Balch & Bingham Strengthens Banking & Financial Services Practice with the addition of Phil Buffington in Jackson, Mississippi Office

Balch & Bingham is pleased to welcome Phil Buffington to the firm’s Jackson, Mississippi office as a partner in the Banking & Financial Services Practice. Phil brings more than 30 years of experience advising financial institutions throughout the United States on federal and state banking laws and regulations.

Phil serves as a trusted advisor to community, regional and national financial institutions, helping them assess and analyze regulatory and litigation risks. He counsels clients on a full range of issues, including regulatory matters, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, strategic planning, capital planning and offerings, evaluating and assisting in the development of new products and services, and responses to examinations and enforcement actions. His practice also includes commercial lending transactions, health care and insurance. Phil routinely speaks at banking association meetings and on webinars related to his practice.

"We are pleased to welcome Phil to Balch,” said John Pickering, Co-Chair of Balch’s Banking & Financial Services Practice. “His extensive experience advising banks and financial institutions will be a tremendous asset to our clients and practice. Phil is widely respected in the financial community for his work and will be a terrific complement to our team.”

"I am truly excited to join Balch and work with a team that shares my passion for banking,” Phil said. “The firm’s nationally recognized Banking & Financial Services Practice is an excellent platform to grow my practice, and I look forward to continuing to support financial institutions alongside the firm’s talented team of attorneys.”

Phil is dedicated to supporting his community. He serves as the Chair of the Government Affairs Committee of the Madison County Business League & Foundation and former Chair of the Board. Additionally, he serves as Chair of the Mississippi Tort Claims Board, on the Board of the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District, on the Board of Governors of the Mississippi Economic Council, on the University of Mississippi Banking and Finance Advisory Board. He is a member of and has been involved with St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, Mississippi and has also served on various nonprofit boards including Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson, Inc. and Metro Jackson Heart Walk Committee (former Chair) and a member of the Madison-Ridgeland Rotary Club.

Phil earned his J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law. His dedication to excellence has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America^® and Mid-South Super Lawyers^®. He is also a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation and the American Bar Foundation. 

Balch’s Banking & Financial Services Practice has received multiple recognitions for its excellence by Chambers USA, known for its comprehensive and objective rankings of top law firms and attorneys. Members of the practice provide full services to banks, trust companies, insurance carriers, investment firms, broker-dealers and other financial institutions. This work includes advice and assistance relating to regulatory and commercial issues at the state, regional and national level.