LEGAL NEWSLINE

JACKSON, Miss. - Gov. Haley Barbour appointed former district attorney and trial judge Ann Hannaford Lamar to the Mississippi Supreme Court Wednesday.

Lamar will fill the spot vacated by Justice Kay Cobb, who retired May 1.

"It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to serve," Lamar said. "I am humbled by the appointment. I am looking forward to a new challenge. I am looking forward to working with the other justices. I am appreciate of the confidence that the Governor has placed in me."

Lamar, 54, has been a judge since Nov. 1, 2001, when she was appointed o the 17th Circuit Court District. Peviously, she served as an assistant district attorney in DeSoto, Panola, Tallahatchie, Tate and Yalobusha counties.

"The primary thing about Judge Lamar is her wealth of experience and knowledge as a former district attorney and as a trial judge," Chief Justice James Smith said. "First-hand trial experience is invaluable at the appellate level for fully understanding the ramifications and the nature of cases as they make their way through the judicial system."

Justice George Carlson called her "one of the best lawyers in the courtroom I've ever seen."

Lamar becomes the third woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

"I think the best way I can serve woman and help to open the door to them is to do the very best I can in whatever position I'm in," Lamar said. "It's what I've tried to do up until now."

Lamar will wrap up her circuit court duties in the next few days. She graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1982, having previously received a degree in education from Delta State University in 1974.

During her time in private practice, she worked at Lamar & Hannaford, P.A., a general practice law firm in Senatobia.

"Ann is highly regarded among her peers as an outstanding judge with a great legal mind. She brings a wealth of credentials and experience both as a prosecutor and judge to a very demanding level of public service," said Barbour, a Republican.

"I am pleased she has accepted this important assignment and confident she will follow in Justice Cobb's footsteps as a dedicated and conscientious member of the state's highest court."