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Mississippi College Law Graduate Carlyn Hicks Receives National Award


Carlyn Hicks

A senior staff attorney with the Mission First Legal Aid Clinic in Jackson, Carlyn Hicks is the recipient of a major award from the American Bar Association.

The 2010 Mississippi College School of Law graduate will receive the National Child Advocacy Award from the ABA’s Young Lawyers Division. More than 130,000 young lawyers are members of the division.

“Your commitment to child advocacy is an inspiration, and we are thrilled to honor you with this award,” Andrew M. Schpak, chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division, told Hicks in a recent letter.

Hicks serves as director of the Parent Representation Program at the Mission First Legal Aid Clinic. In addition, she’s an adjunct professor at the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson.

“I am most proud to share this honor with all who work daily on behalf of children in our state and beyond,” Hicks said.

“Collectively, we are working to improve the lives of children and families. Together, we are empowering parents, protecting children and strengthening families,” she said. “I’m grateful to be part of it.”

The Mission First Legal Aid Office offers legal services through a partnership between MC Law and First Baptist Church Jackson. Hicks began working with the office in Mississippi’s capital city in 2010.

Her colleagues are impressed with her splendid job skills.

“If there is one word to describe Carlyn’s dedication to families and children, it is passion,” said MC Law Dean Wendy Scott. “Her passion for this work is contagious.”

Patricia Gandy, director of the Mission First Legal Aid Office, agrees. She believes the national honor for the Mississippian is well-deserved.

“Carlyn’s commitment to child advocacy is recognized in Mississippi’s legal community,” Gandy said. “I know Carlyn will continue to be a strong advocate for families.”

When away from her professional duties in Jackson, Carlyn remains a devoted wife and mother. She and her husband, Derrick, are the parents of a daughter, Leigh Marie.

The ABA award for Hicks comes as the MC School of Law celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2015. Mississippi College acquired the former Jackson School of Law in 1975 and held its first classes on the Clinton campus.

Founded in 1878, the American Bar Association seeks to improve the administration of justice, accredit law schools and establish model ethical codes for the legal profession. There are more than 400,000 ABA members.

The award for Carlyn Hicks will be spotlighted when the ABA convenes for its annual meeting in Chicago July 30-August 4.