Business Details
Trusted Legal Representation in Mississippi
The Gilliam Firm, PLLC has been a trusted legal advocate for clients in Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas for over two decades. Founded by Vicki L. Gilliam, a seasoned attorney with 28 years of experience in Mississippi and 19 years across Texas and Arkansas, the firm specializes in high-stakes litigation and criminal defense. Our practice spans personal injury, product liability, premises liability, and insurance bad faith cases, with a proven track record of securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Recognized as a Mid-South Super Lawyer and recipient of the Mississippi Association for Justice 'Least Weasel Award,' we combine rigorous legal expertise with a commitment to client-centered representation.Our team's deep involvement in complex civil and criminal matters, including environmental justice cases featured in HBO documentaries, underscores our dedication to justice and community impact. We maintain active memberships in leading legal organizations, including the American Association for Justice and Mississippi Public Defenders Association, while prioritizing transparency, ethical practice, and measurable results for every client.
Services
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Product Liability
Premises Liability
Insurance Bad Faith
Highlights and features
- We have 28 years of legal experience in Mississippi courts.
- Our firm has secured over $25 million in verdicts and settlements.
- Recognized as Mid-South Super Lawyers and Leading Plaintiff Lawyers in America.
- Available for high-profile and complex litigation cases nationwide.
- Committed to ethical practice with active roles in legal reform initiatives.
Services
Personal Injury
We represent clients in personal injury cases resulting from negligence, including catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Our practice secures compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through trials or settlements. With multi-million-dollar verdicts in nursing home abuse and medical malpractice, we combine courtroom tenacity with strategic negotiation to maximize client recovery.
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice handles felony and misdemeanor cases, including capital murder and appeals. With experience as both prosecutor and defender, we challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, and negotiate plea agreements. The firm's founder has tried hundreds of cases and represented clients in high-profile matters, ensuring aggressive advocacy at every stage of litigation.
Product Liability
We pursue claims against manufacturers for dangerous drugs, medical devices, and consumer products causing injury or death. Our investigations identify design flaws, manufacturing defects, and inadequate warnings to hold companies accountable. Successful recoveries include $2.5 million for an automobile seatback failure and multi-million-dollar settlements in pharmaceutical litigation, ensuring clients receive compensation for medical costs and long-term care.
Premises Liability
We advocate for victims injured due to property owner negligence, including slip-and-fall accidents and inadequate security. Our cases address hazardous conditions like poor lighting and unsafe premises maintenance. By proving breach of duty, we recover damages for medical bills and lost income, leveraging experience in wrongful death claims from premises-related incidents.
Insurance Bad Faith
We challenge insurance companies that deny or delay valid claims, including health, auto, and homeowners policies. Our practice addresses breach of contract, unreasonable settlement offers, and policyholder harassment. With experience in bad faith litigation, we secure compensation for denied benefits while holding insurers accountable for deceptive practices that harm policyholders.
People
Vicki L. Gilliam
Owner
Vicki L. Gilliam is a Mississippi-based attorney with 28 years of litigation experience, specializing in personal injury and criminal defense. A Mid-South Super Lawyer and recipient of the Mississippi Association for Justice 'Least Weasel Award,' she has secured over $25 million in verdicts for clients. She holds leadership roles in national legal organizations and frequently speaks on trial practice and ethics.
Melissa Legate
Office Manager
Melissa Legate serves as Office Manager and paralegal at The Gilliam Firm, bringing 17 years of experience in complex litigation support. A Mississippi resident for 40 years, she holds a Paralegal Studies degree from Mississippi College and manages case logistics while ensuring client communication remains seamless throughout legal proceedings.
Questions
What areas of law does The Gilliam Firm specialize in?
We focus on personal injury, criminal defense, product liability, premises liability, and insurance bad faith cases across Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas.
How experienced is The Gilliam Firm in trial litigation?
Our founder has tried hundreds of felony cases, handled over 50 appeals, and secured 14 multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements since 1995.
Can The Gilliam Firm handle cases outside Mississippi?
Yes, we represent clients in Texas, Arkansas, and federal courts nationwide through pro hac vice admissions and multi-jurisdictional practice.
What recognitions has The Gilliam Firm received?
We've been named Mid-South Super Lawyers five times, listed among America's Top Plaintiff Lawyers, and received the Mississippi Association for Justice Trial Lawyer of the Year award.
How does The Gilliam Firm approach client communication?
We prioritize direct attorney access, transparent case updates, and personalized legal strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances and goals.
