John Rice Headshot

John H. Rice

Of Counsel
  • (228) 214-0407
Download Resume jrice@balch.com
Education
  • University of Mississippi School of Law
    J.D., 1976
  • University of Mississippi
    B.S., 1973
Bar Admissions
  • Mississippi, 1976
About John
John Rice is regarded as a pioneer in disaster recovery real estate law. He acted for the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality on the development of the land acquisition program to identify, acquire, and manage real estate for the restoration of the Gulf Coast.

- Chambers USA

Q&A
  • What types of clients do you represent?

    I regularly work with state agencies, and often represent both companies and individuals in disaster relief, oil and gas, and transactional real estate matters.

  • What type of matters do you work on most often?

    I work directly with state agencies in the creation, implementation, and administration of key grants related to disaster relief. I regularly advise on CDBG, HAP, Elevation Grant Program (EGP), Long Term Workforce Housing Program (LTWH), Small Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), Water/Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program, as well as various economic development grant programs.

    In addition, I often work with energy and utility entities on various oil, gas, coal, and lignite issues, and have represented numerous individuals and landowners on matters including horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracking.  

    In regards to real estate, I assist in the acquisition, construction, leasing, local entitlements, zoning issues, financing, and development of retail, office, and other real estate developments.

  • What do you see on the horizon in your area of practice?
  • What do you find most exciting about your work?

Select Matters

  • Lead counsel on all Katrina CDBG Disaster Programs for Mississippi; created and implemented various disaster programs and related regulatory matters with state, local and federal agencies, including HUD and OIG.
  • Retained by the State of West Virginia for the design and implementation of disaster CDBG programs regarding federal regulatory matters and federal agency issues.
  • Representation of utility client and its contractor on negotiation, contracting, leasing, due diligence, and acquisition of surface mine land for power plant. 
  • Representation of utility client to examine mineral title (oil, gas, coal, and lignite) and render preliminary mining title opinions, coordinate curative, and due diligence.
  • Lead counsel to Mississippi Emergency Management on $281M Katrina Cottage program funded by FEMA.
  • Represent Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality on land acquisition programs related to the Deepwater Horizon (BP Oil Spill) settlements to facilitate the restoration of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Gulf of Mexico.
  • Represent various clients on mineral and lease issues in Mississippi, Alabama, and other states, on horizontal drilling and fracking matters; related mineral issues.
  • Represent utility client on permitting underground injection wells; prospective carbon sequestration issues and development.

Publications

    News

      Speaking Engagements

        Credentials

        Education
        • University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., 1976
        • University of Mississippi, B.S., 1973
        Bar Admissions
        • Mississippi, 1976
        Professional Affiliations
        • Mississippi Bar Association
        • Harrison County Bar Association
        • American Bar Association
        • Mississippi Oil & Gas Lawyers Association
        • Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation
        Awards & Accolades
        • The Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate and Banking and Finance, 2012-present
        • The Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Real Estate Law – Gulfport, 2013
        • Chambers USA, Real Estate
        • Martindale-Hubbell, AV-rated
        Community Involvement
        • Mississippi Tennis Association, Board of Directors and Vice President
        • Bayou Bluff Tennis Club, President, Board of Directors, Finance Committee
        • Gulfport Yacht Club
        • Bayou View Baseball
        • First Presbyterian Church Gulfport (PCA), Ruling Elder and Clerk; Grace Presbytery, Recording Clerk