The Mississippi Bar's Women in the Profession Section is proud to host the 33rd Annual Evelyn Gandy Lecture Series in Hattiesburg at the Lake Terrace Convention Center on February 20 & 21, 2026. The Evelyn Gandy Lecture Series is a premier CLE for lawyers in Mississippi. It is named for the late Lt. Gov. Evelyn Gandy, whose passion for public service and mentorship is embodied in the programming of this two-day event. This year's theme is Imagine. Ignite. Inspire. Six hours of CLE credit, including ethics, is available to attendees in addition to opportunities to socialize and network with others in our profession.
Agenda:
Thursday, February 19, 2026
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Networking Social
Friday, February 20, 2026
10:30 am – 12:00 pm Registration
11:00 am - 1:00pm Lunch
12:00 – 12:15 pm Welcome
12:15 – 1:15 pm The Gandy Hour - Unlock the Possibilities: Imagine. Ignite. Inspire.
Sponsored by Wise Carter
Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac, Jackson
1:15 – 1:30 pm Break
1:30 – 2:30 pm Breakout Sessions
"Call Her She's a Lawyer": Legal Basics Your Family Thinks You Know
Sponsored by Brunini
Lorraine Boykin, Flowood
Lisa Ross, Jackson
Kristen Wood Williams, West Point
Mastering Fact & Expert Examinations for Settlement Negotiations or Trial Strategy
Sponsored by Bradley
Sarah Butler, Brandon
Laura K. Cooper, Greenville
Jamie Lee, Mobile, AL
Leah Ledford, New York, NY
Inspiration Meets Impact: The Effect of Our Public Sector Work and Community Engagement
Frances Croft, Jackson
Tiffany Graves, Jackson
Shakita Taylor, Hattiesburg
2:30 – 2:45 pm Break
2:45 – 3:45 pm Breakout Sessions
Imagine Something New: Building a Career in a Non-Traditional Practice Area
Ray Gustavis, Jackson
Torri Martin, Jackson
Sarah Schnaithman, Amory
Ignite Growth: Strategies for Developing New Clients on Both Sides of the Practice
Sponsored by Carr Allison
Elizabeth Boone, Jackson
Mary Margaret Gay, Jackson
LaToya Jeter, Jackson
Grace Under Fire: Maintaining Ethics and Professionalism in Politically Charged Culture
(Ethics/Professionalism)
Sponsored by Lindsay Clemons & Associates, LLC
Ellen Robb, Jackson
Susan Winters, University
Representative Shanda Yates, Madison
4:00 - 5:30pm Networking Social at The Evelyn Gandy House
Sponsored by Balch & Bingham
6:00 pm Dinner and Silent Auction
Sponsored by Butler Snow
Saturday, February 21, 2026
8:00 – 8:30 am Breakfast
Sponsored by the University of Mississippi School of Law
8:30 – 9:30 am Judicial Mentorship Roundtable
Sponsored by Baker Donelson
Judge Tiffany Grove, Facilitator, Jackson
9:30 – 9:45 am Break
9:45 – 10:45 am State of the Union of Women in the Legal Profession in Mississippi
Sponsored by Katherine S. Kerby
Presiding Judge Virginia Carlton, Jackson
Gayla Carpenter-Sanders, Jackson
La'Verne Edney, Ridgeland
10:45 – 11:00 am Break
11:00 am – 12:00 pm The West Hour - Keep the Fire Burning: Navigating Life's Transitions Without
Sacrificing Your Legal Dreams
Janace Goree, Vaughan
Missye Scott, Jackson
Vangela Wade, Jackson
12:00 – 12:15 pm Closing Remarks
12:15 pm Lunch on your own and a chance to enjoy Hattiesburg.
Hotel Accommodations
There is a Room Block at the Doubletree by Hilton Hattiesburg with rooms at $135 a night. You can reserve your room using this LINK. The room block cutoff date is January 30, 2026.
There is an additional Room Block at the Hotel Indigo with rooms at $239 a night. You can reserve your room using this LINK. The Room block cutoff date is January 10, 2026.
Friday Night Dinner
The deadline to register and be included in the dinner is Monday, February 9 at Noon. After this deadline there will be a waitlist for dinner.
Pricing
Registration is $315 for WIP Section Members and $340 for non-section members on or before January 29, 2026.
Registration on or after January 30 is at the rate of $365 for WIP Section Members and $390 for non-section members.
To download a paper registration form please use this LINK.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
The Mississippi Bar will only accept written requests for refund of registration fee by mail to The Mississippi Bar, Attn: Casey Creasey, P.O. Box 2168, Jackson, MS 39225-2168 or by email to ccreasey@msbar.org. The date of cancellation is the date received in the office at The Mississippi Bar. There is a specific form that will be sent to you once notice is received to fill out in order to obtain a refund.
The following refund schedule has been established:
Cancellations received on or before January 29, 2026: Full refund, less $50 administrative charge.
Cancellations received January 30 to February 9, 2026: 50% refund, due to venue advance guarantee requirements.
Cancellations received February 10, 2026 and After: No refund.
*Statements and opinions expressed in this CLE are those of the presenter(s). The Bar does not endorse any views expressed therein.
