Jackson Free Press

On New Year's Day, Michele Purvis Harris becomes both the first female and the first African American to serve as public defender for Hinds County. Senior Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green appointed Purvis Harris, the present special assistant city attorney for Jackson, on Nov. 18. Purvis Harris replaces William LaBarre, who was public defender since October 2005. She is already thinking of what she intends to do when she is officially appointed.

"I plan on trying to evaluate the office," Purvis Harris said. "We plan on delivering the best representation to our clients."

Purvis Harris, a Mt. Olive native, is a 1984 Jackson State University graduate. She also attended University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating in 1987. She is married to Melvin Harris and has a daughter, Madison. Purvis Harris has nearly 25 years of experience practicing law, including 16 years in criminal prosecution and acting as a law-enforcement counsel. She is also the former Jackson chief city prosecutor. She began her law career with Legal Services Corp. and worked in its north and central Mississippi offices.

"There were several really impressive candidates for the public defender's position," Judge Green said. "Michele stood out due to her wide array of experience. Her intelligence, integrity and experience as an assistant district attorney uniquely qualify her for the job as public defender."

The public defender office has a four-year term and is subject to reappointment by the senior circuit court judge.