Gov. Barbour Appoints King to Mississippi Supreme Court

Press Release

Gov. Haley Barbour today announced the appointment of Judge Leslie D. King to the Mississippi Supreme Court effective today. King serves as Chief Judge of the Mississippi Court of Appeals.

King replaces Justice James Graves, who was sworn in as a judge on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Thursday. King will serve the remainder of the term through December 2012. The Governor's Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee will recommend a replacement for King's District 2, Position 2 seat on the appellate bench, representing the Second Congressional District.

"I thank Judge King for accepting this position on the state Supreme Court," Gov. Barbour said. "His extensive knowledge of Mississippi's legal system and his dedication to public service made him the top choice for this position."

King has served on the Court of Appeals since its creation. He was elected in 1994 to the District 2, Position 2 seat on the court. Previously, the Greenville native served in the Mississippi House of Representatives beginning in 1980. During his tenure, he served as vice-chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and vice-chairman of the Conservation and Water Resources Committee. Other committees on which King served include: Judiciary, Insurance, Environmental Protection Council, Housing Finance Oversight, and Universities and Colleges. He also was chairman of the Mississippi Black Legislative Caucus in 1988.

King began practicing law in 1973 and served as Youth Court Counselor for Washington County, Public Defender, Youth Court Prosecutor and Municipal Court Judge for the town of Metcalfe. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1970 and from the Texas Southern University School of Law in 1973.

King and his wife, the former Patricia Smith of Greenville, have two daughters. They attend the St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenville.

The Governor's Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee will review nominees in accordance with Executive Order 914 and recommend qualified applicants to the governor for King's replacement. The 31-member committee includes a chairman and 10 attorneys from each of the state's Supreme Court Districts.

Anyone interested in applying should send 12 copies of their resume and 12 copies of their writing sample to Ed Brunini Jr., Chairman of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee, at P.O. Box 119, Jackson, MS 39205. The deadline for submitting applications is March 11. Anyone interested in recommending prospective candidates should send their letters of recommendation to Mr. Brunini at the same address.

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