Department profile
Wise Carter Child & Caraway, Professional Association

Litigation: Appellate

USA Guide 2026 : Mississippi


Wise Carter Child & Caraway, Professional Association

Rankings

About

Provided by Wise Carter Child & Caraway, Professional Association

COMMERCIAL

Wise Carter represents businesses in many contexts including high-exposure litigation and defense of regulatory actions. Understanding Mississippi’s state courts and federal judges enable wise counsel for the best strategy in difficult litigation positions.

GOVERNMENT

An unmatched litigation experience for government entities at all levels. The attorneys work effectively to solve our clients’ problems without litigation, but vigorously seek relief from the courts when the need arises.


RAILROAD

The firm represents commercial transportation entities in compliance, regulatory, contract disputes, and litigation. The attorneys' knowledge of the railroad industry and hands-on experience enable them to provide valuable and efficient services to clients.

HEALTH CARE

The health care practice encompasses the representation of physicians to health care facilities. Providing great success through consultations with healthcare insurers on risk assessment and claim mitigation and intervention activities as well as defense of medical practice litigation.

APPELLATE

The appellate team has a strong background with Mike Wallace, who clerked at the Mississippi and United States Supreme Court, Rebecca Hawkins, briefing dozens of cases in the state and federal systems, and Charles Cowan, who clerked for Judge Grady Jolly of the Fifth Circuit in 2013 - 2014. They are regularly called to assist trial counsel by arguing legal issues and assuring a favorable record for success on appeal.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation: Appellate - Mississippi


What the Team is Known For

Wise Carter Child & Caraway, Professional Association is prominent on rail matters, including whistle-blower claims and investigations throughout the USA. The law firm also has considerable government and Native American law expertise, as well as a quality trial and appellate offering for business contracts, bankruptcy and securities disputes. It is particularly well regarded for its contentious healthcare work, which includes medical malpractice cases.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Wise Carter Child & Caraway defended Vicksburg Healthcare, LLC in a medical malpractice trial, which was settled before appeal.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Wise Carter Child & Caraway distinguishes itself through a combination of deep litigation expertise, strategic thinking and client-centered service. The firm's tactical insight and ability to adjust strategy in real time have been instrumental in helping us navigate a challenging and evolving legal landscape.

    Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA
  • The depth of experience across the attorneys, combined with a collaborative culture, allows the firm to deliver practical, strategic solutions rather than one-size-fits-all advice.

    Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA
  • The team do not simply analyze legal issues in isolation, they take the time to understand the broader business context and provide advice that is strategic, realistic and aligned with client objectives. They are particularly strong in anticipating potential risks and addressing them proactively, rather than reacting after issues escalate.

    Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA
  • The lawyers are always responsive and have the answers. They have never not known something or taken too long getting back to me.

    Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA
  • The biggest strength at Wise Carter is the number of attorneys available with such a vast array of experience in specific areas of law. During their representation, they have been able to efficiently answer, guide and meet our legal needs.

    Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Michael B Wallace
    Band 1Michael B Wallace

    Michael B Wallace

    Michael Wallace is widely known for his expertise in commercial litigation at the trial and appellate levels. He is also recognized for his strength in significant constitutional and public law mandates.
    • What distinguishes Michael is his ability to present complex legal arguments with clarity, confidence and precision. His responsiveness, strategic thinking and ability to engage effectively with the court set him apart. He brought a steady, experienced presence to every step of the litigation process.

      Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA
    • Michael is knowledgeable and responsive; he gets back to me very quickly when I need him.

      Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA
  • Band 4George H. Ritter
    Band 4George H. Ritter

    George H. Ritter

    George Ritter is an expert civil litigator with notable strength in acting for railroads and hospitals. He offers experience in both trial and administrative proceedings, handling matters such as FELA cases and Medicaid reimbursement disputes.
  • Band 5Charles E Cowan
    Band 5Charles E Cowan

    Charles E Cowan

    Charles Cowan has notable experience in representing healthcare, railroad, municipal and financial clients in complex litigation and appellate matters.

    • Charles provides high-quality legal counsel marked by responsiveness and sound judgment.

      Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA
    • I am very pleased with the legal representation provided. Cowan has demonstrated his vast knowledge and experience handling commercial legal matters and has gone above and beyond to be transparent, keeping us informed and educating us along the way.

      Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA
    • His ability to quickly assess risk, identify leverage points and communicate clear options sets him apart. He is also highly responsive and composed under pressure, which is particularly valuable in matters that require both decisiveness and careful judgment.

      Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA
    • Charles is responsive, extremely connected in the legal and business community and is a subject matter expert in terms of local procedure and substantive law.

      Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA
    • Charles's attention to detail, clarity in drafting and ability to distill complex legal arguments into persuasive filings significantly strengthened our case. His work demonstrated not only technical precision but also a deep understanding of the strategic goals of our organization.

      Litigation: Appellate respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Wise Carter Child & Caraway, Professional Association (4)

Mississippi

Members

Provided by Wise Carter Child & Caraway, Professional Association

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