Local Government

Legal counsel for Mississippi municipalities, counties, and public institutions

Mayo Mallette represents local governmental entities across Mississippi, including counties, municipalities, public utility districts, county hospitals, and community colleges. Our attorneys serve as trusted partners for public officials and board counsel, providing both day-to-day legal advice and representation in high-stakes matters.

We routinely advise on governance, real estate, employment, interlocal agreements, zoning, utilities, and annexation. As one of the few firms in Mississippi with experience on both sides of annexation proceedings, we’re well-positioned to handle complex and contested issues as communities grow.

General Counsel and Ongoing Legal Support

Our attorneys work closely with clients to provide clear, timely guidance that supports sound decision-making and helps avoid legal pitfalls.

Mayo Mallette serves as general counsel to local governments and public entities, helping them interpret regulations, manage risk, and navigate legal requirements. We advise boards and department heads on matters such as:

Contract review and drafting
Interlocal cooperation agreements
Code enforcement and compliance
Employment law and internal investigations
Open meetings and public records laws

Zoning and Land Use Disputes

We have represented both governmental entities and private landowners in zoning and land use disputes throughout the state. Our experience includes:

Drafting and defending zoning ordinances
Defending municipal and county zoning decisions
Representing landowners in opposition to municipal decisions
Advising on zoning codes and local planning issues
Managing disputes over nuisance properties or unwanted adjacent uses

These matters often arise quickly and require careful attention to local regulations and stakeholder dynamics. We bring the insight needed to move efficiently through the process.

Annexation

Annexation is a distinct legal area with limited practitioners across Mississippi. Our team has experience representing both municipalities seeking to annex and property owners challenging annexation. We provide full-service representation through planning, trial, and appellate stages.

Real Estate and Property Transactions

We help governmental clients manage real estate matters including:

Purchase and sale of property
Easements and rights-of-way
Tax assessment disputes
Utility certification, transfer, and sale

Our work blends technical precision with an understanding of public purpose and procedural requirements. We’re familiar with the interlocking concerns of elected officials, developers, public boards, and the citizens they serve.