About Gay
Gay Polk-Payton is a attorney and judge based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She was admitted to the Mississippi State Bar in September 1996, following her graduation from the University of Mississippi School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree. Before embarking on her legal career, she completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of New Orleans in 1993 and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1990. This strong educational foundation gave her the skills necessary to navigate complex legal issues. Throughout her 26-year legal career, Judge Polk-Payton has held various significant positions. She served as a Forrest County Justice Court Judge for 11 years, where she gained experience in the judicial system.
Following this role, she spent four years as a Hattiesburg Municipal Court Judge, further solidifying her reputation in the legal community. In addition to her judicial roles, she has worked as an advocate in several public defender offices, including the Forrest County and Perry County Public Defender’s Offices, the 12th Judicial District Drug Court. The City of Hattiesburg Public Defender’s Office. Her diverse experiences have allowed her to understand the details of both prosecution and defense. In June 2024, Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker appointed her to Municipal Court Judge Post 2, a position that acknowledges her experience and commitment to serving the community. She is licensed to practice law in all courts in Mississippi, as well as in the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. This broad scope of practice demonstrates her versatility and dedication to the legal profession. Beyond her judicial duties, Judge Polk-Payton is actively involved in various professional organizations — She holds memberships in the National Speakers Association and the Mississippi Bar Resolutions Committee. Her leadership experience includes serving as a Commissioner for the Mississippi Bar Association and as President of both the South Central Mississippi Bar Association and the New Orleans Chapter of the International Association of Women. These roles highlight her commitment to advancing the legal profession and supporting her peers.
In addition to her legal accomplishments, Judge Polk-Payton is an accomplished singer and songwriter. Her original songs "God Gives Me" and "Real Man" were featured in the movie "Blackbird," starring Mo'Nique Hicks and Isaiah Washington. She is also the author of a book titled "This Has Been A Public Service Announcement" and hosts an internet radio show titled "Gay's PSA." Her contributions to both the legal field and the arts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major of Justice Award. Judge Polk-Payton’s office is located at 630 N Main St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, and she can be contacted at (601) 545-6122 or via email at gaypolkpayton@gmail.com.
