The purpose of the Veterans and Military Law Section of The Mississippi Bar is to promote the interests of Veterans and Military Law practitioners; to educate members of the Bar on Veterans and Military Law matters; provide pro bono legal assistance to Veterans and military personnel; to plan, publish, participate in, and conduct, as appropriate, services, programs, publications and activities of interest to those Section practitioners; to promote and monitor the development of Veterans and Military Law; to improve the application of justice in these fields of law; to promote high standards of professionalism, competence and ethical conduct in this area of practice; to improve relationships among the Veteran, Military and civilian legal communities; to cultivate social and professional relationships among the Section’s members; and to recognize attorneys who have contributed to Section goals.

Veterans and Military Law Section
2025-2026 Executive Committee 

Chair
Jennifer Riley-Collins, Madison

Vice Chair
Robert H. Pedersen, Jackson
Watkins & Eager

Secretary
Virginia C. Carlton, Jackson
Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge

Past Chair
Robert W. Mayhue, Jr., Jackson
Mississippi National Guard JAG

Member at Large (8/2023-7/2026)
Jason J. Bayles, Ocean Springs
Board of Veterans Appeals

Member at Large (8/2024-7/2027)
Frank Rosenblatt, Jackson
Mississippi College School of Law

Member at Large (8/2025-7/2028)
Lee Thaggard, Meridian
Barry Thaggard & May LLP