Phelps Dunbar LLP Logo
Phelps Dunbar LLP Logo
Candace Gregory photograph

Candace Gregory

Partner

Areas Of Focus
LitigationWhite Collar Defense and Investigations

Candace Gregory brings a rare combination of civil and criminal litigation experience to her practice. She has tried more than 40 cases to verdict, handled over 100 investigations for a Fortune 500 company, and managed the staffing and oversight of hundreds of government investigations. Candace's practice focuses on litigation, cybersecurity, white collar defense and investigations, and Media and First Amendment law. She is also a trained mediator and is available to act as a neutral third party to assist litigants in resolving their disputes prior to trial. Candace’s pragmatism and fairness on both sides of the court room has made her a sought-after neutral. 

Candace was most recently the Director of the Public Integrity Division and Statewide Coordinator for officer involved shootings for the Attorney General of Mississippi. Prior to that, she was the first hybrid Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for the Southern District of Mississippi, responsible for litigating both civil and criminal civil rights cases. Additionally, Candace was the coordinator for both civil rights and violent crimes throughout the District.

Earlier in her career, Candace worked as a Public Defender for Hinds County, Mississippi and in private practice in the areas of criminal law, family law, personal injury, and workers’ compensation. She also worked as an Attorney Advisor for the Social Security Administration. While in law school, Candace taught 10th and 11th grade boys at one of Baltimore’s first charter schools, Baltimore Freedom Academy. She also worked as a Clinical law Fellow in HIV/AIDS law.

Candace is committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders. She has coached high school mock trial teams in Maryland and Mississippi. A number of her students pursued legal careers and gained their first professional experience working with her. She is currently an adjunct professor of criminal law and procedure, and business law at South College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Insights

Recognition

  • Trailblazer, TerraLex (2025)

Education

  • Millsaps College, Business Advantage Program, 2022
  • University of Maryland School of Law, J.D., 2009
  • Clark Atlanta University, B.A., Mass Media Arts/Journalism, magna cum laude, 2005

Credentials

  • Mississippi
  • Maryland
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Mississippi
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Mississippi

Memberships and Affiliations

Professional

    • Mississippi Bar Association
    • Maryland Bar Association
    • Federal Bar Association, Mississippi Chapter - President
    • Charles L. Clark Chapter of the American Inns of Court
    • United States Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panelist - Southern District of Mississippi (2022)
    • Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership - Board of Directors 

Civic

    • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
    • Junior League of Jackson, Mistletoe Marketplace, Merchant Leadership Committee (2022)
    • Clark Atlanta Alumni Association, Mississippi Chapter - President
    • American Diabetes Association, Louisiana and Mississippi Community Leadership Board - Board Member

Related Services