with injury cases for over 20 years. We understand that helping clients with an injury case means more than just collecting an insurance check. Mr. Rundlett has been practicing law for 20 years. He has extensive litigation and trial experience. Rundlett Law Firm now focuses on helping injured...

Robert “Bobby” Montgomery grew up in Madison, Mississippi where he attended Madison Ridgeland Academy and was a member of First Baptist Church of Madison. He earned a degree in business administration and a doctorate in law from Mississippi College. He has been married to Heather Bridges Montgomery for over fourteen years and they have a daughter in kindergarten. Bobby’s experience in law includes Worker’s Compensation, Contracts, Wills and Estates, Timber Rights, and General Civil Litigation. Bobby furthered his knowledge of the legal system during his time as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigations. While focusing his efforts on...

Jefferson Gilder received his license to practice in Mississippi and Tennessee in 1990. Mr. Gilder is admitted to practice in all courts in Mississippi and Tennessee including U.S. District Courts for the Western District of Tennessee and the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi, the Fifth and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court. His practice areas include automobile accidents, premises liability, criminal, medical malpractice, civil rights, product liability and other areas of personal injury. Mr. Gilder sat for and passed both the Bar Examinations for Mississippi and Tennessee in the same week in 1990. Mr....

I am a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of the Blues. I am married with 3 children and my hobbies include oil painting, fly fishing, hiking and biking. For me, the practice of law is not just a noble profession; it is an opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone who has been wronged and to ensure that the courts and justice are available to everyone,.. .not just the wealthy and powerful

Ben is native of DeSoto County. He is a graduate of Southaven High School and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi with a concentration in Human Resource Management. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, Ben was accepted to the University of Mississippi School of Law. He spent a summer semester of law school at the University of Hawaii before graduating early. Ben is licensed to practice law in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas. He has been practicing since 2007. He opened The Murphy Law Firm in Hernando in 2012. Ben specializes...

Jamie W. Howell, Jr. is a shareholder at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman PLLC. He was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1988 and the Tennessee Bar in 1993 and currently practices in all state courts throughout Mississippi and Tennessee. Mr. Howell practices in personal injury law, criminal defense matters, Social Security Disability, and general civil law. He was an associate attorney with Gilder Law Firm for his first five years of practice before spending the next six years as a sole practitioner. Mr. Howell joined forces with Jefferson D. Gilder to form Gilder & Howell, P.A. in 2000. He is...

Hale has practiced law since 1986..He is known for his elder law practice. working with estate, trusts, probate and advising family regarding the issues of aging, as well as fiduciary and trust litigation and complex business litigation. He also assists small businesses in transactions and problem solving. Hale is licensed in Mississippi and Tennessee.

Dalton Middleton practices primarily in the area of bankruptcy.

He is also experienced in family law (child custody and support), and wills and estates (wills, trust, life estates, power of attorney, guardianships, conservatorships, and end of life directives).

Heather D. Blansett grew up in Chickasaw County, Mississippi. She received a J.D. degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2015, and she was sworn in to practice law as a member of the Mississippi Bar in November of 2015. She enjoys practicing law in a variety of areas.

Lucius Edwards Attorney at Law has been providing quality law services since 1974. When you choose us, you have over 45 years of experience by your side. Our lawyer has been practicing law since he graduated from the George Washington University and is a results-oriented attorney who will aggressively fight for your rights. Visit us, and get a FREE initial consultation.

After graduating from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2006, Matt joined the law firm of Tannehill & Carmean, PLLC in Oxford. Matt's area of practice includes all matters relating to real estate, wills and estates, debt collection, and family law.

In November of 2013, Matt was voted one of Super Lawyer's Rising Stars of the Mid South.

While in law school, Matt clerked for two years with Hughes & Hitt, P.A., assisting with real estate loan closings. Matt also clerked with The Scruggs Law Firm, assisting with case research and drafting memorandums for mass tort litigation. In his last...

Taylor's practice covers most every area of law; however, a large portion of his work involves advising business across a range of industries on all manner of transactions and representing them in complex commercial litigation, often involving multi-million dollar disputes. In addition to his commercial practice, Taylor also routinely represents clients with respect to all manner of personal injuries and defends clients from felony and misdemeanor charges in federal and state courts.

Kevin is a leader in both his profession and community:
- In April 2019, Kevin was honored as one of Mississippi’s Top 50 Under 40 by the Mississippi Business Journal;
- In 2017-2018, Kevin served as President of the Lafayette County Bar Association, overseeing the interests of local attorneys;
- In November 2015, Kevin was elected to serve as Lafayette County District 1 Supervisor;
- Kevin has been voted “Oxford’s Favorite Attorney” by readers of The Local Voice newspaper for eleven consecutive years, beginning in 2009;
- Additionally, Kevin has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Mississippi in the practice...

Mr. Davis is admitted to practice before all Mississippi State and Federal Courts, as well as the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Davis is a member of The Mississippi Bar Association, American MENSA, Defense Research Institute, American Inns of Court, William C. Keady Chapter, and the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association. While in college, Mr. Davis was a member of Phi Delta Phi, and while in Law School served on the Editorial Board of the Mississippi Law Journal, as well as working with the public interest Housing Law Clinic; and served on...

Sam McHard has practiced law for 45 years. He is admitted to practice in the following jurisdictions: 1976, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois; 1983, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit; 1985, U.S. Supreme Court; 1999, Iowa; 2001, Mississippi, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Sam received his B.A. at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL and his Juris Doctor at Northwestern University. Sam is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and maintains membership with the following professional associations: Mississippi Bar Association; Iowa Bar Association; Illinois Bar Association; Mississippi Association for Justice; American Association for Justice; Texas Bar Association; and...