Channing Curtis Receives University of Mississippi School of Law Leading Edge Award
JACKSON, Miss. (Feb. 26, 2026) — Channing J. Curtis, an associate in Phelps’ Jackson office, has been selected as an inaugural recipient of the University of Mississippi School of Law’s Leading Edge Award, which recognizes recent graduates who demonstrate exceptional achievement, leadership, and impact in the legal profession.
Channing joins a distinguished class of honorees that includes Bobby Marsh, Jordan Thomas, Merritt Baria, and Taylor Davis.
“I am honored to receive the Leading Edge Award from the University of Mississippi School of Law,” Channing said. “The law school played a central role in shaping my approach to the profession, and I am grateful for the faculty, mentors, and colleagues who supported my development.”
Channing practices with the firm’s labor and employment group, where he focuses on litigation and appeals. He has gained experience across state and federal courts, having worked with four judges in four different jurisdictions. During law school, Channing interned for former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James D. Maxwell II, who was recently confirmed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi and Magistrate Judge Roy Percy. After graduation, Channing clerked for Presiding Judge Jack L. Wilson on the Mississippi Court of Appeals and Judge Cory T. Wilson on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
While attending law school, Channing served as Executive Notes & Comments Editor of the Mississippi Law Journal and the Federal Courts Law Review. He has published academic articles on judicial precedent, civil procedure, and jurisdictional issues. His work has been cited by prominent scholars and judges in academic articles and judicial opinions.
The Leading Edge Award highlights alumni who, early in their careers, reflect the University of Mississippi School of Law’s commitment to excellence, service, and leadership within the legal profession.
The law school will introduce the recipients at the University of Mississippi Law Alumni Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 28, at The Inn at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss.
