Ira Rushing

Clark C. Luke was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2011 and the Tennessee Bar in 2012 His primary areas of practice include estate planning and administration, taxation, corporate law, and domestic and family relations. During law school, Clark served as a member of the Moot Court Board. He has an LL.M. in Taxation and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Jennifer is a partner in Balch’s Jackson office and holds licenses in Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi. She is an experienced litigation attorney who practices primary in the areas of product liability, toxic and environmental torts, wrongful death, and negligence cases. For more than 18 years Jennifer has defended a myriad of product manufacturers and possesses specialized knowledge in silica litigation defense. Jennifer has defended thousands of silica claims across the Southeast for l...

Parker serves as the Practice Group Leader of the Firm’s Regulatory and Government Relations Practice Group. Parker’s practice includes representing a variety of state and local governmental bodies or private parties needing regulatory approvals and/or economic development incentives before such bodies. As a result, Parker has a breadth of experience and knowledge in navigating regulatory, administrative economic development and litigation matters for both public and private clients.

Jim F. Spencer, Jr., was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1987. His practice is primarily related to bankruptcy and creditors' rights, to commercial litigation and construction. Jim is a member of the Mississippi Bankruptcy Conference, the American Bankruptcy Institute and is listed among The Best Lawyers in America®.

Thomas E. Williams is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Thomas E., who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Bentley is a partner in the Jackson, Mississippi office, where he concentrates his practice on appellate and commercial litigation. In addition to his responsibilities at the firm, Michael was elected Chair of the Mississippi Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Section (2013-2014) and currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Bar Association of the Federal Fifth Circuit. Prior to joining the firm, Michael clerked for Judge Leslie H. Southwick at the Fifth Circuit Court...

Scott E. Andress is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Gaming Law. Scott E., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kelly Blackwood is a member of the firm’s Environmental Practice Group and the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. Her practice involves regulatory and litigation work with a wide range of experience in environmental permitting and enforcement matters. Kelly has a strong working relationship with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and works regularly with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Kelly has represented clients before Mississippi state courts, the Mis...

C. Stephen Stack, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. C. Stephen, who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which C. Stephen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Whit Rayner is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group and co-leader of the intellectual property team. He focuses on copyright and trademark registration and protection, software licensing, and intellectual property litigation and prosecution. Whit provides counsel and advice to notable large domestic and international clients, including outdoor lifestyle brands, technology companies, and financial institutions. He also represents clients in commercial litigation and contract disputes. Wh...