Circuit Judge T. Michael Reed took the ceremonial oath of office before a packed courtroom in Hattiesburg on Monday.
Gov. Tate Reeves, who appointed Reed, told the standing-room-only crowd, “I’m convinced and I know that some of you are as well, that he is an excellent choice for this position.”
The Governor said that he was impressed with Reed’s legal experience, which included service as a municipal prosecutor and municipal judge. He also praised the new judge’s commitment to his family and his community.
Reeves said, “Whether in state court or in federal court, Judge Reed has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and to delivering justice to victims. I know that he is going to bring that same tenacity to this position and I know that the 12th Circuit and our state are lucky to have him in this new role.”
Reed, 56, began his law practice in Hattiesburg in1998. He served as Petal City Prosecutor 2000–2017 and as Municipal Court Judge for Petal 2017–2025. He also was a public defender for the City of Petal in his early career. He served as Board Attorney for the Richton School District 1998-2021. He served as municipal prosecutor for the town of Richton 2008 – 2021, attorney for the town of Richton 2010 – 2021, and later as Richton Municipal Judge.
Hattiesburg City Councilman Dave Ware, a close personal friend for more than three decades, said he has observed Judge Reed as a husband, father, trusted friend and respected attorney. “It is his compassion and empathy coupled with commitment to hold people accountable for their actions that make him an excellent judicial choice.”
Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker said, “If you live in Hattiesburg, you can count Judge Reed as a friend, and long before today, you have seen his family” at school functions, on soccer fields and as supporters of numerous causes. “You are a better community and a better people” because of the Reed family.
Reed thanked Reeves for the appointment. He said, “I pledge to you to do my best every single day to see that justice is done fairly, but firmly.”
He reflected on Mississippi’s gains in education, accomplished with community support. He spoke about gun violence among youth, and challenged everyone to mentor young people. “Everyone in this room can be a mentor to a young boy or girl. It costs basically nothing. My prayer and my hope today is that each of you will invest your time and energy in our youth….Now is the time for each of you to pay society back. Volunteer at church. Volunteer at a boys or girls club. Volunteer at your local school.”
Reed said that he had many to thank. “First and most important is the good Lord above, our savior Jesus Christ.” He thanked his wife Heather, whom he called “the rock of our family. She is the glue that holds our family together” while he practiced law for 27 years. He thanked their three daughters for how they handled “with grace and dignity” the soccer matches and dance programs that he missed. He said, “This new position is a new job for me, but it will never compare to the job of being a girl dad, and I love you.”
He recognized three people who have passed away. The late attorney T. Jack Riley gave him office space and clients in 1998, and taught him about practicing law. He spoke lovingly of his stepfather, the late Horace “Jim” Malone, “the only Dad I’ve ever known,” and his late mother, Jorita Reed Malone, who took great joy in learning about his judicial appointment. She died five days after the appointment was announced. “Gov. Reeves, you brightened my mom’s day there at the very end.”
He thanked his predecessor and mentor, retired Circuit Judge Robert Helfrich, for 41 years of public service. He noted that Judge Helfrich started an intervention court in 2003. “I can tell you that as a criminal defense lawyer, I had numerous clients go through drug court, many of them that I didn’t think there was a hope and a prayer for them, and now they are wonderful, productive people of this community.”
Reeves appointed Reed to the Circuit Court after Helfrich retired on June 30. Reed will serve out the term in the district which includes Forrest and Perry counties.
Helfrich swore in Reed earlier so that he could begin work at the start of his term on July 1, and administered the ceremonial oath at the Aug. 11 investiture. It is traditional to hold an investiture ceremony at a later time.
The Governor thanked Helfrich for his service, saying that he has “gone above and beyond” as Circuit Judge. “He has not only made his community proud, but he has made our state proud….We wish you a very healthy and happy retirement.”
Reeves said, “There are quite a few judges in this room but I think that we can all agree it is a fact that our judicial system is made better when people of the quality of Judge Reed are willing to take on these responsibilities.”
Reeves acknowledged in the audience Pine Belt area judges whom he appointed during the past five and one-half years. He said, “I must tell you that it’s one of those things that I take extremely, extremely serious because of the role that the judicial branch plays in our society and particularly in our communities. And so to find the right people to fill these positions, some of whom, many of whom actually, are in this room today that I’ve had an opportunity to appoint to the bench – I want you to know that I take this extremely seriously and that’s why I’m incredibly proud to be here with you at the investiture of Michael Reed, who I’ve appointed to serve the 12th Circuit Court District as Circuit Judge.”
The Governor also praised the courage of law enforcement and thanked them for their service. “It is these individuals who courageously and tirelessly deter crime and put criminals where they belong, and that is behind bars. That is why I appointed Judge Reed, and that is why I will take every opportunity to continue appointing judges who recognize the importance of public safety and who will uphold the rule of law.”
