Gay Polk-Payton

Gay Polk-Payton is a dedicated legal professional residing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She earned her admission to the practice of law in Mississippi in September 1996. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master's in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law.

Currently, Gay serves as a Commissioner for the 12th Judicial District with the Mississippi Bar Association. She is actively involved in the Magnolia and American Bar Associations, the Trial Lawyers Association, and the Mississippi Justice Court Judge Association. Additionally, Gay is a member of the Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and has been recognized in the Hall of Fame by the University of Mississippi's Black Law Students' Association and the Council on Legal Education Opportunity's Judges Hall of Fame. She is also a VIP Hall of Fame member of the National Association of Professional Women and a past president of the South Central Mississippi Bar Association.

Professionally, Gay is employed with the Forrest County Justice Court and has served as an elected Judge since 2012. She owns the Polk-Payton Law Office and has previously held roles as an Adjunct Faculty Member with the University of Southern Mississippi's Human Performance and Recreation Department and as Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the University of Mississippi School of Law.

Beyond her legal career, Gay is a talented singer and songwriter. She authored the book "This Has Been A Public Service Announcement" and hosts an internet radio show titled "Gay's PSA." She is licensed to practice law in all Mississippi courts, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.