Commercial Panelist with the American Arbitration Association since 1992, including service on the National Energy Panel. Member of the FINRA Board of Arbitrators. Over 200 arbitrations conducted as sole arbitrator or panelist across commercial, regulatory, energy, and insurance matters. Former Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Richard Wise is a practicing attorney, arbitrator, and licensed real estate broker with offices in Western North Carolina and Jackson, Mississippi. With over 40 years of experience in business law, commercial real estate, and corporate counsel roles, he provides practical legal counsel to individuals, families, and businesses.
He has conducted more than 200 arbitrations over three decades as a commercial panelist with the American Arbitration Association and a member of the FINRA Board of Arbitrators. He is dual-licensed as an attorney and real estate broker in both Mississippi and North Carolina.
Admissions & Licenses
- Mississippi Bar (1975)
- North Carolina Bar (2024)
- U.S. Supreme Court (1986)
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit (1986)
- U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit (1986)
- U.S. Court of International Trade (2004)
- U.S. District Court, District of Mississippi (1975)
- Real Estate Broker — Mississippi and North Carolina
Experience
Vice President and General Counsel
H.C. Bailey Company · Ridgeland, MS · 2004–2025
Managed all legal affairs for a commercial real estate development and property management company, including contract negotiation, lease agreements, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.
Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Mississippi Valley Gas Company / Atmos Energy Corporation · Jackson, MS · 1988–2004
Directed all legal and regulatory functions for a multi-state public utility. Advised the Board of Directors and senior management on corporate policy, managed outside counsel, and represented the company before regulatory agencies.
General Counsel
Mississippi Public Service Commission, Public Utilities Staff · Jackson, MS · 1985–1988
Represented the State of Mississippi in utility rate and service matters, advocating for public and individual customer interests.
Partner
McAlpin, Wise & Quarles · Starkville, MS · 1975–1985
General business law practice representing individuals and small businesses in commercial matters. Also served as public defender in local criminal courts.
Arbitration & ADR
Education
Post-Graduate Diploma, International Commercial Arbitration
Queen Mary College, University of London (2005)
Juris Doctorate
University of Mississippi (1975)
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and International Relations
Mississippi State University (1973)
Recognitions
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated
- Chairman, Mississippi Corporate Counsel Association (1991–92)
- Chairman, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, Mississippi Bar (2005–06)
Contact
North Carolina
P.O. Box 44
Montreat, NC 28757 Mississippi 1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 170 B108
Jackson, MS 39211 Phone (601) 940-2004 Email rick@richardwiselaw.com
Montreat, NC 28757 Mississippi 1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 170 B108
Jackson, MS 39211 Phone (601) 940-2004 Email rick@richardwiselaw.com