Lawyers of DistinctionRecognizing Excellence In The Practice of Law

Home / Browse by state / Mississippi

Mississippi Lawyers

16 distinguished attorneys practicing in Mississippi, each reviewed by the Lawyers of Distinction Selection Committee.

Find a Mississippi lawyer by practice area

Top cities in Mississippi

  • Hattiesburg (4)
  • Ashland (2)
  • Tupelo (2)
  • Winona (1)
  • Clarksdale (1)
  • Laurel (1)
  • Ridgeland (1)
  • Madison (1)
  • Jackson (1)
  • Gulfport (1)
  • Forest (1)

Mississippi attorney directory

Missy Wigginton

Missy Wigginton

Distinguished Lawyer

Personal Injury Law

2005 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38801

Hello friends and family, I am Missy Wigginton, also known as Mama Justice. When meeting me, some people ask me how I got my name. The answer: I have 2 sons. When they were little, we always had a yard full of kids. All my boys’ friends called me Mama Missy because I made sure they were all fed and had plenty of cool drinks on those hot, southern, summer days. Being a mama is one of the most rewarding and best jobs that God has ever blessed me with. I am also thankful that God put me in a position where He can use me to help others in very difficult times. I, too, have been in difficult times, the worst of which being when my 25-year-old son left this earth for his heavenly home. Through the trials and tribulations of my loss, God remained faithful. Losing my son taught me that all things that happen in life can be used for good. My job allows me to be Mama Missy not only to my beloved children and grandchildren but to everyone who needs justice. Hence the name, Mama Justice. Although I am familiar with many areas of law, I focus my practice on personal injury cases. I represent injured people in all types of wrecks, accidents and work-related issues. For many folks, a car crash or work-related accident has the potential to turn their lives upside down, leaving them unsure of which direction to turn. When this happens to you, my goal is to help you through your most difficult times and make sure that you are properly represented when dealing with insurance companies. I will take on the headache of dealing with insurance companies so you can focus on getting better. I oversee all cases and ensure that every client stays informed and is treated as a friend and family member here at Mama Justice. Our business model is just that—to treat all clients like family! If you have had a wreck or been in an accident, then you have come to the right place—we are here to help you. Call us at (833) 626-2587 today for a free consultation!

read more
Paul Manion Anderson

Paul Manion Anderson

Distinguished Lawyer

Personal Injury Law

140 Mayfair Rd suite 1500, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA

Area of Practice: Termite Litigation Manion Anderson is a partner at McHard Anderson, PLLC, where he concentrates his practice on complex civil litigation with a special focus on termite damage cases, catastrophic personal injury, property damage, insurance disputes, and high-stakes business and commercial litigation. He is recognized as one of the only attorneys in Mississippi known to have secured two seven-figure verdicts in termite damage trials, a rare distinction that highlights his exceptional expertise in this niche but critically important area of law. Beyond the courtroom, Manion has negotiated numerous seven-figure pre-trial settlements involving termite claims as well as multiple personal injury pre-trial settlements exceeding $1 million. His trial successes include a personal injury verdict surpassing $4 million and securing the highest known jury verdict against Allstate Insurance in Mississippi in the past decade, which exceeded $1.7 million. Additionally, Manion has a strong record of numerous defense jury verdicts in complex civil defense litigation. Manion is also honored to have received several professional awards recognizing his legal excellence, including placement among the Top 10 Trial Lawyers in Mississippi and recognition by peer-reviewed legal organizations for his skill and integrity. A proud graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, Manion earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics in just four years while actively participating in campus life. He held leadership roles in Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the Inter-Fraternity Council, and the Society of Physics Students. His commitment to Southern Miss continues to this day through his service on the USM Athletic Foundation Board, membership in the Alumni Association and the Circle of Champions, active alumna participation with Kappa Sigma, and enthusiastic support of Golden Eagle athletics. Manion is also a member of the Area Developmental Partnership, Pine Belt Young Professionals, and the Young Lawyers Division of the Mississippi Bar. Manion received his law degree from Louisiana State University, with a visiting year at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he gained practical experience clerking for several firms across the South and Midwest. Outside the courtroom, Manion is deeply invested in his community and church. He and his wife, Sarah, are long-time members of Heritage Church in Hattiesburg, where Manion has served in many capacities—including as legal counsel, finance committee member, and currently as a church council member. He is also an involved father of three and a passionate supporter of youth sports and the arts. Their daughter Abby dances with Dance South, plays volleyball with Infinity Volleyball Club, and is a member of the Oak Grove Middle School volleyball team. Jack plays soccer with HFC, and Lilly cheers with ACE Cheerleading. In his free time, Manion enjoys fishing, hiking, traveling, and catching a game—especially if it involves the Golden Eagles. Whether in the courtroom, in the community, or on the sidelines, Manion brings the same energy, focus, and commitment that has defined his career and family life.

read more

Personal Injury Law

162 E Amite St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA

Richard Schwartz is a life-long resident of Jackson, MS. He founded Richard Schwartz & Associates over 30 years ago and is a dedicated member of the community. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Millsap’s College and Juris Doctor Degree from the University Of Mississippi School of Law in 1978, where he was a member of Phi Delta Phi Honor Fraternity and an officer of the Moot Court Board. During his career, Richard was also a real estate broker and closing attorney for title and mortgage companies. Mr. Schwartz has served as Assistant City Prosecutor in Jackson, MS for 10 years and as the City Prosecutor for Ridgeland, MS for 2 years. Mr. Schwartz’s firm currently serves the needs of Mississippians by providing quality legal service in the personal injury field. Richard's specialty is helping people get what they deserve.

read more
Samuel S. McHard

Samuel S. McHard

Distinguished Lawyer

Personal Injury Law

140 Mayfair Rd suite 1500, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA

With over 45 years of experience, Sam McHard is widely recognized as one of Mississippi’s leading attorneys. Sam and his business partner, Manion Anderson, are the only attorneys in Mississippi known to have obtained two seven-figure verdicts in termite trials—a rare distinction that underscores his deep expertise and relentless advocacy in this specialized area. Outside of trials, Sam has secured numerous seven-figure pre-trial settlements in termite and property damage claims, as well as personal injury verdicts exceeding $4 million and multiple pre-trial settlements above $1 million. Sam’s broad litigation practice spans catastrophic personal injury, bad faith insurance claims, construction defect litigation, business and commercial disputes, trust and estate litigation, banking litigation, and partnership disagreements. He also has an impressive track record of securing numerous defense jury verdicts in complex civil defense matters, including the highest known jury verdict against Allstate Insurance in Mississippi over the past decade, exceeding $1.7 million. Sam’s legal career began in Illinois in 1976 and includes admission to practice before multiple courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate courts in Illinois, Mississippi, Iowa, Texas, and more. Since relocating to Mississippi in 2001, he has been a key figure in the growth of McHard Anderson and is a sought-after mediator, helping parties resolve disputes efficiently and fairly. Outside the courtroom, Sam leads an active and fulfilling life. He is passionate about fitness, horses, dogs, chickens, farming, lakes, fishing, hunting, and trucks—embracing the outdoors and rural lifestyle that grounds him. He owns and operates a working farm and a wedding and event venue, both of which reflect his deep ties to community and family. A proud father of three, Sam balances a demanding legal career with a commitment to family and local life. Whether advocating for clients, mediating complex disputes, or enjoying time on his farm, Sam brings decades of wisdom, determination, and care to all that he does.

read more

Choosing a lawyer in Mississippi

Every Lawyers of Distinction member in Mississippi is licensed to practice law and has passed a review of achievements, peer recognition and ethics. Start with the practice area that matches your legal issue, compare member profiles and reviews, then contact an attorney directly from their profile.

Browse other states