I devote my professional life to trust and estate litigation, administration and planning.  I help beneficiaries assert their rights against trustees and executors, advise trustees and executors in the administration of trusts and estates, and counsel individuals throughout the process of planning estates.

After returning to Mississippi from Washington DC, I have enjoyed the view from the other side of the classroom by serving as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law for a number of years.

Education

Sewanee (B.A., Philosophy, cum laude, 1996).

University of Mississippi School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2002).

Georgetown University Law Center (LL.M., Tax Law, 2003).

Professional Affiliations & Honors

Since being admitted to the practice of law, I have had the pleasure of serving as a member of study groups organized by the Mississippi Secretary of State to study and consider changes to trust laws and laws governing nonprofit and charitable organizations.

From 2009 to 2010, I was a member of the Trust Laws Study Group which recommended the adoption, by the Mississippi legislature, of several chapters of the Uniform Trust Code, the Uniform Principal and Income Act, a statute recognizing asset protection trusts, a law permitting the use of dynasty trusts, and a statute providing for virtual representation in legal proceedings involving trusts, all of which were enacted by the Mississippi legislature.

From 2008 to 2009, I was a member of the Nonprofits and Charities Study Law Group which recommended changes to existing law governing nonprofits and charities.  The Group’s recommendations were enacted through amendments to the Mississippi Nonprofit Corporation Act and charitable solicitation laws and through adoption of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act.

I have served as President of the Tri-County Young Lawyers Association and currently serve as a Member of the Probate and Fiduciary Litigation Committee and the Charitable Organizations Committee of the American Bar Association and as a Member of the Executive Committee and the Legislative Affairs Subcommittee of the Mississippi Bar Association’s Section of Estates and Trusts.

Community Engagement

Treasurer and Member of the Board of Directors and Finance and Investment Committee of The Baddour Center, a residential community for adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities.

Past Member of the Board of Directors, the Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow (LOFT), a local community foundation focused on improving the quality of life in Lafayette County and Oxford.

Past Chair of the Board of Directors, the Lafayette County Literacy Council, a nonprofit focused on childhood and adult literacy.

Church Council and Adult Sunday School Teacher, Oxford University United Methodist Church.  Chair of the Education and Discipleship Committee, Past Chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, Member of the Church Council and the Nominations Committee.

Volunteer, Sewanee Annual Fund.

Personal

I outkicked my coverage when the former Elizabeth Bowden said “I do.”  We’ve been married ever since and are the proud parents of two children.  When not at the office or spending time with Elizabeth and our children, I enjoy swimming, cycling, reading on the subjects of philosophy and religion, and exploring new (and familiar) places.