I thought this announcement in the MBJ on Wed is significant for what it didn't say about the role of Hanbury in the USM Crisis. Wonder what the other 250 lawyers in Hburg think about the area being underserved?

Hanbury & Dvorak opening office
Wednesday, 26 May 2004, 7:55 a.m.

HATTIESBURG — Attorneys Jack Hanbury and Mark Dvorak, who formerly practiced law together in Kentucky, are forming Hanbury & Dvorak, PC. The corporation, set to open July 1, 2004, will provide legal and government relations services to clients in the greater Hattiesburg area and throughout South Mississippi.

"The greater Hattiesburg area and all of South Mississippi represent the best of Mississippi," Dvorak said. "We love the community, and, as community citizens and practicing attorneys, we will be fully engaged in supporting its growth and prosperity."

Hanbury added, "Having practiced law for more than 22 years, I am extremely excited about building a new law practice here in Hattiesburg. Who would want to be anywhere else doing what we love to do?"

Both Hanbury and Dvorak said they believe the business market in Hattiesburg and South Mississippi is under-served by legal and government relations professionals. The firm will offer specialized expertise and client-specific legal and legislative solutions to businesses of all sizes.

Hanbury, who is licensed to practice law in state and federal courts in Mississippi, Kentucky and Ohio, is a graduate of Centre College in Kentucky and the University of Kentucky College of Law. Most recently, Hanbury served as risk manager for the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

Dvorak is licensed to practice in Kentucky, but has applied for a Mississippi license. He previously served as executive director of Mississippians for Economic Progress and as an executive at the Mississippi Economic Council. Most recently, Dvorak served as interim director of human resources at USM.