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)

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 an attorney 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.

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