The following press release was provided by Clay Chandler, Director of Communications for the Office of Gov. Phil Bryant:
Gov. Phil Bryant announced today that he has appointed Charles W. Wright Jr. circuit judge for Mississippi’s 10thCircuit Court District.
Wright replaces Judge Justin Cobb, who recently passed away. Wright’s appointment will be effective Oct. 30. The 10th District covers Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale and Wayne counties.
“I am grateful to Charles for accepting this appointment after we so tragically lost Judge Cobb,” Gov. Bryant said. “As a former district attorney and with his work in private practice, Charles has gained a unique perspective in the courtroom that will serve him and the people of the 10th District well.”
Wright has been in private practice since 1988. From 1976 to 1978, he served as assistant district attorney for the 3rd Circuit Court District. From 1978 to 1979, he held the same position for the 10th District. He was the 10th District’s district attorney from 1979 to 1988.
“I am honored and humbled by the appointment of Governor Bryant to finish the term of Judge Justin Cobb,” Wright said. “I would be remiss if I did not send my condolences to the Cobb Family for the loss of Judge Justin Cobb at such a young age. I look forward to serving the citizens of the 10th Circuit Court District.”
Wright’s private practice concentrated on civil and criminal defense in state circuit and chancery courts and in federal court in the Northern and Southern districts. In all, he has tried more than 150 jury trials in state and federal court.
Wright is a 1967 graduate of Yazoo City High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Mississippi in 1971 and a juris doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1976.
He is a member of the Lauderdale County Bar Association, the Mississippi Bar Association and is affiliated with the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. and the Lauderdale County Courthouse Committee.
Wright and his wife Rebecca, a retired school teacher, attend First Presbyterian Church in Meridian. They have three children.
