Jackson attorney and 1986 graduate of Jackson State University Carlton Reeves has yet another reason to celebrate this holiday season. Reeves learned via computer that the U.S. Senate confirmed him as a federal district judge for the southern half of Mississippi Sunday, Dec. 19.
Reeves and his family gathered around the computer and watched the process while the country was able to watch the process on C-Span 2.
In April 2010, President Obama nominated Reeves to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge William Barbour Jr.
“I have not yet come up with a word which describes adequately the depth of humility and the breadth of honor that has been bestowed upon me in this process,” Reeves told The Clarion Ledger.
U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, both Republicans, supported Reeves’ nomination and introduced the former prosecutor to the Senate Judiciary Committee during a confirmation hearing in July.
In a news release, Wicker said “Reeves brings a diverse background of service to the bench. Qualified, impartial judges are critical to continuing our nation’s legal traditions.”
Carlton Reeves at a glance
Reeves earned his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1989. He has served as an assistant United States attorney and as a member of the Civil Chiefs Working group of the U.S. Department of Justice. Reeves also served as a special master of Hinds County Chancery Court where he oversaw litigation.
Reeves is a former president of the Magnolia Bar Association, has done extensive work with the ACLU and the Mississippi Workers’ Center for Human Rights, where he served as a board member.
Reeves is a long time member of College Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he announced his confirmation during the church’s annual Cantata program.
Jackie Hampton, publisher of The Mississippi Link and fellow member of College Hill, said she was elated that Reeves will represent the state of Mississippi on a national level. “This is not only good news for Carlton, but it is good news for Mississippi. Mississippi is often shown in a negative light and with this appointment the world can begin to see the caliber of people this state produces,” Hampton said.
U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson who represents Mississippi’s second congressional district said he never had a doubt of Reeves’ confirmation. “There was never any disagreement among Democrats and the delegation whether Carlton was the right one. He will serve well.”
Brad Pigott, Reeves’ law partner at Pigott Reeves Johnson PA, said Reeves will make a good judge. “This is a bitter sweet time for us, but I am confident that he will serve well,” Pigott said. “He has the kind of good mind and spirit to bring neutrality to the bench.”
A date for swearing Reeves in has not been announced.
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