PRO
also known as Rhea Tannehill
Rhea Tannehill has been practicing law in Oxford since he graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1996. The first six years of his legal career Rhea worked for a firm representing individuals primarily in the areas of personal injury and criminal defense from 1996 until 2002. Rhea ventured out on his own and opened the Tannehill Law Firm, PLLC in Oxford in January 2003. In his solo practice, Rhea successfully served individuals in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, collection law (creditors), and estate planning and probate. Rhea was honored with an appointment to serve as Board Attorney for the Oxford Housing Authority and Mississippi Region II Housing Authority, both of whom he still represents today.
In the last 20 years Rhea’s practice has gravitated toward personal injury and criminal defense work because of the fulfillment that comes from helping individuals and families facing difficult situations. Some people are quick to pass judgment on others who have been charged with a crime, but those same people are quick to look for the best legal representation they can find when they or someone in their family has been caught drinking and driving or worse.
The same is true for personal injury cases. People often jeer at trial lawyers as “ambulance chasers,” yet they are quick to call one if they, or someone in their family, is in a car wreck or feels they have been wronged in some way. Rhea’s experience and success has allowed him to be recognized by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America every year since 2009 in the area of personal injury.
In addition to his civil practice, Rhea has served as Municipal Court Judge of Sardis, Mississippi since 2007 where he previously served as Municipal Court Prosecutor.
Rhea is a native of Union, Mississippi, and a graduate of Union High School. His parents, Jack Rhea Tannehill and Jane Tannehill owned and operated The Union Appeal, which is a weekly newspaper, while he was growing up. Rhea helped in the family business with the printing and distribution of the newspapers and other printed materials until he graduated from high school. Jack Tannehill owned and operated The Newton County Appeal (the successor of The Union Appeal) until he retired in 2012 – 44 years after taking over The Union Appeal.
Rhea received a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Mississippi in 1991 and 1992, respectively. While an undergraduate at the University of Mississippi, Rhea was elected President of the Associated Student Body and inducted into the Student Hall of Fame. Rhea was an active member of the Mississippi Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, for which he served as Vice-President.
Rhea recently retired from a 28 year career in the Mississippi Army National Guard at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Most recently Rhea served as Military Judge for the Mississippi Military. He completed the Military Judge’s Course in 2018 as one of only three members of the National Guard in the class. The Military Judge’s Course is notorious for being the most challenging and difficult military legal courses, with service members from Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. As Military Judge, Rhea heard all courts-martials in Mississippi and presided over administrative hearings regarding National Guard Soldiers.
Rhea’s most challenging role in the military was his service as Brigade Trial Counsel for the 168th Engineering Brigade headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi during a thirteen month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2008 until December 2010. Rhea was stationed at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan Rhea served as the only JAG Officer on Forward Operating Base Sharana and rendered legal assistance to all Soldiers, civilians, and contractors on the FOB. Rhea also advised the Commanders within his Brigade on military justice and general legal matters. Rhea and his wife, Robyn, maintained a website during his deployment where they share photographs and their experiences at . During his deployment to Afghanistan, Rhea was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Action Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Global War on Terrorism Medal.
Rhea was also mobilized with the Mississippi Army National Guard in 2005 for almost two months with Headquarters Battery, 631st Field Artillery Brigade after Hurricane Katrina struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His unit performed disaster relief and clean-up operations, and he was awarded the Mississippi Magnolia Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Mississippi Commendation Medal and the Mississippi Emergency Service Medal for his service.
During his military service Rhea was also awarded the Mississippi War Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon (2), Army Commendation Medal, Mississippi Commendation Medal (2) and the Mississippi Recruiting Medal.
Rhea has been an active member of The Mississippi Bar during his entire career. Rhea served as President of the Young Lawyers’ Division of the Mississippi Bar during 2006-2007, Commissioner of The Mississippi Bar and Executive Committee of the Mississippi Bar from 2006-2008. In 2011 Rhea was selected as a Fellow of the Young Lawyers’ Division of the Mississippi Bar.
Rhea has served on the Mississippi Bars Ethics’ Committee, which issues “advisory opinions” for its members regarding complex and contentious ethical issues. Prior to his service on the Ethics Committee, Rhea served five years on The Mississippi Bar’s Professional Responsibility Committee. This committee reviews all complaints filed against lawyers in Mississippi, and Rhea was honored to serve as Chairman in 2008.
Rhea was selected by his peers as a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar in 2011, which is the Foundation’s highest honor. Fellows only represent approximately 10% of the Mississippi Bar’s membership, who have achieved the “highest level of professionalism, competence, and leadership. Fellows are selected for membership based not only on their excellence as a lawyer but also by their dedication and service to the public and profession.”
In 2020, Rhea was appointed by the Mississippi Supreme Court to serve as a member of the Complaint Tribunal. “The 27-member Complaint Tribunal is made up of nine judges and 18 lawyers selected by the nine members of the Supreme Court from three Supreme Court districts. The Complaint Tribunal sits in panels of three, with each panel comprised of two attorneys and one judge…. Members of the Complaint Tribunal hear and decide disciplinary matters arising from complaints against attorneys. Discipline may range from private reprimand to disbarment.”
Rhea also served on Board of Bar Commissioner’s Committee on Character and Fitness for 12 years. He has been honored to participate in the James O. Dukes Professionalism Program for first year law students at the University of Mississippi since its inception. Rhea is a member of and has served as President of the Lafayette County Bar and the Tri-County Jr. Bar Associations.
The biggest honor of Rhea's career was being elected by his peers as the 120th President of The Mississippi Bar. As President, Rhea oversees 19 Bar committees and 20 Bar sections. His initiatives during his tenure are to update the Bar's website, which will have more information and provide better access to benefits for members, and access to justice in rural communities.
Rhea has been active in the Oxford and Lafayette County communities through civic and community organizations including the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and the Oxford/Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce. Rhea is a graduate of Leadership Lafayette and former member of the Oxford/Lafayette County United Way Board of Directors, Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 55, and University of Mississippi Alumni Association.
Rhea is married to his best friend, the former Robyn McKenzie of Florence, Alabama, have been married for 30 years. Robyn is in her second term as Mayor of Oxford. Robyn and Rhea have three children, Maggie (26), who works for Court Appointed Special Advocates in Tupelo, Mississippi, Jack (23), who plays football at Murray State University and recently enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard, and Molly Catherine (1), who attends Mississippi State University. The Tannehill’s love Oxford High School sporting events, the Neshoba County Fair, going to Murray State Football games, the Neshoba County Fair, and drinking coffee or a cold beer on their back porch. The Tannehill’s are members of Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oxford, which is a church they help found and charter in 1995.
19
Practice Areas
30 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Mississippi
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
829 N Lamar Blvd Ste 1, Oxford, MS, 38655-2858
tannehillcarmean.com
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Showing 1 - 5 of 21 reviews | Character & Conduct
Posted by Taylor | December 04, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The best of the best.
Rhea was extremely helpful in resolving my case. I couldnt of done it without his help. I was in a very difficult position and thought I would of never of gotten out of the difficulties I was facing. Blessed to have Rhea as my defense attorney.
Posted by anonymous | November 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Expungement
J Rhea Tannehill review
Having a child in college many miles from home and in need of an attorney, Rhea Tannehill came very highly recommended. When we spoke to Mr. Tannehill, for the first time, within a few minutes of our call the anxiousness we were feeling dissipated and we knew we had made the right decision to retain ...
Posted by anonymous | June 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Rhea Tannehill lives up to his reputation
Rhea and I have known each other for years. I recently employed his services to handle a legal matter. He was honest, direct, and personal enough to make me feel like I had made the right decision in hiring him. I am very grateful for the successful job he did and would recommend him to anyone.
Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Tannehill - One of a Kind!
Having a child in college, far away from home and needing an attorney, I was refereed to Rhea Tannehill. It didn't take more than five minutes of conversation to realize I had made the absolute right decision. Rhea was very easy to talk to and NEVER, not once, was he judgmental. Instead, he embrac...
Posted by Abraham | September 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Rhea and Team
I am so thankful that we went with Tannehill, Carmean & McKenzie. From Rhea to Angie to Shelia, we were covered and did not have to worry about anything. Rhea was amazing in court; he was sharp and very detailed when it came to my case. He gave me the extra reassurance I needed to fight the case. Th...
"I send all personal injury cases in Oxford to Rhea and have for 20 years, would not use anyone else."
"I worked with Rhea on a litigation matter and he did an outstanding job. I endorse Rhea."
"I endorse this lawyer. I endorse this lawyer. I first met Rhea in 2006 when I decided to move to Oxford from the Mississippi Coast after Katrina. Before moving, I rented an office from Jay and his partner, Jay Carmean. On the days that I was in that office, I saw first hand how Rhea is dedicated to serving his clients. He has a tremendous reputation in our community and is considered one of the best lawyers in Oxford, regardless of the area of practice."
"I give Rhea Tannehill the highest endorsement possible. He represented my nephew in a wrongful death case and got a result that was swift and extraordinary. He also showed genuine concern for my nephew and his family during the litigation and after. Rhea is an exceptional attorney."
"I endorse Rhea without any reservation. I first met him when he was the President of the Young Lawyers Division of The Mississippi Bar. Rhea spoke at my own bar admission ceremony in Jackson. I was inspired by his motivation and drive to help real people, with real problems, in a very real atmosphere that we call the justice system. Through the years, I have seen him in court in Lafayette County and the surrounding areas. Rhea defends his clients with knowledge and zeal in a very, very tough environment to handle DUI and other criminal cases. He doesn't back down from standing up for the people that he assists, and that is one of most admirable traits that a real lawyer should have. Lance Mixon"
"Rhea is simply one of the best personal injury lawyers in North Mississippi. It is rare to find a lawyer with his combination of legal skill and care for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I hired Rhea as a local lawyer on a case from his jurisdiction. My practice takes me all over the country causing me to hire a local attorney frequently. I never expect anything from the local person. Their purpose is to get the court to allow me to practice outside my jurisdiction. My experience in Oxford was far from normal. Rhea was a bit expensive, but well worth it. He not only advised me as needed, but he affirmatively took the lead at an appropriate moment. My client's case ended in a wonderful manner thanks in large part to the efforts, talent and people skills of this most excellent lawyer."
"Rhea is a top notch, experienced and ethical attorney."
"Rhea is competent and trustworthy. When I need legal assistance in north Mississippi Rhea is the first person I consider. Rhea understands the law and, more important, he understands people and the process toward a favorable resolution. Rhea's clients know they receive excellent skills when they choose him."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. I referred the son of a long time and very important client of mine, who was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication. Rhea did an outstanding job in representing this young man and obtaining an unbelievably successful resolution. I recommend Rhea for all your criminal and general legal needs for not only your clients but for your family needs as well."
"Rhea Tannehill is highly endorsed by myself and my firm. We worked with him on a DUI matter and received excellent results. Rhea is a true professional and showed great determination and tenacity in his work. I recommend Rhea for your criminal law needs. You will not be disappointed in the quality of service he provides."
"I am happy to endorse this lawyer. Rhea is smart, honest, hard working and will work to get you what you deserve. i have worked with Rhea on a number of cases and the results have always been excellent."
Criminal defense lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Business lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in America
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in America
2012
The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in America
2012
Fellow of the MS Bar, Mississippi Bar
2011
The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in America
2010
The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in America
2009
The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in America
2006
Outstanding Paralegal Community Service Award, University of Mississippi
N/A
Global War on Terrorism Medal, United States of America
N/A
National Defense Service Medal, United States of America
N/A
Afghanistan Campaign Medal,, United States of America
N/A
Overseas Service Ribbon, United States of America
N/A
Humanitarian Service Medal, MS Army National Guard
N/A
Bronze Star Medal, United States of America
N/A
Combat Action Badge, United States of America
N/A
Mississippi Magnolia Medal, MS Army National Guard
N/A
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
N/A
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
N/A
James O. Dukes Professionalism Program, UM School of Law
N/A
Mississippi Emergency Service Medal for his service., MS Army National Guard
N/A
Mississippi Commendation Medal, MS Army National Guard
2012 - Present
Managing Partner, Tannehill, Carmean & McKenzie, PLLC
2007 - Present
Judge, Municipal Court of Sardis, Mississippi
2004 - Present
Managing Partner, Tannehill Carmean, P.L.L.C.
1992 - Present
Mississippi Army National Guard, United States Army
2010 - 2014
Attorney, Panola County School Board
2004 - 2011
Managing Partner, Tannehill & Carmean, PLLC
2003 - 2004
Managing Partner, Tannehill Law Firm, PLLC
2003 - 2014
Attorney, Oxford Housing Authority
2003 - 2014
Attorney, Mississippi Region II Housing Authority
2003 - 2007
Prosecuting Attorney, Municipal Court of Sardis, Mississippi
1999 - 2002
Partner, Tollison Law Firm, P.A.
1996 - 1999
Associate, Tollison Law Firm, P.A.
2025 - Present
The Mississippi BarPresident
Professional Responsibility Committee
President
President
Board of Directors
2007 - 2008
Mississippi State BarSecond Vice-President
2006 - 2007
Mississippi State BarPresident of Young Lawyers Division
2006 - 2008
Mississippi State BarCommissioner of The Mississippi Bar and Executive Committee
2001 - 2013
Mississippi State BarCharacter & Fitness Committee
1992 - 2019
Mississippi Army National GuardJAG
Reversed and rendered.
Reversed
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
MA - Masters
1992
M.Ed.
1991
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1991
BPA
English