By Scott Thompson
Julie Jarrell Gresham (JD 01) was announced as the 2024 Law Alumna of the Year at the University of Mississippi School of Law luncheon. The Law Alumni Chapter of the Ole Miss Alumni Association annually presents this award to an alum of the law school who dedicates encouragement of excellence in legal education, evidenced by active participation as an alum, by a major commitment of support and by unswerving loyalty to the school.
A native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Gresham earned her bachelor’s degree in speech communication with highest honors in 1998 at the University of Southern Mississippi before obtaining her law degree. As a law student, she was editor-in-chief of the Mississippi Law Journal, an executive officer on the Moot Court Board, participated in the school’s clinical programs and graduated cum laude.
Following law school, Gresham joined Balch & Bingham, where she practiced for six years. In 2007, she joined Brunini and became a partner practicing commercial litigation. During her term at Brunini, she also took time to serve as a communications consultant with the Communication Counsel of America. In this role, she prepared witnesses for Congressional hearings and worked with various companies to develop crisis communication plans. In 2014, Gresham began her journey with Huntington Ingalls Industries, when she was hired as senior counsel and director of compliance. Four years later, she took on the role of assistant general counsel and director of compliance and privacy. In 2021, Gresham became deputy chief counsel and director of compliance and privacy. In 2023, she was elevated to vice president and chief counsel following the retirement of her mentor George Simmerman (JD 83).
The University of Mississippi School of Law alumni luncheon took place in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Bar at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in July.