Former Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn Joins Balch & Bingham’s Government Relations Subsidiary

Balch & Bingham is pleased to announce that Philip Gunn, former Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives, joins Balch Policy Advisors, LLC in its Jackson, Mississippi office to strengthen the firm’s Public Policy & Government Relations Practice. 

Philip served 20 years in the Mississippi legislature, including 12 years as Speaker of the House. During his tenure as Speaker, Philip helped lead the effort to change the state’s flag to remove Confederate imagery. The largest tax cut in state history while maintaining a fiscally sound budget was a key part of Philip’s recent leadership as Speaker. He was also a champion of education, helping to lead the passage of a significant increase in teacher compensation while implementing workforce development programs which included hiring career coaches in public high schools. Philip is passionate about economic development and helped secure key investments in the state, leading to the creation of new jobs.

At Balch Policy Advisors, Philip will continue his track record of leadership using his decades of experience navigating Mississippi’s political landscape to help clients work toward solutions to complex problems and create new economic development opportunities. He is poised to provide counsel on effectively engaging with local, state and federal government officials, within and outside of Mississippi, and to offer strategic guidance on navigating regulatory hurdles. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Philip to Balch Policy Advisors,” said Robin Laurie, Chair of the firm’s Public Policy & Government Relations Practice. “His knowledge, experience and insight will provide tremendous value to clients as we work to solve complex challenges.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served the people of Mississippi for two decades, and look forward to this new, exciting chapter,” Philip said. “I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for Balch, and I am excited to collaborate with the firm’s talented team of attorneys and government relations professionals to help clients navigate political and regulatory landscapes.”

Prior to his work as Speaker, Philip was named “One of Mississippi’s Top 50 Leading Attorneys” in the Mississippi Business Journal’s Leadership in Law Class of 2010. He earned his J.D. from The University of Mississippi Law School, where he was Student Body President.

“Philip is known for his strong leadership, strategic counsel and deep understanding of Mississippi government,” said Lucien Smith, who leads the firm’s Mississippi Public Policy & Government Relations Practice. “He will further strengthen our Public Policy & Government Relations Practice and we are proud to have him work with us through Balch Policy Advisors.”

Balch & Bingham has maintained a Government Relations, Regulatory and Public Policy Practice since the firm’s inception in 1922, with a proven track record of helping clients navigate through local, state and federal government affairs. The dynamic political environment that exists today results in new and ever-changing legislation, regulations and public policy that creates both uncertainty and opportunity. Because our legal clientele has always consisted of heavily regulated industries, we understand inherently the importance of building and maintaining relationships within government at the national, state and local levels in order to navigate our clients through the high-stakes political process.