BRIDGET HARRIS: A Lifetime Of Law

Having started with Gladden & Ingram in October, 2017, Bridget Harris says the firm is "the ideal place in which to practice law" and "truly, like an extended family."

While the firm has carved out a niche and reputation for its insurance defense work, Bridget says that general litigation is what she primarily does for Gladden & Ingram. "If a case is being litigated, I'm working on it," she says. "If Lee (Gladden) is working on a case, the chances are strong that I'm right there alongside him."

When asked her favorite part of the job, and of her role at Gladden & Ingram, Bridget doesn't hesitate: "I could go on and on--it's hard to narrow down," she laughs. "I came here from a large, corporate firm and the differences are so stark--literally night and day. That goes back to my observation that we're like an extended family, because it's true--it's not a cliche'. I enjoy working with everyone here and every case we handle is collaborative. At Gladden & Ingram, we are always conferring with one another. I believe that camaraderie and chemistry makes us a better firm and stronger representatives for our clients."

Having been an attorney for 21 years, Bridget says she knew Lee Gladden for a couple of years prior to her earning her J.D. "We were in law school together," she recalls, "but became friends because we lived at the same apartment complex and traveled in the same social circles. We were very good friends for a number of years--almost like brother and sister--so it's great that we ended up working together. We had a mutual friend, an attorney, who was close to Lee. When he learned that Lee was looking to hire someone after his law partner, Blayne Ingram, passed away, my name came up. Long story short, this friend of ours suggested that I talk to Lee about the possibility of coming on board. So I picked up the phone. That call led to a meeting with Lee and his wife, Whitney. The fit was apparent after that. Two weeks later, I joined the firm."

A Picayune, MS native who received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi, Bridget also came under the influence of her uncle, the famed Mississippi family law attorney, L.C. James, from whom she learned a great deal. "He was a very well-known and successful divorce attorney in Jackson," says Bridget. "He's the reason I wanted to go into law in the first place, to be honest. I clerked for him while attending Mississippi College School of Law, and eventually went to work for him after graduation. I loved that chapter of my career--he was absolutely brilliant and extremely interesting to be around. I learned so much from him--he was an incredible litigator."

Bridget moved on next to practice corporate law at a large, well-known Jackson firm. "I enjoyed it and certainly learned a lot while there," she says, "but, as a mother, it became harder and harder to balance my practice and familial responsibilities under such stringent requirements that large law firms demand. Because Gladden & Ingram is a boutique defense firm that affords a non-corporate environment, it allows each of us to put our families first.”

Bridget goes on to say how much she enjoys participating in a profession that she loves, while also being able to be a very hands-on mom to her daughter. “We have more freedom regarding our work/life balance at Gladden & Ingram and I truly believe that makes us all better attorneys. It’s the ‘unicorn’ firm!” she laughs.

Having studied psychology in college gives her an advantage as a lawyer and litigator, Bridget says. "I think I can read people better because of my schooling," she says. "Personally, it helps me figure out the 'why' behind actions and motives, and that certainly helps in the courtroom and when preparing our cases. I consider myself an observer. Whether that's just my personality--or my training--I think I can sum up a person fairly accurately in a short amount of time. I’ve honed the ability to 'see' and 'see through,' as well as pick up on nuances."

Though recently rekindling her love for reading (especially as a new admirer of Natchez author, Greg Iles), most of Bridget’s free time is spent on the sidelines of her daughter's soccer games. “I love following my daughter's soccer activities and supporting her," she says. Bridget’s daughter, Avery Kobs, is a Junior at Jackson Academy and has played on the Varsity team since Eighth grade. Avery is also a member of the International Futbol Club 06/07 Premier soccer team, for which Bridget has served as Manager for the past three years. “Club soccer is a year-round activity, so that keeps us both pretty busy,” Bridget says.

Bridget says of the first aforementioned downtime pleasure, "I set a goal for myself to read more books over the last year or so, especially those written by Mississippi authors, and I have gotten hooked on Iles' novels.” Bridget’s original goal was to read twelve books a year. She surpassed that goal in 2021 and is on track to do so again in 2022. In addition to reading and watching her daughter play soccer, Bridget also enjoys filling her downtime with exercise (weightlifting, walking or HIIT), listening to podcasts, or binging a good Netflix series.

Bridget is married to Brent Harris, an offshore production executive, and her family lives in Madison, Mississippi, where they also attend Pinelake Church.

David Lee Gladden, Jr. Named Best Lawyers 2022

Gladden & Ingram is pleased to announce that David Lee Gladden, Jr. was chosen for the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© - Insurance Law.

For over 30 years, Best Lawyers® has been regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States. Inclusion in the Best Lawyers® list is based on a rigorous national survey of leading U. S. attorneys, and Corporate Counsel® magazine has called Best Lawyers® “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.” We are proud that Mr. Gladden was recognized with this distinguished honor.

David Lee Gladden, Jr. - Madison, MS - Lawyer | Best Lawyers

Petition for Writ of Certiorari Denied

The Mississippi Supreme Court denied the Plaintiff’s Petition for Writ of Certiorari on December 1, 2016 mandate in the Premises Liability/Vicious Dog Lawsuit previously reported in which the Circuit Court of Montgomery County granted Summary Judgment to the Defendants and the Mississippi Court of Appeals affirmed. Based on the Courts’ rulings in this case, this will most likely become the seminole case relating to premises liability cases involving a barking/charging dog. The client was certainly pleased with the outcome of this case with the Plaintiff recovering nothing from the Defendants.

Summary Judgment Awarded in Premises Liability/Vicious Dog Lawsuit

David Lee Gladden, Jr. recently obtained summary judgment on behalf of an insured in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, Mississippi.  (order-granting-summary-judgment-filed).  Plaintiff filed her lawsuit seeking $500,000 in damages.  Plaintiff alleged that the insured “maintained an unreasonably dangerous premises” and that the insured “was negligent in positioning and placing and letting the dog be in a position where he could charge Plaintiff, barking at her and startling her” which resulted in Plaintiff tripping over a crack in the driveway and falling.  As a result of the Plaintiff’s fall, she was required to undergo surgery.  Gladden argued that although Plaintiff was an invitee, the crack Plaintiff tripped over was not hidden, was in plain view of the Plaintiff, and the Plaintiff was fully aware of it.  Gladden further argued that irregularities in sidewalks and driveways typically exist and do not constitute an unreasonably dangerous condition.  As such, the insured breached no duty to the Plaintiff.  Gladden also argued that the dog, a ten pound barking Peekapoo on a leash, did not have dangerous propensities and had never attacked or harmed anyone.  After briefing and oral argument, the Court agreed and granted summary judgment in favor of the insured.  The case was appealed to the Court of Appeals which affirmed the Circuit Court’s award of summary judgment. (order-affirming-cir-ct-summary-judgment). A Motion for Reconsideration was filed with the Mississippi Supreme Court which was denied. (decision-letter-8-23-16).

Summary Judgment Awarded in Bad Faith Insurance Claim

David Lee Gladden, Jr. recently obtained summary judgment on behalf of an insurer in the County Court of Rankin County, Mississippi.  The insurer was being sued for fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, gross negligence, negligence, breach of contract and bad faith.  Plaintiff sought an award of $200,000, including punitive damages.  Plaintiff sold a vehicle to the insurer’s insured which was totaled in a one-car accident.  Plaintiff, seeking to recover as a unrecorded lien holder, sought damages from the insurer.  Gladden argued that Plaintiff’s claims against the insurer amounted to a direct action under Mississippi law.  After briefing and oral argument, the Court agreed and granted summary judgment in favor of the insurer.  The case was dismissed and no appeal was filed.  (38-order-granting-summary-judgment).

$1,000,000 Verdict In Premises Security Case Overturned

A recent ruling from the Mississippi Court of Appeals held that the trial court committed a number of errors at trial which resulted in the overturning a $1,000,000 verdict in favor of the Plaintiff in a premises security case tried in Hinds County Circuit Court.  The Court of Appeals decision handed down on April 10, 2012 pointed out several errors regarding the admission of certain evidence during trial, the preclusion of certain evidence during trial, and the preclusion of a jury instruction on contributory negligence.  The case was reversed and remanded for a new trial.

Gladden Successfully Briefed And Argued To The Circuit Court of Madison County

Lee Gladden successfully briefed and argued to the Circuit Court of Madison County his client’s Motion for Summary Judgment based on Plaintiff’s failure to prove the four (4) elements of negligence which was required before the Plaintiff could succeed on her premises liability claim against the Defendant. The Circuit Court of Madison County dismissed Plaintiff’s Complaint.

Gladden Successfully Briefed And Argued To The Circuit Court

Lee Gladden successfully briefed and argued to the Circuit Court of Holmes County, Mississippi which dismissed Plaintiff’s Complaint for wrongful death based on Plaintiff’s failure to file a Notice a Claim prior to filing the lawsuit and based on Plaintiff’s failure to exhaust administrative remedies prior to filing the lawsuit.

Gladden Successfully Briefed And Argued For A Dismissal

Lee Gladden successfully briefed and argued for a dismissal of Plaintiff’s wrongful death Complaint filed against his client based on Plaintiff’s failure to comply with numerous court orders and failing to timely prosecute Plaintiff’s claims. The Circuit Court of Hinds County, Mississippi, granted Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss with prejudice dismissing Plaintiff’s claims in their entirety pursuant to Rule 41(b) of the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure.

Gladden Was Successful In Litigation

Lee Gladden was successful in litigation on behalf of one of his clients against a foreign elevator manufacturer for damages relating to faulty equipment installed in a commercial building resulting in a substantial settlement prior to trial.

Gladden Was Successful In Obtaining a Judgment

Lee Gladden was successful in obtaining a judgment for money damages and attorneys’ fees against a national sports talk radio show for the show’s failure to honor the advertising and radio talk show contract entered into with his client.

Gladden Successfully Argued to the Circuit Court

Lee Gladden successfully argued to the Circuit Court of Lamar County who dismissed Plaintiff’s Complaint against his client holding that the tortfeasor was not uninsured or underinsured pursuant to Mississippi law thereby preventing the Plaintiff from pursuing a claim against his own insurance company for UM/UIM benefits.

Gladden Teams with Tennessee Attorney

Lee Gladden teams with Tennessee attorney to defend a products liability suit involving his client which resulted in a voluntary non-suit dismissal being entered.

Gladden Successfully Defended a Commercial Ag Pilot

Lee Gladden successfully defended a commercial Ag Pilot against the FAA who was seeking an enforcement action to suspend the license of his client.

Gladden Teamed With an Indiana Attorney

Lee Gladden teamed with an Indiana attorney to obtain a dismissal with prejudice of a Defendant foreign helmet manufacturer on the grounds that the Plaintiff failed to establish that the Defendant foreign helmet manufacturer had minimum contacts with the forum state and therefore failed to properly assert personal jurisdiction over the Defendant.

Gladden Teamed With a Louisiana Attorney

Lee Gladden teamed with a Louisiana attorney to obtain summary judgment on behalf of a Defendant helmet manufacturer based upon a finding that the Plaintiff was barred from recovery pursuant to R.S. 9:2798.4.  At the time of the accident the Plaintiff’s blood alcohol level was 0.17% and the Judge determined during summary judgment proceedings that a reasonable juror could only find the Plaintiff at least 25% at fault thereby precluding any recovery pursuant to R.S. 9:2798.4.