Butler Snow LLP is pleased to announce that attorney Charity W. Karanja has been named an “On the Rise in Mississippi” honoree as part of the 2026 Southeastern Legal Awards, presented by ALM’s Law.com and the Daily Report.
The Southeastern Legal Awards recognize attorneys across the region who are making a significant impact in the legal profession and their communities. The “On the Rise” category specifically honors top young lawyers who are demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to the practice of law early in their careers.
“We are thrilled to see Charity recognized as an ‘On the Rise’ honoree,” said Christopher R. Maddux, chair of Butler Snow. “She brings energy, insight, and a strong commitment to client service, and this recognition reflects both her professional accomplishments and her leadership within the firm and broader community.”
Charity W. Karanja
Karanja is a member of Butler Snow’s Public Finance, Tax Incentives and Credit Markets Group, where her practice focuses on public finance, economic development incentives, and government relations. She has served in multiple roles on public, private, and public-private finance transactions, representing both governmental and private organizations in a variety of financing structures, including new market tax credit (NMTC) transactions.
A Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) through the Council of Development Finance Agencies, Karanja has been recognized nationally for her leadership in the field, including being named one of six women selected for the 2024 Class of the Caren S. Franzini Fellowship, a merit-based program honoring rising leaders in development finance.
Karanja is actively involved in professional and civic organizations, including the National Association of Bond Lawyers, Women in Public Finance, and the Government Finance Officers Association. She is also a member of the Women in Public Finance Emerging Leaders Council and the Mississippi Bar Leadership Program. In addition to her legal practice, Karanja frequently contributes to industry thought leadership, presenting at conferences such as the CDFA National Development Finance Summit and authoring articles on topics including financing tools for housing development.
Her professional accomplishments have earned her recognition from several industry organizations and publications, including The Bond Buyer Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers® Mid-South Rising Stars, Marquis Who’s Who in America and The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.
Karanja earned her bachelor’s degree from the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
