Judge Michael Parker Challenges MC Law Class of 2016

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Parker of Hattiesburg addresses the MC Law graduation on May 13 at First Baptist Church Jackson. Parker earned his bachelor's degree at MC in 1983 and is a 1986 graduate of MC Law School.

Maintaining integrity, treating people with dignity and continuing to learn are invaluable pieces of advice that Judge Michael Parker delivered to the Mississippi College Law School Class of 2016.

Commencement ceremonies on May 13 at First Baptist Church Jackson were extra special for the keynote speaker. One of the new MC graduates seated in the church sanctuary was Judge Parker’s daughter, Tracy “Alex” Parker of Hattiesburg. In addition, thirty years ago, Michael Parker received his degree at the MC Law graduation.

As the new grads completed three years of hard work at MC Law, their legal challenges are really just beginning on Friday morning. Passing the Bar exam later this year is a milestone that awaits the men and women in the Class of 2016. “Lots of hurdles are around the corner,” Parker told the graduates. “And there will be many more like that.”

Judge Parker drew a nice round of applause when he urged the graduates to “treat people right” throughout their years in the profession. “Kindness is the ultimate strength,” he said. “Everybody matters in life. Everyone is important.”

Perhaps the most important of his three keys to success in the legal world is practicing the craft with a sense of integrity and honesty. It’s a matter of “doing the right thing even when it might hurt you,” the magistrate judge said. One’s professional reputation is of great concern to clients, judges and others, the new graduates were told.

In 2006, Parker was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi. He began his practice in Jackson in 1986 with the law firm of Young, Scanlon & Sessums. In 2002, Parker was elected to serve as a Hinds County Court Judge where he also presided over the felony Drug Court. He was the first president of the Mississippi Association of Drug Court Professionals.

The Hattiesburg resident earned his bachelor’s degree in history at Mississippi College in 1983 with highest honors. He received his MC Law degree with distinction, graduating third in his class, and served as articles editor for the MC Law Review. Parker and his wife, Marsha, are the parents of three daughters, Katie, Alex, and Lauren. The Parkers are members of Heritage United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg.

Part of the 40^th year celebration for the MC School of Law, Friday’s graduation ceremony was a memorable day for the new graduates, family members and friends. It was also a noteworthy time to pay tribute to the contributions of an outstanding MC Law professor, the late Jeffrey Jackson. He died on April 26.

Jackson “left an indelible mark on the law school,” MC Law School Dean Wendy Scott told the audience.

Hundreds of MC Law graduation guests watched a video of Professor Jackson speaking about a topic of vital importance to the legal profession in the 21^st Century. “There is no substitute for hard work and preparation,” Jackson said. “You can change lives. It can lead to personal fulfillment.”