General Information
Overview
Content is provided by the firm.
Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A. was formed in 1985, specializing primarily in oil and gas law, insurance, and defense litigation. A merger in 1994 with an experienced tax-law firm brought expertise in taxation, employee benefits, estate planning, and probate. Today, CCTB has grown to over forty attorneys and has expanded its practice areas to include corporate and general business, banking, environmental, bankruptcy, general litigation, securities, mergers and acquisitions, healthcare, and labor and employment law. CCTB's clients range from the local to the national, and include corporations and insurance companies, oil and gas interests, healthcare providers, financial institutions, manufacturers, and other major businesses and industries.
CCTB is a Mississippi firm. Its attorneys grew up in many small towns across the state of Mississippi. Those small-town backgrounds influence CCTB's style of serving clients' needs with commitment to quality while keeping an eye on the bottom line. Hometown ties also give CCTB attorneys an advantage in their legal work throughout the state. General knowledge of a town or region and established relationships with local residents, businesses, lawyers, and government personnel bring ease and familiarity to a project, often helping to avoid time-consuming delays and other obstacles.
The firm's litigation team has a long record of success, both in defending actions in state and federal trial courts and in handling appeals to state and federal appellate courts. CCTB's natural resources attorneys are widely recognized as being among the premier oil and gas lawyers in the state. CCTB's business and tax attorneys have over 100 years’ cumulative experience in business and taxation matters.
A progressive, full service law firm, CCTB continually seeks to increase its knowledge, experience, and resources to provide its clients with the services they desire and deserve. Evidence of CCTB's commitment to quality and efficiency is the firm's new office building that includes advanced telecommunications, the latest in legal research technology, and conference facilities.
Whether the client is an individual, a small business, or a large corporation, CCTB attorneys offer legal services with emphasis on quality, professionalism, client service, and efficiency.
Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush is a member of the prestigious USLAW NETWORK, a national organization of 55 member firms in 41 states. Each of the members of USLAW is a Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated firm. USLAW NETWORK membership affords Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush lawyers national access to superb lawyers in other jurisdictions, which provides the clients of Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush the benefits and resources of a national firm. In the event any client requires representation in other jurisdictions, or briefing on the laws in other jurisdictions, the members of USLAW NETWORK are ready, willing and able to serve Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush.
CCTB is a Mississippi firm. Its attorneys grew up in many small towns across the state of Mississippi. Those small-town backgrounds influence CCTB's style of serving clients' needs with commitment to quality while keeping an eye on the bottom line. Hometown ties also give CCTB attorneys an advantage in their legal work throughout the state. General knowledge of a town or region and established relationships with local residents, businesses, lawyers, and government personnel bring ease and familiarity to a project, often helping to avoid time-consuming delays and other obstacles.
The firm's litigation team has a long record of success, both in defending actions in state and federal trial courts and in handling appeals to state and federal appellate courts. CCTB's natural resources attorneys are widely recognized as being among the premier oil and gas lawyers in the state. CCTB's business and tax attorneys have over 100 years’ cumulative experience in business and taxation matters.
A progressive, full service law firm, CCTB continually seeks to increase its knowledge, experience, and resources to provide its clients with the services they desire and deserve. Evidence of CCTB's commitment to quality and efficiency is the firm's new office building that includes advanced telecommunications, the latest in legal research technology, and conference facilities.
Whether the client is an individual, a small business, or a large corporation, CCTB attorneys offer legal services with emphasis on quality, professionalism, client service, and efficiency.
Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush is a member of the prestigious USLAW NETWORK, a national organization of 55 member firms in 41 states. Each of the members of USLAW is a Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated firm. USLAW NETWORK membership affords Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush lawyers national access to superb lawyers in other jurisdictions, which provides the clients of Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush the benefits and resources of a national firm. In the event any client requires representation in other jurisdictions, or briefing on the laws in other jurisdictions, the members of USLAW NETWORK are ready, willing and able to serve Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush.
Rankings
Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A. is metro ranked in 16 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.
Read how Best Law Firms ranks firmsMetro Rankings
Gulfport
Tier 1 for Insurance Law
Tier 1 for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier 1 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Jackson-MS
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Highlighted Client Comments
All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush is skilled and dedicated to successful outcomes for their clients. Their success rate in cases worked for us has been consistently high.
Commercial Litigation
My company was involved in a contract dispute with a large publicly traded firm out of New York. Nick Thompson with the Hattiesburg , MS office of Copeland Cook represented us. We were very pleased with the attention to detail that Nick gave our matter. He was fully engaged on our team. a strong advocate of our position and an attentive counselor which ultimately lead to a satisfactory conclusion to our dispute. We would absolutely use Copeland Cook again and would highly recommend them if needed.
Elizabeth Strickland
– York Developments
Transportation Law
I have dealt with the firm on a couple of large crash cases and have been impressed with their ability to handle the matter.
Ray Lloyd
– Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation
Insurance Law
All attorneys that I deal with at CCTB are responsive, professional, high experience, and thorough. Those working both insurance defense and insurance coverage know their business and reach excellent results.
Jerry Terry
– Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Ins. Co.
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
This firm is comprised of very accomplished trial attorneys. They are very good at developing defense strategies that are beneficial to both cost and ultimate resolution.
Tate Dickey
– Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Ins. Co.
Transportation Law
Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush is an outstanding law firm with outstanding lawyers. They are extremely responsive, very knowledgeable, and excellent negotiators. Highly recommend!
Litigation - Insurance
The Gulfport office of Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush have been defending civil tort claims act cases for the Mississippi Tort Claims Board for about 28 years. Specifically, attorneys Bill Whitfield and Kaara Lind. Together as a team, they have provided excellent defense representation and counsel over these many years. They will certainly continue to represent us in civil defense in the years to come.
Bruce Donaldson
– Tort Claims Board
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
I have worked with Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush for approximatley 15 years in the area of GL, and Workers Compensation. The attorney's, as well as their support staff, are always Professional, Efficient, and Responsive to our needs. When I have questions, or doubts, they are always available to listen, and provide guidance, and direction. During this lengthy relationship, together, we have built a strong understanding of the expectations, between the attorney and client.
Tony Vanderslice
– Gulfside Casino Partnershp d/b/a Island View Casino
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
They are a great firm to work with. They respond to requests timely. We obtain great results for our client. I would recommend them to insurance carriers and TPA's
Howard N. Semegran
– Sedgwick CMS
Oil and Gas Law
Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush consistently offers expert advice and guidance to the O&G industry. Their deep knowledge of the industry and practical guidance in navigating new development in Mississippi is unmatched!
Trey Brantley
– Shell E&P Company
Commercial Litigation
Christopher Meredith is the best. He is very responsive and explains what our best options are based on the situation. I would recommend him for Mortgage FC issues as well. He has been very instrumental in working through all aspects of problem foreclosures.
Lisa Matney
– Hope Enterprise Corporation
Oil and Gas Law
For over 20 years I have worked closely with the attorneys at Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush on a variety of legal matters including Oil and Gas Law and several litigation matters. Deep knowledge of the subject matter and high-quality, expeditious drafting. Oil and Gas Law is one of the firm's specialties and they truly are experts in this area of the law. I consider them excellent/superior in all aspects of Oil and Gas Law from title work to acquisitions & divestitures, financing transactions, and litigation. If you are recommending an out of state attorney to a client, this firm should be on the final list.
Mike Pumphrey
– Tellus Operating Group, LLC
Natural Resources Law
Great attorneys and good people too.
Mike Quick
– Venture Oil and Gas, Inc.
Energy Law
For over 20 years I have worked closely with the attorneys at Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush on a variety of legal matters including Energy Law and several litigation matters. The level of service is on par and at times well above the service received from the national law firms we do business with. Deep knowledge of the subject matter and high-quality, expeditious drafting.
Mike Pumphrey
– Tellus Operating Group, LLC
Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
I have worked with Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush for approximatley 15 years in the area of GL, and Workers Compensation. The attorney's, as well as their support staff, are always Professional, Efficient, and Responsive to our needs. When I have questions, or doubts, they are always available to listen, and provide guidance, and direction. During this lengthy relationship, together, we have built a strong understanding of the expectations, between the attorney and client.
Tony Vanderslice
– Gulfside Casino Partnershp d/b/a Island View Casino
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
The overwhelming majority of civil defense handled by Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush on our behalf involves personal injury litigation. Defending state agencies under the provisions of the Mississippi Tort Claims Act. Bill Whitfield and Kaara Lind are both board approved defense attorneys and have defended numerous civil cases over the many years with very satisfying results.
Litigation - Insurance
I have trusted Copeland, Cook, Taylor, & Bush with our Insurance Coverage work and Defense Litigation work for my entire 30 years in Insurance Claims Management. The attorney's at CCTB are intelligent, professional, attentive, prompt.
Jerry Terry
– Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Ins. Co.
Commercial Litigation
We have used Nick Thompson at Copeland in the Hattiesburg office for several matters. We have full confidence in him and his abilities. We have been very satisfied with the outcomes that Nick helped us attain.
Elizabeth Strickland
– York Developments
Transportation Law
The firm has been used by Carroll Fulmer Logistics before I came onboard. Since being involved in the litigation process, I have been impressed with the firm. Recently, I employed the firm to defend the company in a lawsuit. The attorney's (Jim Moore and Landon Kidd) were very professional and worked tirelessly to provide us with the greatest of service. I have been pleased to use the firm in the past and I will definitely us them in the future.
Ray Lloyd
– Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation
Litigation - Insurance
We have litigated Transportation numerous matters out of the Gulfport and Jackson MS areas . The attorneys handling were Bill McDonough and Mark Carlson respectively. Both counsel showed the expertise to successfully deal with complicated large exposure Transportation Matters in a timely and responsive manner for the company and our insureds.
Bill Benson
– Nationwide Ins. Co.
Insurance Law
I have trusted Copeland, Cook, Taylor, & Bush with our Insurance Coverage work and Defense Litigation work for my entire 30 years in Insurance Claims Management. The attorney's at CCTB are intelligent, professional, attentive, prompt.
Jerry Terry
– Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Ins. Co.
Commercial Litigation
I used Barry D. Hassell of Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush to help guide me in real estate litigation. The issue he assisted me with was complex involving the title company, along with state and federal agencies. This is not my first time needing needing legal advise/representation so I have had both good and bad experiences. I can say that Barry is the best attorney I have ever retained. His knowledge and insight on how to get issues moving forward is incredible. This not only works for the client in cost effectiveness but also in reaching desired outcomes. I would highly recommend him to anyone!
Keith Short
– Olympus Construction
Rankings
Regional Rankings
Gulfport
Tier 1 for Insurance Law
Tier 1 for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier 1 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Jackson-MS
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 1 for Energy Law
Tier 1 for Insurance Law
Tier 1 for Litigation - Insurance
Tier 1 for Natural Resources Law
Tier 1 for Oil and Gas Law
Tier 1 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Transportation Law
Tier 2 for Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier 2 for Employment Law - Management
Tier 2 for Litigation - Environmental
Tier 2 for Water Law
Tier 3 for Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier 3 for Litigation - Labor and Employment
Practice Areas
The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.
- Appellate Practice
- Arbitration
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law
- Energy Law
- Immigration Law
- Insurance Law
- Litigation - Bankruptcy
- Litigation - Environmental
- Litigation - Insurance
- Litigation - Real Estate
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
- Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
- Natural Resources Law
- Oil and Gas Law
- Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
- Real Estate
- Transportation Law
- Water Law
- Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A. has 13 lawyers recognized for individual performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in
America®.
By receiving this Best Lawyers recognition from their peers for their professional excellence, these lawyers made Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A. eligible for evaluation for Best Law Firms rankings.
For almost two decades, Best Lawyers has awarded these singular accolades, making them the foundation of our Best Law Firms awards.
Read more about our Best Lawyers process here.
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Client Comments
All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
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Main Location
Ridgeland,
MS
1076 Highland Colony Parkway
P.O. Box 6020
Ridgeland, MS 39157
United States
601-856-7200
Call our Ridgeland, MS location at 601-856-7200
Get Directions
Get directions to our Ridgeland, MS location
Office Locations
Gulfport,
MS
200 East Beach Boulevard, Building Five
P.O. Box 10
Gulfport, MS 39507
United States
228-863-6101
Call our Gulfport, MS location at 228-863-6101
Get Directions
Get directions to our Gulfport, MS location
Hattiesburg,
MS
110 Sheffield Loop
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
United States
601-264-6670
Call our Hattiesburg, MS location at 601-264-6670
Get Directions
Get directions to our Hattiesburg, MS location
Management and Personnel
President
J. Ryan Perkins