About Bud Sheppard | Jackson MS Attorney

James “Bud” Sheppard

Founder & Managing Attorney

Bud Sheppard, a Jackson native who frequents the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is the Founder of Sheppard Law Firm, P.A., a firm dedicated to personal injury, criminal defense, contracts, landlord-tenant disputes, and estate planning. The firm is committed to achieving client satisfaction and carries the motto “Go Where the Injured Go!”

Before founding Sheppard Law Firm, Bud was an Associate Attorney at Porter & Malouf, P.A., focusing on multidistrict litigation and personal injury. He clerked for the Honorable Taylor B. McNeel on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

He graduated magna cum laude from Mississippi College School of Law in 2021, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Mississippi College Law Review, leading the publication of Volume 39 and receiving the Best Comment Award for his article “The Dormant Right to Plant-Based Food.” While in law school, Bud also interned for the Honorable Cory T. Wilson on the Mississippi Court of Appeals and Mississippi State Treasurer David McRae. He received numerous litigation awards for his Moot Court Board activity.

Bud earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Latin from Loyola University New Orleans, where he served as Student Body President and Chief Justice of the student body.

MS College School of Law — Magna Cum Laude Loyola University New Orleans MSB #106337 JYL Outstanding Young Lawyer 2022 MAJ Board of Governors & YLD President Boys & Girls Clubs Board

Community & Leadership

Active in Jackson’s Legal & Civic Community

Jackson Young Lawyers

Served as Treasurer of the Jackson Young Lawyers Association, earning JYL’s Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award in 2022.

Magnolia Club

Founded the Magnolia Club, a social network focused on advancing the city of Jackson and the state of Mississippi.

Boys & Girls Clubs

Serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi. Named 2025 Board Member of the Year.

Mississippi Association for Justice

Serves on the Board of Governors of MAJ, representing Hinds County. Also serves as Young Lawyers Division President.

Phoenix Club of Jackson

Past President and Board of Trustees member for the Phoenix Club of Jackson.

Leadership Mississippi Bar

Member of the 2023–2024 Leadership Mississippi Bar class.

Our Heritage

A Legacy Rooted in Jackson Since the 1950s

Sheppard Law Firm is more than just a legal practice — it’s a continuation of a legacy deeply rooted in Jackson, Mississippi. Our ties to the Jackson community date back to the 1950s, reflecting a heritage of service and commitment that spans over 70 years.

The Sheppard family’s story in Jackson began with Bud’s father and his brother, who established the Sheppard companies in the mid-20th century. They were pioneers in the real estate and building supply industries, creating suburban offices and housing developments that set new standards in the region. In 1950, Sheppard and Company opened its first office in the city, followed by Sheppard Homes Inc., which was built a year and a half later.

Sheppard Building Supply, founded in 1955, became one of the largest building supply firms in the South, serving not only Mississippi but also neighboring states. The company’s extensive inventory and innovative practices positioned it as a leader in the industry.

The firm’s mascot, “Buddy Builder,” became a recognizable symbol of quality and reliability. The Sheppard enterprises grew and prospered through a commitment to community service and quality. They built homes for more than 800 families and provided employment opportunities for many Jackson residents.

“Our connection to Jackson is not just professional but deeply personal. We understand the community’s needs and are committed to making a positive impact, just as the Sheppard family has done for decades. At Sheppard Law Firm, we honor our heritage while forging a new path forward, dedicated to achieving justice and satisfaction for our clients.”

— Bud Sheppard

Family & Community

Rooted in Mississippi

Bud and his wife, Emily, recently welcomed their firstborn son, beginning a new chapter for the Sheppard family in Jackson. Outside of the courtroom, Bud is deeply committed to giving back to the community that raised him — through civic leadership, mentorship, and continuing the family tradition of service that began decades ago.

At Sheppard Law Firm, every client is treated like family. That’s not just a slogan — it’s a reflection of how Bud was raised and how he runs his practice.

Who We Are

Meet Sheppard Law Firm