News

Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC attorneys Lynne K. Green and Jody Varner have been ranked in the 2026 edition of the Chambers High Net Worth Guide in Private Wealth Law in Mississippi. Published by Chambers and Partners, the Chambers High Net Worth Guide recognizes the world’s leading professional advisers serving high- and ultra-high net worth individuals and families. Rankings are based on rigorous, independent interviews with clients and peers, evaluating technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, and commercial astuteness.  

Lynne focuses her practice on tax, estate planning, and probate law. She is a current fellow and former regent, board member, committee chair, and state chair of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, where she currently contributes to several committees. A recognized leader in the trusts and estates field, Lynne is chair of the Trust Laws Study Group and a past president of both the Estate Planning Council of Mississippi and the Mississippi Bar Estates and Trusts Section. 

Jody concentrates his practice on federal income and transfer tax issues, estate planning, mergers and acquisitions, and business succession. An active leader in the trusts and estates community, he is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association Estates and Trusts Section and a past chair of the Taxation Section. He previously served as president of the Jackson Tax Forum and chair of the Mississippi Tax Institute. 

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.  

Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC, attorney Stephen J. Carmody has been named a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation. Appointment as a Fellow is the foundation’s highest honor, bestowed upon only 10% of lawyers across Mississippi. Fellows are chosen through peer and board recognition, based on their professionalism, competence, leadership, dedication, and commitment to public and professional service.

A long-time member of The Mississippi Bar, Steve has maintained active involvement with the organization, including previously serving on the Minority Involvement and Paralegal committees.

“It is a privilege to be named a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation,” said Steve. “The foundation has played an important role in supporting the legal profession and helping ensure that more people have access to the justice system. I’m honored to be included among this outstanding group of attorneys and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that legacy.”

Steve’s practice focuses on labor and employment, employee benefits, intellectual property, and construction litigation. He has handled numerous collective action lawsuits alleging wage and hour violations. Steve started Brunini’s Labor and Employment practice group and serves as its current chair.

The Mississippi Bar Foundation was established in 1963 to improve the administration of justice through education, training, and technological improvements. The foundation has also provided financial assistance for many law-related programs, scholarship assistance and support to Mississippi’s law schools, and financial support to law-related public education programs to improve public understanding of the legal system.

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.

Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC recently supported the Legal Clinic hosted by Stewpot Community Services in downtown Jackson. In April, several Brunini attorneys, including Allison Dooling, Abbie Hunter, Duncan Jones, William Kennedy, and Hunter Ransom volunteered at the Stewpot Legal Clinic to provide pro bono legal guidance.  

Through volunteering at the clinic, Brunini’s attorneys learned of a critical need for donations to support Stewpot’s Clothing Closet for individuals served by the organization. Inspired to help, Brunini launched a firmwide donation drive. The firm’s attorneys and staff came together to collect two carloads of clothing, shoes, linens, and other essential items for donation to Stewpot.  

Stewpot provides compassionate assistance at no charge to individuals and families throughout the Jackson community, with a particular focus on serving those experiencing poverty and homelessness. The organization offers food, shelter, clothing, mentoring, and other vital support services. For more information, visit stewpot.org. 

Brunini, based in Jackson, is one of Mississippi’s largest and longest-established law firms. Founded over 130 years ago, the firm maintains a longstanding commitment to community engagement and supporting the organizations making a meaningful impact in the communities it serves.  

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.  

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.   

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.  

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) 

• Cody Bailey (Band 2) 

• Samuel Kelly (Band 3) 

Corporate/Commercial (Band 2) 

• John Flynt (Band 3) 

• David Kaufman (Star Individuals) 

• Warren Rogers (Band 3)  

• Walter Weems (Senior Statespeople) 

Energy & Natural Resources (Band 1) 

• James Halford (Band 1) 

• Gene Wasson (Band 2) 

Environment (Band 2) 

• John Milner (Band 1) 

• Gene Wasson (Band 2) 

Labor & Employment 

• Christopher Fontan (Band 3) 

Litigation: General Commercial (Band 2) 

• Cody Bailey (Band 3) 

• William “Trey” Jones, III (Band 3) 

• Patrick McDowell  (Band 2) 

Real Estate 

• John Flynt (Band 3) 

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. 

View and Share on LinkedIn

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. 

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.