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Jackson State alumna Carlyn Hicks has been temporarily appointed by Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph as a special judge for the Hinds County Court. The appointment is due to the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Melvin V. Priester, Sr.
“I give my diligence, candor, and work ethic to the bar,” says Hicks. “I promise fairness, compassion, competence and respect–today and everyday.”
Hicks previously served as director of the Mission First Legal Aid Office, a pro bono initiative of Mississippi College School of Law since August 2017. In that role, she oversaw the operations of staff and volunteers providing legal services to more than 1,200 low-income clients annually in metro Jackson. She began working with Mission First as a student volunteer, then became a staff attorney in 2010.
In October 2012, Hicks founded the Mission First Parent Representation Program. For practically five years, she represented impoverished parents in Rankin County Youth Court in one of the first pilot programs for parent representation. As Parent Representation Program Director, she provided pro bono legal representation to indigent families involved in all stages of litigation in child welfare cases and identified resources to strengthen helpless families.
Hicks earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Jackson State University in 2006, and a law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 2010. She was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in September 2010. In 2012, Hicks earned a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Jackson State in public policy and administration.
Hicks is a resident of Jackson. She is married to Derrick Hicks and together they have a daughter, Leigh.