Where other attorneys may appear cold or distant, Elizabeth Porter values authenticity and connection as she serves clients from all walks of life. She believes that every story matters, and she works to enrich the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Make no mistake. Elizabeth Porter is a fighter. A powerful advocate with an arsenal of expertise. An intense, experienced ally. If she and her team are in your corner, then you’re equipped for the fight ahead.

A Hattiesburg native, Elizabeth graduated from Presbyterian Christian High School then went on to the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in financial planning and minored in child and family studies. In 2006, she received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Mississippi College School of Law where she participated as an officer in the Law Student Bar Association and the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity.

Elizabeth first served as an Assistant District Attorney, specifically prosecuting crimes against women and children in the 15th Circuit Court District. Later as Chief Public Defender in Forrest County, Elizabeth represented persons charged with crimes ranging from grand larceny to capital murder. Elizabeth opened her law practice in Hattiesburg, MS, in 2010, and has since advocated for children and families in both youth and chancery court.

• Signature Magazine’s Best of the Pine Belt (Best Attorney 8 Years and counting)
• Mississippi Bar Association Board of Bar Commissioners
• Hattiesburg American Top 20 under 40 (2015)
• Southern Miss Greek Alumni Hall of Fame
• Graduate of the Mississippi Bar’s Leadership Forum
• Recognized by Southwest Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center (2009)
• Mississippi Center for Legal Services Board of Directors (2016 – 2017)
• Domestic Abuse Family Shelter Board of Directors
• Mississippi Public Defenders Association Board of Directors (2014 – 2017)
• Sales and Marketing Professional Pinnacle Finalist (2019)

Ted Cummins serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Porter Law Group, PLLC, bringing extensive experience in both the practice of law and executive leadership in the legal industry.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics, from Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from New England School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts, where he graduated cum laude. During law school, he was recognized as a New England Scholar, served on the New England Law Review, and was honored as Case and Note Editor of the Year. He was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 2005. He is also admitted to practice in the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of Tennessee.

Ted’s experience in the practice of law has been in the areas of real estate, bankruptcy (representing mortgage creditors), and personal injury. Ted has served on executive leadership, where he oversaw firm operations, strategic initiatives, and organizational management. 

As Chief Operating Officer of Porter Law Group, PLLC, Ted is responsible for directing the firm’s administrative and business functions, supporting the attorneys and staff, and ensuring the delivery of efficient, high-quality services to the firm’s clients. His combined background in finance, law, and executive leadership uniquely positions him to continue to advance the firm’s mission and long-term success. He is guided by a steadfast commitment to excellence, integrity, and client service.

Michael W. McPhail is the former judge of the County and Youth Courts of Forrest County, Mississippi, having served for thirty-four and a half years prior to his retirement in 2018. Mike is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association, the Mississippi Conference of Trial and Appellate Judges, and the Mississippi Council of Senior Status Judges. Mike received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a juris doctor degree with distinction from the from the Mississippi College School of Law. In addition, he has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Council of County Court Judges for the State of Mississippi, the Mississippi Commission on a Uniform Youth Court System, the Children’s Justice Act Task Force for the State of Mississippi, and the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee for the State of Mississippi. Mike has served on the National Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Boards of the Salvation Army, TSA Boys and Girls Club, PACE Headstart Program, the Board of Governors for the Mississippi Judicial College, the Mississippi Families for Kids, the Right to Succeed, Inc., Excel by Five, and the Human Right Committee at the Ellisville State School for the Mentally Retarded. He has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Judicial Service Award presented by Mississippi Families for Kids, Lookin’ to the Future Award presented by the Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, and the State Youth Services Award. During Mike’s tenure as Youth Court Judge, Forrest County was selected as one of the first of four locations to receive a national grant from Zero to Three for a maltreatment and Infants and Toddlers model court project.

A proud Hattiesburg native, Maggie Monroe is an attorney at Porter Law Group where she focuses her practice on family law. Known for her practical insight and steady presence in difficult cases, Maggie is passionate about protecting her clients’ rights and helping families navigate complicated legal issues with clarity and compassion.

 Maggie graduated from Oak Grove High School and went on to earn her degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she majored in International Business and minored in Spanish. She was honored with the Outstanding Student in International Business Award, given to the top student in her major. While still in college, she began working at Porter Law Group and gained early hands-on experience and mentorship under Elizabeth Porter, who has guided her growth since day one.

 She went on to earn her law degree from Mississippi College School of Law, where she excelled in both the Guardian ad Litem and Advanced Child Advocacy clinics. These experiences solidified her commitment to child-focused legal work and gave her the tools to navigate high-conflict family matters with empathy and effectiveness.

 Since returning to Hattiesburg in 2024, Maggie has built a reputation as a dedicated and compassionate advocate. Whether in the courtroom or working directly with clients, she brings a calm, steady presence and a focused commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Her practice includes complex divorce and custody matters, criminal defense, and appointments as a Guardian ad Litem in chancery court.

Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Kristen Ray is a law clerk at Porter Law Group specializing in family law cases. With years of experience working in the family court system, she uses her knowledge to best serve the families of the Pine Belt as they navigate the difficulties that arise in both Chancery and Youth Court. 

After graduation from Tuscaloosa County High School, Kristen attended Mississippi State University before ultimately transferring to The University of Southern Mississippi where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in political science with a minor in history.  

After graduation, she began working in the Forrest County Prosecutor’s Office as the Youth Court Case Manager. During her tenure there, she learned the complex innerworkings of the Youth Court system in Mississippi. Her desire is to help the children and families of Mississippi have a positive environment in which to flourish. 

After several years with the Prosecutor’s Office, Kristen attended Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson, MS and received her Doctor of Jurisprudence. While at MC Law, she heavily participated in the Guardian ad Litem and Advanced Child Advocacy Clinics, furthering her knowledge of Chancery Court procedures in Mississippi and teaching her the skills necessary to handle high stress situations and cases involving children during divorce and custody disputes.

Kelly received her undergraduate degree from Belhaven University and earned her law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 2006. 

With over 19 years of experience, Kelly is a seasoned litigation attorney with a diverse practice spanning civil and criminal law, trial, and appellate advocacy. Kelly is licensed in Mississippi state and federal courts. She brings a deep and strategic understanding to every case, with a proven record.

Kelly has assisted clients in a broad range of domestic and family law matters, to include extensive practice in Youth Courts, as well as wills and estates and probate matters. Her depth of knowledge in the interplay between state and federal child protection laws also led her to serve for five years as a Special Youth Court Judge.

Kelly’s civil litigation experience includes complex trucking litigation, civil rights matters, business disputes, and defending clients in government forfeiture actions, particularly involving digital currency and asset seizures. She also advises on regulatory compliance in highly regulated sectors. Her litigation experience extends to both plaintiff and defense representation, giving her a balanced and tactical perspective in high-stakes disputes.

In criminal law, Kelly has represented individuals and entities at every stage, from investigation to appeal. 

A skilled appellate advocate, Kelly has argued before the Mississippi Supreme Court, the Mississippi Court of Appeals, and has practiced at the United States Supreme Court level. She is licensed to practice in all Mississippi and is admitted to all state and federal courts.

Kelly is committed to shaping the next generation of legal professionals and has served as an Adjunct Professor at Mississippi College School of Law and serves as a Board Member of the Madison County Bar Association.

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