Mr. Richard Lewis "Lew" Yoder, Jr.

Lew is a native of Laurel and a 1994 graduate of Laurel High School. Currently, Lew is a partner with the law firm of Gilchrist Sumrall Yoder Yoder & Leggett, PLLC, in Laurel, Mississippi. Lew’s primary areas of practice are state and federal civil litigation, corporate law, workers compensation defense, school law, employment law, products liability defense, and insurance defense. Lew is a member of the American Bar Association, Mississippi Bar Association, Jones County Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, and the Mississippi School Board Association. Previously, Lew served as the President of the Tri-County Young Lawyers Association. From 2009 through 2014 Lew has been named to the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list. “Rising Stars” comprise the top 2½ percent of attorneys 40 years old or younger and practicing in the three-state region of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee.

Lew is a 1998 graduate of the University of Mississippi, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science. Lew was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and served as its Treasurer for three years. While at Ole Miss, Lew was elected and served as the President of the 1998 Senior Class, was Vice President of Mortar Board Honorary, and also a member of Order of Omega Honorary. As President of the Senior Class, Lew led the drive to build the Grove Stage, now known as the Hederman-Hussey Pavilion. Also, Lew formed the Rebel Ride executive board. The Rebel Ride executive board was the student led initiative which brought alternative transportation to Ole Miss and its students. In addition, he served on the Sesquicentennial Committee, Graduation Committee, Awards of Distinction Committee for two years, and the Student Leaders Council.

Lew later graduated cum laude from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2001. He received the Frances S. Bowling Scholarship in Law, and also served on the Moot Court Executive Board from 2000-2001. He was a member of Phi Delta Phi and also was elected President of the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association, Student Division.

From 2001 to 2009 Lew practiced law in Oxford, Mississippi with the law firm of Holcomb Dunbar, P.A. In 2005, Lew was appointed by the Mayor of the City of Oxford, and confirmed by the Board of Aldermen to serve as a Commissioner on Oxford’s Planning Commission, and later served as the Chairman. Additionally, Lew has had the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors of United Way from 2002 to 2006. In 2003, Lew served as United Way’s Campaign Chairman, and in 2004 was elected and served as President of the Board of Directors. Also, Lew was a member of the National Steering Committee of Ole Miss First, and served as the Chair of the Young Alumni Gifts division. In addition, Lew served on the City of Oxford Transportation Committee, and was a member of the Board of Directors of the University of Mississippi Young Alumni Council. Lew is a graduate of Leadership Mississippi, a leadership program developed and implemented by the Mississippi Economic Council. Currently, Lew is an active member of Laurel’s Rotary Club, and serves as its President. Also, Lew serves on the Board of Directors of Laurel Main Street and the and the Jones County Young Professionals. Additionally, Lew serves on the Board of Directors of the Laurel-Jones County Library, and Lew serves as a Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission of the City of Laurel. The Governor of Mississippi, Phil Bryant appointed Lew to serve on the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation and on the Governor’s Judicial Advisory Committee.

Lew has been extremely active in politics for many years. Lew has worked on Capitol Hill for former Senator Trent Lott. In addition, Lew has been actively involved in numerous political campaigns. In 2006, Lew was asked to become a consultant for Senator John McCain and later that year moved to Washington, D.C., to serve as Director of Legislative Affairs for John McCain’s presidential campaign. While in Oxford, Lew served as Chairman of the Lafayette County Republican Executive Committee. Currently Lew serves as the Chairman of the Jones County Republican Executive Committee. Lew is married to Jade Dunlap Yoder, and they are members of First Baptist Church in Laurel.