Committees
The committees of the Bar are critical to the work of the Bar. They work on behalf of the Bar to provide a variety of services and programs to the membership and the public. Committees are both administrative and programmatic in nature. Some are standing committees set forth in the Bar’s bylaws and some are ad hoc Committees created by the Board of Commissioners. Generally, committee members are appointed by the President of the Bar.
Committees
Access to Justice Committee
The Access to Justice Committee shall promote the objectives of the Bar within the area of delivery of legal services and work closely with the Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission in its endeavors and activities, help build awareness among Bar members regarding the justice gap and implications for the profession, support opportunities to participate in access to justice initiatives, collaborate with the judiciary to improve the administration of justice, and lead innovative efforts to address gaps in legal services.
Chair
David Maron, Flowood
Bench-Bar Liaison Committee
The Bench-Bar Liaison Committee shall maintain and improve relations between the Bar and the state and federal judiciary in Mississippi; shall study and make recommendations regarding improvements in the judicial system; and shall perform such other functions as will improve the administration of justice.
Chair
Judge David McCarty, Jackson
Budget and Finance Committee
The Budget and Finance Committee is responsible for preparing and presenting an annual budget to the Board of Commissioners and is responsible for general oversight of the Bar’s finances.
Chair
Matthew Shoemaker, Hattiesburg
Clients’ Security Fund Committee
The Clients’ Security Fund Committee shall review claims and recommend disbursements in accordance with the rules of procedure of the fund.
Chair
Branan P. Southerland, Vicksburg
Collaborative Law Committee
The Collaborative Law Committee shall build awareness of the Collaborative Law Rules as adopted by the Mississippi Supreme Court and assist in implementing the practice of collaborative law throughout Mississippi.
Chair
Penny Lawson, Vicksburg
Diversity Committee
The Diversity Committee shall coordinate efforts to support the Bar’s goal of fostering diversity and inclusion among members of the Bar community.
Chair
Margaret Oertling Cupples, Jackson
Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee issues advisory ethics opinions as authorized by 73-3-143 (2) Miss. Code 1972 and in accordance with the provisions of Article 9-14 of The Mississippi Bar Bylaws.
Chair
Jennifer L. Boydston, Jackson
Fee Dispute Resolution Committee
The Fee Dispute Resolution Committee administers Bar’s fee arbitration program in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Resolution of Fee Dispute Committee as adopted by the Board of Commissioners.
Chair
F. Keith Ball, Madison
Health Insurance Benefit Study Committee
The Health Insurance Benefit Study Committee shall complete the review and analysis of health insurance benefits provided by other State Bars and recommend to the Board of Commissioners if health insurance is a viable and desirable option to add as a Bar member benefit.
Chair
Joyce Hall, Jackson
Law Practice Management & Technology Committee
The Law Practice Management and Technology Committee shall evaluate and develop information, resources, and best practices to assist attorneys and law firms of all sizes in managing their law practices from inception to closing; and shall serve as a resource to the Bar in the area of technology.
Chair
Jaklyn Wrigley, Ocean Springs
AI Tools for Lawyers - A Practical Guide (published July 1, 2025)
LJA Committee
The Lawyers and Judges Assistance Committee shall provide (1) assistance to members of the legal profession who suffer from chemical dependence or from physical, emotional, or mental disabilities that result from disease, disorder, trauma, or age, and which impairs or tends to impair their ability to practice law and their professional conduct; (2) education for the legal profession regarding impairment from chemical dependence or physical, emotional or mental disabilities, particularly as it affects professional conduct; and (3) protection to the public served by the Bar. The Lawyers and Judges Assistance Committee shall have all powers and duties as provided by the Supreme Court of Mississippi in the Rules of the Mississippi Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program.
Chair
Sean R. Guy, Ridgeland
Memorial Committee
The Memorial Committee conducts the annual Memorial Service held for deceased members of the Bar.
Chair
Bea Tolsdorf, Jackson
Mississippi Lawyer Editorial Review Committee
The Mississippi Lawyer Editorial Review Committee supervises the writing, editing and publishing of The Mississippi Lawyer magazine.
Chair
Charles A. Byrd, Ridgeland
Professionalism Committee
The Professionalism Committee is responsible for monitoring/studying developments in the area of professionalism and making recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. The Committee also makes recommendations to the Board regarding programs to improve client/attorney relations, the image of the profession and the quality of life of lawyers as they relate to professionalism.
Chair
John Rouse, Ridgeland
Professional Responsibility Committee
The Professional Responsibility Committee is responsible for reviewing complaints filed against members of the Bar and has the powers and duties provided by the Rules of Discipline mandated by the Supreme Court of Mississippi.
Chair
Bethany Tarpley, Cleveland
Public Information Committee
The Public Information Committee maintains and develops programs and resource materials for disseminating to the public concerning the law, the legal profession and our system of justice; shall oversee the Bar’s media relations strategy, and along with Bar staff, serves as the Bar’s liaison with the media covering the law, the legal profession and our system of justice
Chair
Malissa Wilson, Jackson
Resolutions Committee
The Resolutions Committee shall receive, approve, edit or disapprove all resolutions submitted for Bar action.
Chair
A. Kelly Sessoms III, Pascagoula
Summer School For Lawyers Program Committee
The Summer School For Lawyers Program Committee shall develop the Summer School for Lawyers Programs including selection of speakers, topics, and times. The Committee shall also make recommendations regarding the program and its administration.
Chair
Will Manuel, Jackson
Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee
The Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee investigates all claims concerning the unauthorized practice of law in Mississippi. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Bar Commissioners in regard to the unauthorized practice of law and has the authority, subject to Board ratification, to take whatever steps are needed to prevent the unauthorized practice of law in Mississippi.
Chair
Christopher Morris, Ridgeland
