Pepper Cossar

Samantha is a member of the firm’s Tax Group and focuses her practice on estate and trust planning, international tax and trust planning, estate administration, and taxation law.

Ben serves as General Counsel representing the firm on a variety of issues, including ethics and risk management matters. Ben is also a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Group where he focuses his practice on director and officer defense, trade secret litigation, contract litigation, intellectual property litigation, administrative law, and aviation law.

John Giddens is the founding member of Giddens Law Firm, a personal injury law firm in Jackson, Mississippi. He established the firm in 1999, dedicated to those who cannot help themselves. Mr. Giddens is a victim’s rights advocate who chooses to represent the interests of individuals over corporations. His practice is devoted to helping Mississippians seek justice after an accident caused by negligence. Mr. Giddens has extensive experience in several areas of legal practice, including l...

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.

L. CARL HAGWOOD (Carl) was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1941. He received a B.A. from Millsaps College and his Juris Doctorate with distinction from the University of Mississippi in 1968. A member of Phi Alpha Delta and the Editorial Board of the Mississippi Law Journal, Mr. Hagwood served as a Law Clerk to Judge Claude F. Clayton, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, and also as the Bond Attorney for the State of Mississippi. He was selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in Ameri...

Kelly D. Simpkins is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. Kelly D., who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kelly D. 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...

Mike Hurst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Mike, who practices law in Flowood, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mike 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...

F. Hall Bailey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. F. Hall, who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which F. Hall is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.