GJK Attends 30th Annual Evelyn Gandy Lecture Series

The 30th Annual Evelyn Gandy Lecture Series was hosted by The Mississippi Bar Women in the Profession Section on January 27-28, 2023, in Meridian, MS. Women gathered to learn and hear from women judges and lawyers presenting on a variety of interesting legal topics over the course of the two-day event. Attendees were able to experience the Historic Theater in Mississippi State’s Riley Center as the event kicked off with an impressive opening panel who shared updates from the Bench and Bar. There were plenty of opportunities throughout the event for networking with lawyers and judges, including happy hour with a view at the Boxcar, a rooftop bar and restaurant at the Threefoot Hotel.

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Attorneys Sarah Beth Jones and Keri Henley attended this year’s Gandy on behalf of Gay Jones & Kuhn. “Each year I look forward to attending the Gandy. It’s an amazing way to connect with and learn from other amazing women lawyers,” says Sarah Beth Jones.

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“It was my pleasure to attend the 30th Annual Evelyn Gandy Lecture Series. I enjoyed meeting other women in the profession from across the state and reuniting with former law school classmates. The presentations were informative, relevant, and entertaining. I’m looking forward to attending again next year,” says Keri Henley.

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This lecture series is named for the late Lt. Gov. Evelyn Gandy, who had a passion for public service and mentorship. Keynote speaker, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, discussed the legacy of Lt. Gov. Gandy who taught her and others about integrity, connections, mentorship, and giving back.

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Gandy was the only woman in her graduating class from the University of Mississippi School of Law and was the first woman editor of the Mississippi Law Review. She dedicated over four decades of her life to public service and was the first woman to hold three statewide offices in Mississippi. Gandy was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives, served as State Treasurer, and was elected Insurance Commissioner and later Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi.

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“Attending the Gandy reminds me it’s a privilege to practice law and follow behind trailblazers like Lt. Gov. Evelyn Gandy whose legacy still inspires us today,” says Jones.

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The Gandy Lecture Series, which began thirty years ago with one table of women lawyers, celebrated its 30th year with record-breaking attendance.