70 years after its founding, Magnolia Bar is still needed
Established in 1955, the Magnolia Bar Association (MBA) currently has more than 100 members. Members include lawyers in private practice, state and federal judges, and state and federal government lawyers.
On its website, the MBA states: “We are an association of attorneys who believe that we are the change we want to see in the world and we are committed to making our state a better place for all Mississippians. … we remain an organization of service, seeking justice.”
MBA’s current president is attorney Rafael Green. He said: “The Magnolia Bar Association was born from exclusion, but we have always been a force for inclusion, equal justice, and equity. We stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way, continuing their fight while lifting our members and serving the communities that depend on us. This is MagBar. This is Family.”
Among MBA members are “legacy lawyers” – a term often used to describe a family having two or more generations of lawyers. Patricia Wise and her daughter Crystal Wise Martin are triple legacy lawyers. First, both are lawyers. Second, in 1988, Patricia Wise was elected MBA’s first female president. Her daughter was elected MBA president in 2003. Third, Patricia Wise retired as a Hinds County Chancery Court Judge. Her daughter currently serves in this judicial position.
During an exclusive interview this week, Judge Patricia Wise said: “African American legal professionals are more necessary today given the current climate. … Lawyers have a moral obligation to volunteer services to the community. The MBA does this through numerous activities.”
During its 70th year of service, among the MBA activities and events are the Judicial Symposium, Tougaloo Summit, Mock Trial, Law Camp, Annual Turkey Drive, and Annual Restoration Day to help beautify local neighborhoods. It also offers continuing legal education (CLE) courses.
Among these is a CLE course being offered December 19th wherein judges will help lawyers better understand the appellate process. Speakers at this event include U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves, Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrook, and Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Winston Kidd.
For additional information on the MBA, please visit: https://themagnoliabar.org/
