Brunini Law

Brunini Law

Brunini Attorney James McCullough, II, Named Andrew Jackson Council, SA’s Eagle Class Honoree for Leadership and Service

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Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC chairman and managing partner James A. McCullough, II, has been named the 2025 Eagle Class Honoree by the Andrew Jackson Council, Scouting America, in recognition of his contributions to the organization.  

James, an Eagle Scout himself, earned scouting’s highest rank in 1983 and has provided decades of service to the organization, most recently as council president. As president, he guided the counsel through the successful merger of the Andrew Jackson Council and the Choctaw Area Council, creating the newly formed Mississippi Riverlands Council. The consolidation of the councils expanded resources for scouting programs across 28 Mississippi counties and will strengthen scouting programs, expand support for volunteers and families, and position the organization for long-term sustainability.  

In recognition of James’ “unwavering dedication and leadership” and his “lasting impact on scouting and beyond,” the Andrew Jackson Council designated the 2025 Eagle Scout class in his honor. James was recognized during the council’s Annual Eagle Scout Recognition Banquet held in March, 2026, as part of its longstanding tradition of honoring scouts who earned the rank of Eagle Scout the previous year. 

In addition to counsel president, James has held numerous leadership roles with the scouts over the years, including cubmaster, venture crew advisor, district chairman, executive vice president, and legal counsel of the Andrew Jackson Council. He continues his service to scouting as immediate past president and remains a member of both the board of directors and executive board of the Mississippi Riverlands Council. 

Additionally, James helped guide 256 local SA Scout Councils during the National SA Chapter 11 restructuring as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee of Local Councils. 

James serves as chairman and managing partner of Brunini and leads the firm’s Bankruptcy and Creditor’s Rights practice. He handles complex commercial disputes, including insurance claim and coverage litigation, commercial bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, healthcare litigation, privacy and information security, and energy litigation. James has long been recognized for his leadership within the legal profession and throughout Mississippi. 

Brunini, based in Jackson, is one of Mississippi’s largest and longest-established law firms. Founded over 130 years ago, the firm’s attorneys serve businesses and institutions across the Southeast in areas including commercial litigation, construction, economic development, public finance, labor and employment, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, energy and environmental law, public utilities and telecommunications regulation, real estate, trust and estate planning, and probate.  

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Brunini Leads Asset Sale of Veterinary Medical Supply Company, Facilitating Expansion into Mississippi

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Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC assisted with the asset sale of Stockman’s Supply, a veterinary medical supply company, to Heritage Vet Partners, a rapidly growing veterinary supply company specializing in mixed and large animal practices. The transaction marks Heritage Vet Partners’ expansion into Mississippi with the addition of its first location in the state. Brunini attorney Warren “Ken” Rogers partnered with attorney Mark Baker of Baker Law Firm in Brandon, Miss., to guide the transaction. 

This transaction reflects Brunini’s longstanding commitment to helping businesses establish and expand their presence in Mississippi, contributing to economic growth and investment across the state.  

Ken is a member of Brunini’s Mergers and Acquisitions practice and has extensive experience leading commercial transactions and providing guidance on corporate law and business formation across industries. He also advises on real property transactions, including commercial leasing and purchase and sale transactions, as well as public and industrial development bond financing and tax incentives. 

Brunini, based in Jackson, is one of Mississippi’s largest and longest-established law firms. Founded over 130 years ago, the firm’s attorneys serve businesses and institutions across the Southeast in areas including commercial litigation, construction, economic development, public finance, labor and employment, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, energy and environmental law, public utilities and telecommunications regulation, real estate, trust and estate planning, and probate.   

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Brunini Serves as Bond Counsel for $200M Natural Gas Storage Facility Project

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Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC served as bond counsel for the issuance and sale of $200,000,000 Mississippi Business Finance Corporation Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 2026 (Leaf River Energy Center LLC Capacity Expansion Project), with Warren “Ken” Rogers acting as lead counsel. 

The project will finance the construction of new natural gas storage facilities in Jasper and Smith counties, Mississippi, by Leaf River Energy Center LLC, a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, a diversified energy infrastructure and energy services company. 

Ken is a member of Brunini’s Economic and Project Development, Tax Incentives and Public Finance practice and is experienced in public and industrial development bond financing and tax incentives. He also handles commercial transactions and corporate law involving business planning and formation.   

Brunini represents public and private clients in economic and industrial development, advising on public financing and the strategic use of tax incentives to support complex projects. The firm’s experience spans incentive structuring and negotiation, bond financing, regulatory and real estate matters, and collaboration with state and local authorities to advance economic development initiatives.  

Brunini, based in Jackson, is one of Mississippi’s largest and longest-established law firms. Founded over 130 years ago, the firm’s attorneys serve businesses and institutions across the Southeast in areas including commercial litigation, construction, economic development, public finance, labor and employment, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, energy and environmental law, public utilities and telecommunications regulation, real estate, trust and estate planning, and probate.  

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Brunini Recognized in Chambers USA Guide 2026

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Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC, and 12 of its attorneys have earned recognition in the Chambers USA Guide 2026 published by Chambers and Partners.  

Brunini is noted for its “sophisticated attorneys with a breadth of experience in complex matters” and “excellent and professional personalized service.” 

The following practices and attorneys received recognition in Mississippi. 

Construction (Band 1) 

Corporate/Commercial (Band 2) 

Energy & Natural Resources (Band 1) 

Environment (Band 2) 

Labor & Employment 

Litigation: General Commercial (Band 2) 

Real Estate 

Chambers USA is a leading legal research and analytics guide that identifies and ranks top lawyers and law firms across the United States. Its rankings are based on independent research and in-depth analysis, including client feedback, and are widely regarded as a trusted resource for evaluating legal talent and client service.  

Brunini, based in Jackson, is one of Mississippi’s largest and longest-established law firms. Founded over 130 years ago, the firm comprises over 45 attorneys serving businesses and institutions across the Southeast in areas including commercial litigation, construction, economic development, public finance, labor and employment, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, energy and environmental law, public utilities and telecommunications regulation, real estate, trust and estate planning, and probate. 

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Brunini Serves as Bond Counsel in Connection with $40M Public Finance Project

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Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC served as bond counsel in connection with the issuance and sale of $40,000,000 Mississippi Development Bank Special Obligation Bonds, Series 2025 (Rankin County, Mississippi General Obligation Bond Project). William “Trey” Jones and Warren “Ken” Rogers led the team with Ken having primary responsibility for the bond work. The engagement builds on the firm’s longstanding relationship with Rankin County, led by William “Trey” Jones. 

The project will fund infrastructure improvements including the construction, reconstruction, and repair of roads, highways, and bridges within Rankin County. 

Ken is a member of Brunini’s Economic and Project Development, Tax Incentives and Public Finance practice and is experienced in public and industrial development bond financing and tax incentives. He also handles commercial transactions and corporate law involving business planning and formation.  

Brunini represents public and private clients in economic and industrial development, advising on public financing and the strategic use of tax incentives to support complex projects. The firm’s experience spans incentive structuring and negotiation, bond financing, regulatory and real estate matters, and collaboration with state and local authorities to advance economic development initiatives. 

Based in Jackson, Brunini is one of Mississippi’s longest-established law firms. Founded more than a century ago, the firm comprises over 45 attorneys focused on litigation, commercial, and regulatory law, serving businesses and institutions across the region. 

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Brunini Welcomes 2026 Summer Associates

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Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC welcomes four law students to the firm’s 2026 Summer Associates Program. 

Kayleigh Canoy joins the firm following the completion of her first year at Mississippi College School of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Mississippi College. 

Joining the program next month are law students Shawn Jackson, Allison Mayo, and Mary Grace Nelson. 

Shawn and Allison are returning for their second year as summer associates with Brunini, and both will begin their final year at Mississippi College School of Law in the fall. Shawn earned her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University. Allison earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University. Mary Grace will be entering her third year at Samford University Cumberland School of Law and earned her Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi State University. She previously served as an intern for the Honorable D. Sims Crawford and Magistrate Judge Staci G. Cornelius. 

Brunini’s Summer Associates Program provides law students with hands-on legal experience, mentorship, and exposure to the firm’s collaborative culture and deep community roots. Summer associates will work closely with Brunini attorneys on a range of matters within the firm’s Commercial, Litigation, and Regulatory departments.  

Brunini, based in Jackson, is one of Mississippi’s largest and longest-established law firms. Founded over 130 years ago, the firm’s attorneys serve businesses and institutions across the Southeast in areas including commercial litigation, construction, economic development, public finance, labor and employment, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, energy and environmental law, public utilities and telecommunications regulation, real estate, trust and estate planning, and probate. 

Brunini Attorney Hunter Ransom Elected to Capital Area Bar Association Board of Directors

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Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC associate Hunter C. Ransom has been elected to serve on the board of directors of the Capital Area Bar Association (CABA), which serves Hinds County and the metropolitan areas of Madison and Rankin counties in Mississippi.

CABA aims to uphold high standards of professional service and conduct, support the fair and efficient administration of justice, provide an open forum to address legal issues, preserve the adversary system of justice and trial by jury, foster collegiality among members, and maintain the highest respect of the community.

Hunter joined Brunini’s litigation department in 2023 after a clerkship for the Honorable Kristi H. Johnson in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

He has served in leadership roles for organizations including the Jackson Young Lawyers, Phoenix Club of Jackson, Ole Miss Young Alumni Council, Fifth Circuit Bar Association, and the Charles Clark American Inn of Court. He is a graduate of the Mississippi College School of Law and University of Mississippi.

Brunini, based in Jackson, is one of Mississippi’s longest-established law firms. Founded more than a century ago, the firm comprises over 45 attorneys focused on litigation, commercial, and regulatory law, serving businesses and institutions across the region.

Brunini Attorney Cody Bailey Named to 2026 Legal 500 for Commercial Disputes in the Southeast

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Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC attorney Cody C. Bailey has been recognized in the Legal 500’s inaugural Southeast Commercial Disputes Elite City rankings. Legal 500 determines its rankings through a comprehensive research process that includes client and peer feedback and market reputation.

A member at Brunini, Cody serves as outside general counsel to businesses across the construction, development, real estate, infrastructure, industrial, and financial sectors. He handles complex commercial and constitutional litigation, including defending putative class actions in federal court. His experience spans commercial disputes, shareholder matters involving closely held companies, financial and banking claims, Section 1983 and other constitutional claims, easement and takings issues, securities litigation, real property disputes, and wrongful death cases.

Brunini, based in Jackson, is one of Mississippi’s longest-established law firms. Founded more than a century ago, the firm has grown to comprise over 45 attorneys focused on litigation, commercial, and regulatory law, serving businesses and institutions across the region.

Brunini Adds Real Estate and Economic Development Counsel

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Adam Vaughan has joined Brunini as a member of the Real Estate, Corporate Law, and Economic and Project Development practice groups within the firm’s commercial department, bringing extensive experience in complex real estate transactions, affordable housing development, and finance.

Adam partners with developers, business owners, and government entities to help move projects from concept to completion, structuring transactions, navigating regulatory requirements, and identifying practical solutions that align with clients’ strategic and financial objectives. He helps clients anticipate potential challenges, mitigate exposure, keep complex developments on track, and execute initiatives that generate long-term economic impact while meeting operational and compliance demands.

“We are delighted to welcome Adam to the firm,” said managing partner James McCullough. “Adam has played a key role in the development of transformative community projects across the Southeast. His experience further elevates our ability to meet clients’ increasing real estate and economic development needs.”

As one of Mississippi’s longest-established law firms, Brunini serves business clients in the areas of commercial, litigation, and regulatory law. The firm’s commercial department counsels clients in matters of general corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, public and industrial development financing and tax incentives, securities regulation, financial services and banking, real estate transactions, insurance regulation, syndication, estate planning, antitrust, and corporate and personal taxation.

DEI Update: U.S. Supreme Court says “reverse” discrimination claims do not require more of majority plaintiffs

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By Hunter Ransom

Recent industry studies show U.S. employers increasingly worried about litigation over their diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) policies. Some of those concerns include suits from employees alleging “reverse” discrimination (i.e., claims of employment discrimination by Caucasians, males, heterosexuals, non-disabled individuals, etc. in favor of minorities), likely based in part on the federal government’s shift in focus to “discrimination related to DEI.” The Supreme Court may have validated that concern last week in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, 605 U.S. ___ (2025).

Ames involves a claim against a state agency by a straight woman who was (1) passed over for a promotion in favor of a lesbian woman, and (2) demoted from her role as a program administrator in favor of a gay man. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio granted summary judgment in favor of the agency, and the Sixth Circuit affirmed.

On appeal, the Sixth Circuit held Ames failed to show a requisite prima facie case because she failed to also show “background circumstances to support the suspicion that the defendant is that unusual employer who discriminates against the majority.” Ordinarily, a so-called “prima facie case” of employment discrimination requires “enough evidence to support an inference of discrimination.” In other words, the Sixth Circuit’s opinion seemingly required non-minorities (such as Caucasians, heterosexuals, etc.) to show such background circumstances “in addition to the usual ones for establishing a prima facie case.”

The Supreme Court unanimously disagreed, holding Title VII does not support the additional “background circumstances” requirement on majority plaintiffs or the “heightened evidentiary standard” that requirement imposes. Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson, writing for the Court, specifically noted that Title VII “draws no distinctions between majority-group plaintiffs and minority-group plaintiffs.” Ames’s discrimination lawsuit will go back to the lower courts “for application of the proper prima facie standard.”

The Supreme Court’s decision, met with mixed reactions, split across political and industrial lines. On one hand, the Court’s decision seemingly offered further support to the recent wave of anti-DEI policies. On the other hand, the Court’s decision could pave the way for an increase in employment discrimination litigation.

Based on the Supreme Court’s clarified standard, employers should be mindful of federal, state, and local standards for employment discrimination and evaluate their DEI policies. In the meantime, Brunini’s employment practice group will monitor Ames’s impact on new employment-discrimination cases.

 

 

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