Phil Buffington, a partner in the firm’s Banking & Financial Services Practice with a national regulatory practice, has been named Chair of the Mississippi Bankers Association’s (MBA) Bank Attorneys’ Committee. In this role, Phil will preside over the bank attorneys’ committee and help build consensus on legal issues impacting the MS Bankers Association and its member institutions. He will also help analyze opportunities the association may have to participate in amicus briefs with other federal and state organizations or member banks. Finally, he will work with the MBA in considering and effectively advocating for legislation and regulations to assist member banks.
Phil’s appointment was made by MBA Chair Brad Jones, and he will serve a 1 year.
At Balch, Phil advises financial institutions throughout the United States on federal and state banking laws and regulations. For more than 30 years, he has served as a trusted advisor to community, regional and national financial institutions, helping them to assess and analyze regulatory and litigation risks. Phil counsels clients on a full range of issues, including federal and state 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 has been recognized by Mid-South Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America®, including as 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” in banking and finance law and a former “Lawyer of the Year” in commercial finance law.
The MBA, founded in 1889, is a private membership organization that unites and advocates for banks and savings institutions across Mississippi.
