We are excited to share that three Butler Snow attorneys have been recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal (MBJ) for the 2023 Leaders in Law and Finance Awards. Ashley N. Wicks, Jahviah D. (J.D.) Cooley and Douglas (Doug) M.Weissinger have all been selected for this notable honor.
Ashley Wicks and JD Cooley were named among the 2023 Leaders in Law and Doug Weissinger is being recognized as one of MBJ’s 2023 Leaders in Finance.
MBJ’s Leaders in Law and Leaders in Finance awards are presented annually. Leaders in Law honorees are recognized as a select group of exceptional individuals who exemplify integrity while upholding the legal profession’s traditions and a proven track record of success in the field. These attorneys are honored not only for their impressive accomplishments but also for their distinct skill sets and character. They are well-known by their peers for inspiring others with a passion for law and dedication to their clients. Leaders in Finance honorees are recognized annually in the banking, investments and accounting industries. They are leaders in their industry, involved in their community and known for their innovative ideas.
The full list of winners can be found here.
Ashley Wicks
Wicks focuses her practice on Public Finance, State and Local Taxation, Tax Credits and Tax. She serves as President of the Butler Snow Foundation and is a member of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusivity Committee. With more than 15 years of experience in public finance and tax matters, Wicks is recognized as a thought leader in her practice leveraging her knowledge to bring critical solutions to her clients. In addition, she frequently speaks on tax and public finance topics at industry conferences and events across the country, including at annual Novogradac conferences.
Wicks is an award-winning attorney consistently recognized for her superior work and service by her clients and peers, including previously being honored by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of the 2022 Leaders in Law, Top 50 Leading Business Women in 2018, and named as a top 10 finalist in MBJ’s Top 50 Under 40 List in 2016. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® since 2020 and Super Lawyers® since 2012. In addition, Wicks has also been voted Best Tax Attorney in the Jackson Free Press’s Best of Jackson since 2018. Her work and civic involvement have also been honored by the American Bar Association, National Bar Association and Visit Jackson, among others.
Wicks is a Fellow of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and American Bar Foundation and a Scholar of the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants. In addition, she is actively involved in several legal and civic organizations, including the American, National, Magnolia, and Capital Bar Associations, as well as the National Association of Bond Lawyers.
JD Cooley
Cooley is a member of Butler Snow’s Business Services group and focuses his practice on corporate, real estate and construction matters. Prior to joining Butler Snow, he clerked for the Honorable James E. Graves, Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Since joining Butler Snow, Cooley has dedicated time to civic organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 100 Black Men of Jackson, MS and MC Law Bar Prep Mentor.
The Mississippi Business Journal has previously recognized Cooley as a 2022 Leader in Law and in the Top 50 Under 40 in 2021. He has also been named by Best Lawyers in America® as One to Watch for Litigation – Construction, Mergers & Acquisitions and Real Estate Law (2021-2023).
JD Cooley is a member of the American, Capital Area and Magnolia Bar Associations and Jackson Young Lawyers. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and his Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law.
Doug Weissinger
Weissinger practices within Butler Snow’s Finance, Real Estate and Restructuring Group. He focuses on financial institutions, with particular emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, securities law and regulatory compliance. He advises his financial institution clients on matters related to the acquisition or sale of existing banks and bank holding companies; the acquisition, sale, establishment and relocation of branch offices; and regulatory compliance matters involving the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and other state regulatory agencies.
The Mississippi Business Journal has previously recognized Weissinger as a 2022 Leader in Finance and he is a Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer.
Weissinger is a member of the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Memphis Bar Associations along with the ABA. He is also a member of the Mississippi and Tennessee Bankers Associations. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law.
