Before Edney even left her lucrative position with Brunini
, Grantham, Grower & Hughes, PLLC to head up the project, she spent much of her time carefully going through Mississippi's list of attorneys in search of those who would be willing to represent those who could not afford legal services. Especially in Mississippi's Delta area, access to legal services is challenging at best and even then, it's often too costly for these residents. Her goal was to close those vulnerabilities. It was only natural she would then trade in her nine to five for a position that likely requires not only a huge time contribution, but a bit of her soul as well. She does so eagerly and with great pride.Edney, after accepting the position of General Counsel of the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, agreed to remain for twenty four months, at which time, she may return to her previous position or remain with the project. Her firm supports her decision and is committed both financially and with legal services. Her goal, simply put, is to increase pro bono participation.
After graduating from Alcorn State University, La'Verne received her JD from Mississippi College School of Law. She is a member of the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association, Leadership Jackson and has served on the Board of Mississippi Families as Allies for Children's Mental Health, Inc. Currently, she serves simultaneously on several other boards and was recently chosen as one of the top leading business women in Mississippi by Mississippi Business Journal.
For now, Edney is focusing all of her time and energy on this latest project while also working with the many clients who seek legal guidance. With La'Verne Edney, they receive far more than just guidance - they receive hope and the commitment level of both Edney and everyone else associated with the project which is what the legal profession should always be centered around. As Edney has said, ''Good lawyers can make time to do it all.''
