Category Archives: Opinion

Vote BowTieLawyer; Best Niche & Specialty Blog

11/16/2018 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

As Pappy O’Daniel used to say, “Vote early and vote often.”

BowTieLawyer.ms has been nominated by The Expert Institute’s 2018 Best Legal Blog Contest!

“[T]housands of nominations [were received] for what has shaped up to be The Expert Institute’s largest and most diverse Best Legal Blog Contest yet! Over 100 new blogs entered the competition this year with topics spanning from legal technology and news to law school and niche blogs.”

“Now, we’ve narrowed the field of contestants to the most exciting, entertaining, and informative legal blogs online today. Every one of these blogs has earned its spot as a leader in its category, but now it’s time for our readers to select the best of the best.”

“Readers can submit one vote per blog, but can vote for as many blogs as they like across every category. In order to cast your vote, you must log into the social media platform of your choosing to verify your voter identity. This authentication is intended to prevent duplicate votes. We do not collect or share your information with third parties under any circumstances.” The Expert Institute.

The polls will be open from November 5th to December 17th. We encourage all of our nominees to spread the word about the contest to their readers!

Matthew Thompson is a blogger on BowTieLawyer.ms and appreciates your vote!

General Legal, Opinion

Another Black Eye for Mississippi; It’s NOT Heritage, It’s Hate…

11/09/2018 BowTieLawyer 1 Comment

Mississippians voted in the midterms in record numbers, something we should all be proud of. However, spoiler alert, a Mississippian embarrassed the entire state.

A voter in Olive Branch, Mississippi, Clayton John Hickey, wore this shirt to vote on Tuesday. He has since lost his job and is a pariah on social media.

Surprisingly, or perhaps ashamedly not, persons are defending him for wearing this. There really is no defense. Does he have Constitutional protections to wear this shirt? Yes. Are their consequences for our actions? Yes.

The “confederate” flag has become a symbol of hate and division. Perhaps it had proud beginnings, but that has been overpowered by hate groups. The above shirt, in addition to the flag, has a noose and “Mississippi Justice” emblazoned on it. Inexcusable.

Our state leaders would do well to take a stand not only against Hickey, but against this symbol.

Literally a campaign sign for Chris McDaniel.

There is absolutely no connection between Hickey and McDaniel…other than the “rebel” canton. However, you are mistaken if you believe explaining your policy differences will somehow distinguish your position on the State flag and the voters referendum in 2001, arguing it gives you the moral high-ground to continue to support an indisputable symbol of hate and intolerance.

“In 2001, there was a vote. This vote was not “Do you Love the Current Flag above all Others?” But instead it was do you Like “Flag A” better than “Flag B” ? Flag A won, 64.39% to 35.61%.” …and Flag B was ugly. -Matthew Thompson

Actual McDaniel sign on public display. You know your campaign and materials have issues when your own supporters cover up part of your sign

The Stennis Flag

There is a push afoot to adopt this Flag, the Stennis flag, as the State’s new symbol. It began grass-roots, but has taken hold and can be seen throughout the state. The flag was designed by Senator John C. Stennis’s granddaughter, Laurin Stennis, a Mississippi artist.

The significance of the flag is explained;

Nineteen stars form a circle around a larger center star, which represents Mississippi as the 20th state to join the Union in 1817.
The centering of the blue star on the field of white is an inverted “Bonnie Blue,” a reference to the state’s secession (1861 – 1865).
The circular shape symbolizes wholeness and continuity and is also drawn from artifacts of indigenous peoples to our region, particularly, the Choctaw Nation.
The red bars stand in opposition, recognizing the passionate differences we sometimes harbor, as well as in honor of those who have given their lives in pursuit of liberty and justice for all.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law attorney and is tired of the hate, rhetoric and, in the immortal (paraphrased) words of Fannie Lou Hamer, is sick and tired of being sick and tired for our State.

Appeal, General Legal, Opinion

Elect David McCarty- Court of Appeals Judge

11/02/2018 BowTieLawyer 2 Comments

David McCarty is running for Court of Appeals Judge in Mississippi. Citizens of this state would be well-served by electing him to this position.

“I have devoted my legal career to the unique practice of appeals, beginning as a law clerk at the Mississippi Supreme Court. In the past thirteen years, I have represented dozens of clients in federal and state appeals—from small businesses to parents who were fighting for the best for their children. In over 30 oral arguments, I traveled before our Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and the Fifth Circuit to advocate for my clients.“

Why should you care? The Mississippi Court of Appeals considers the vast majority of Family Law Appeals, along with criminal law, business law and other disputes assigned to the Court by the Mississippi Supreme Court. David is the most experienced candidate. David’s campaign emphasized experience, integrity and fairness, David has pledged to treat all persons and cases appearing before his Court with dignity and respect. This is a promise you can count on.

Over 70 cases ruled on by the Mississippi Supreme Court and Court of Appeals — more than three times the experience of all other candidates combined
- Over 30 oral arguments before the Mississippi Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Eighth Circuit
Adjunct professor since 2005 at Mississippi College School of Law for classes in Evidence, Trial Practice, Appellate Advocacy, and Pretrial Practice
- Law Review, Articles Editor
- Moot Court, Competition Chair
- JD, Mississippi College School of Law, cum laude
Author of multiple scholarly works, including a treatise on evidence as well as a study of judicial speech laws
Co-founder, Appellate Practice Section of the Mississippi Bar

Who can vote for David? Court of Appeals District 4 The district is a portion of Hinds County, south, a little east and then west. The largest populated areas are the portion of Hinds County, McComb area and Natchez area. It’s a big district that includes the following Counties; Adams, Amite, Copiah, Covington, Franklin, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Simpson, Walthall and Wilkinson; that portion of Hinds County not included in the Second Court of Appeals District; and that portion of Jones County not included in the Third Court of Appeals District.

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So is this a paid ad for David? No. I am posting this because I believe in David McCarty. I have committed my professional existence to practicing in front of fair, impartial, honest Judges in Mississippi, who treat others with dignity and respect. I am convinced that he is exactly what Mississippi needs and exactly what Mississippi will get with the election of David McCarty.

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Child Custody, divorce, General Legal, Marriage, Opinion

Going to Church Doesn’t Make You A Better Person (automatically)

09/26/2018 BowTieLawyer 1 Comment

“Holier than thou.”

“So heavenly focused, you’re no earthly good.”

I have seen these concepts personified. It is distressing. I have seen and heard of one’s belief in their own moral superiority to justify their wrong behavior; interfering with the parent child relationship, persuading others to not help the “sinner,” and literally causing a scene at church.

STOP. YOU’RE doing it wrong. YOU are hurting others. YOU are part of the problem.

Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney and has grown weary of the hypocrisy. He also encourages you to not only go to Church, but also to act like it.

Child Custody, General Legal, Opinion

Call Your Parents…

Image 09/21/2018 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

Parents Phone.jpg

http://www.BowtieLawyer.ms

(601)850-8000

General Legal, Irreconcilable differences, Opinion

Happy Birthday! Donate to Mississippi Legal Services

07/10/2018 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

In lieu of birthday presents this year, I’m asking that you consider making a donation to Mississippi Center for Legal Services Corporation.

Legal Services afforded me my first legal “job!” The summer of my first year of law school I volunteered with them. I was assigned to work with an amazing attorney, Lula Anderson.

Attorney Anderson was one of the contract family law attorneys at the time and I heard Irreconcilable Differences Divorce 101 more times than I could count that Summer. Due to that experience it helped me get a paying clerkship with the family law firm Chinn & Associates, paving the way for Thompson Law Firm.

I’ve chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me. Legal Service’s attorneys represent low income families, pro bono, in Mississippi that need civil representation.

A lot of the great people I worked with are still there, including; Tara Bryant Walker, Richard Hitt, and Lindia Robinson just to name a few.

Since establishing my own firm, I have continued to volunteer with Legal Services. I now serve on the Board of Directors and routinely speak at Continuing Legal Education seminars for Legal Services. I’ll be presenting a Family Law Update on July 27 in Hattiesburg.

I hope you’ll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. Every little bit will help the goal.

This link goes to the Facebook donation page.

331197450751450/331197460751449/https://www.facebook.com/donate/

No Facebook? Donate directly here.

Matthew Thompson is a Mississippi Family Law attorney and Board member with Mississippi Center for Legal Services.

divorce, General Legal, Opinion

Careful of Your Online Footprint…

07/09/2018 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

What goes on the internet stays on the internet!

I recently read the book Flim Flam. One theme that stuck out was that your activities through electronic devices leaves a footprint that can be traced back to you.

This is a good lesson for persons maneuvering a family law matter. Your digital footprint will lead back to you.

Hillary Clinton and Tom Brady know this and you should too.

Just like in real life, your mother told you (or divorce attorney) not to go places you don’t need to go. Well, don’t go there electronically either.

Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney in Mississippi cautioning you that your digital footprint may lead straight back to you.

(601)850-8000

http://www.BowTieLawyer.ms

divorce, General Legal, Opinion

The Race is ON! Electing Judges Mississippi style.

05/11/2018 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

In Mississippi we pick our judges like we pick class favorites. The winner is whoever gets the most votes. The qualifying deadline passed, just minutes ago, and below are your candidates.

This post is focused on certain Family Law Judge races primarily, because that is what I primarily do. I will expound on other judicial races in future posts. This link will take you to all of the candidates.

Races to Watch.

HINDS COUNTY

Chancery Court Judge Sub 5-1

Dewayne Thomas

Unopposed. Congratulations Judge Thomas.

Chancery Court Judge Sub 5-2

Patricia Wise – Current Chancellor – Withdrawn

The rumor mill had her retiring effective the end of this year and that appears true as she is not listed among the candidates.

Reginald Harrion

Qualified early and is in it to win it.

Crystal Wise Martin

Recently qualified. Interestingly, this is Judge Wise’s daughter. She was technically running against her mother for a few weeks.

Chancery Court Judge Sub 5-3

Denise Owens

Unopposed. The current Senior Chancellor is signing up for 4 more years. Congratulations Judge Owens

Chancery Court Judge Sub 5-4

Steven P. Nixon

Qualified early and was hoping to be the only candidate in the field. However, three additional candidates qualified to run for this spot this week. This is an Open seat due to Judge Singletary’s announced retirement.

Tiffany Grove

Qualified this week.

Monique Brown-Barrett

Qualified this week.

Ottawa Carter, Jr.

Qualified this week.

RANKIN COUNTY

Chancery Court Judge 20, 1

John C. McLaurin, Jr.

Unopposed. Congratulations Judge McLaurin.

Chancery Court Judge 20, 1

Tamekia Cooper Bennett

Mel Coxwell

Troy Odom

Place 2 is the race to watch in Rankin. Judicial stalwart John Grant is retiring.

Chancery Court Judge 20, 3

Haydn J. Roberts

Unopposed. Congratulations Judge Roberts

LAUDERDALE COUNTY

Chancery Court Judge 12 – 1 (includes other areas)

Charles E. “Charlie” Smith
Frances Smith Stephenson

This should be a tight race. This is an open seat due to Judge Mason’s retirement. The winner will have big shoes to fill with Mason’s retirement, but will have perhaps the best asset possible across the hall for all things Chancery, their colleague Judge Larry Primeaux.

LEFLORE COUNTY

Chancery Court Judge 7, Sub 7-2 (includes additional Delta counties)

Katherine Tackett Mills
Willie J. Perkins, Sr.
Richard W. Ryals, II

This is an open seat due to Judge Barnwell’s retirement.

SIMPSON COUNTY

Chancery Court Judge 13, 1

David Shoemake

Allen Buffington

Judge Shoemake had an opponent early on who withdrew to run for Andy Gipson’s position once Gipson was elevated (removed) from the legislature. Buffington is a familiar name, but it is NOT the previous Judge Buffington, that was Larry. This will be an interesting race to watch. Shoemake has some weak spots…

THE COAST

Chancery Court Judge 8, 3

Margaret Alfonso
Diane Herman Ellis
Sanford R. (Sandy) Steckler

This race is exciting because of the candidates. Judge Steckler is the incumbent. Judge Alfonso is a former Chancellor who left Chancery for Youth Court (County Court) and is now running. This makes a very recent former Chancellor against a current Chancellor and they actually served together.

Attorney Ellis, a practitioner, has some acclaim for a case of first impression in Mississippi that ultimately made law that a child born of the marriage, of a same-sex marriage is of the marriage, even though genetic material may have come from a different source.

There are other hotly contested races in Starkville, Hattiesburg, the Coast and other judicial positions. Stay tuned for the 411!

Matthew Thompson is a lawyer and will likely run for judge in 15-25 years. It’s never too early to start campaigning!