Tray Hairston

Economic Development Law

3.0 (1 reviews)

Ridgeland, Mississippi

16+ years experience

Butler Snow LLP

Updated: Jan 02, 2026

Contact Information

601-948-5711

https://www.butlersnow.com/attorney/tray-hairston

Renaissance at Colony Park, Suite 1400, 1020 Highland Colony Parkway, P.O. Box 6010, Ridgeland, MS 39157

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Bio

Tray focuses his practice on public finance and economic development. Before joining the firm, he served as Counsel and Economic Development Advisor to Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. He has served as Bond Counsel for various cities and counties throughout Mississippi and the Southeast. Tray is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council. Tray focuses his practice on public finance and economic development. Before joining the firm, he served as Counsel and Economic Development Advisor to Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. He has served as Bond Counsel for various cities and counties throughout Mississippi and the Southeast. Tray is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council. Tray focuses his practice on public finance and economic development. Before joining the firm, he served as Counsel and Economic Development Advisor to Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. He has served as Bond Counsel for various cities and counties throughout Mississippi and the Southeast. Tray is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council.

Practice Areas

Economic Development Law

Awards & Recognition

Recognized: Economic Development Law

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025

Education

Mississippi College, J.D., graduated 2009

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Reviews

Samantha Thomas

2 weeks ago

Competent on economic development, but communication could improve

I engaged Tray Hairston for guidance on a municipal bond issuance related to a small business park project. His deep knowledge of public finance and economic development law, honed from his time with the Governor's office and his 16 years of practice, was evident. He understood the Mississippi-specific nuances, and his recognition in this field is well-deserved. The legal work product was solid. However, the experience was mixed. There were periods where communication lagged, making it difficult to get status updates without multiple follow-ups. While the final outcome was satisfactory, the process felt less collaborative than I had hoped, and timelines sometimes stretched. For straightforward economic development matters, his expertise is clear, but be prepared to manage the client communication aspect proactively.