News Summary

Rhea Tannehill, Jr. has been elected as the 120th President of The Mississippi Bar, marking a significant milestone in his legal career. With a diverse background in law and military service, his leadership is anticipated to benefit the organization and the legal community in Mississippi. Tannehill is committed to upholding ethics and professionalism while also being an active community member in Oxford.

Oxford

Rhea Tannehill, Jr. has been elected as the 120th President of The Mississippi Bar, an organization that represents nearly 9,000 active lawyers licensed in the state. His term began on July 11, 2025, marking a significant milestone in his legal career and the history of the association.

Background and Education

Tannehill, a native of Union, Mississippi, graduated from Union High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Mississippi. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s degree in education prior to attending the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he graduated in 1996.

Legal Career

In 2004, he co-founded Tannehill & Carmean, PLLC, alongside law partner Jay Carmean. The firm specializes in various areas of law, including personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, probate, real estate, and collections. Tannehill currently holds the position of managing partner at the firm.

In addition to his practice, Tannehill has served as a municipal court judge in Sardis since 2007, demonstrating his commitment to public service in the legal system. Previously, he held the role of municipal court prosecutor, showcasing his comprehensive legal experience in various capacities within the municipal court framework.

Military Service

Tannehill’s dedication extends beyond the legal field; he is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Mississippi Army National Guard, having served for 28 years. He enlisted in 1992 and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 1999, a role that allowed him to serve as a Military Judge, overseeing court-martial proceedings and hearings for soldiers. His commitment to service is further evidenced by his deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, during which he received honors including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge. Moreover, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he was mobilized for disaster relief operations and received several medals for his contributions during this time.

Involvement with The Mississippi Bar

Tannehill has been an active participant within The Mississippi Bar, having served as President of the Young Lawyers Division from 2006 to 2007. He has also been a member of the Board of Commissioners and the Executive Committee, contributing to various aspects of the organization. His leadership capabilities have earned him the distinction of being a Fellow of both the Mississippi Bar Foundation and the Young Lawyers Division. Prior to becoming president, Tannehill served as President-Elect of The Mississippi Bar.

His commitment to ethics and professionalism within the legal community is highlighted by his past roles as chair of the Professional Responsibility Committee and the Public Information Committee, along with active membership in the Ethics Committee. In 2020, he was appointed by the Mississippi Supreme Court to the Complaint Tribunal and spent 12 years on the Committee for Character and Fitness for the Board of Bar Admissions, further reinforcing his commitment to maintaining high standards in the legal profession.

Community Engagement

Tannehill’s influence reaches the local community where he has served as President of the Lafayette County Bar and Tri-County Jr. Bar Associations. His community involvement complements his professional achievements, showcasing his dedication to both local and statewide legal matters.

Personal Life

Tannehill resides in Oxford with his wife, Robyn McKenzie, who is the Mayor of Oxford and is currently serving her third term in office. Together, they have three adult children: Maggie, who works as a counselor for Court Appointed Special Advocates in Tupelo; Jack, a student-athlete at Murray State University; and Molly Catherine, who studies at Mississippi State University. The family is actively involved in their local church, Christ Presbyterian Church, which they helped found and charter in 1995.

With Tannehill’s diverse background—encompassing legal practice, military service, and community leadership—his transition into the presidency of The Mississippi Bar is anticipated to bring valuable insights and initiatives to the organization.

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Additional Resources

• Oxford Eagle: Tannehill Begins Term as MS Bar President
• Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Football and Community Engagement
• The Daily Mississippian: Rooster’s Farewell
• Oxford Magazine: Joe Stinchcomb and Community Engagement
• Oxford Eagle: Rhea Tannehill Elected as President-Elect Designee
• Wikipedia: Mississippi Bar Association
• Google Search: Mississippi Bar
• Google Scholar: Rhea Tannehill
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Military Justice
• Google News: Legal News Mississippi

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