Alan D. Rhea
Resident of Leake County (with family roots in the area), Alan Rhea understands the people and values of central Mississippi. He and his family have been involved in local church and civic activities, underscoring the values of faith, family, and community that shape his life.
With decades of marriage and raising children of his own (all now adults), Rhea relates to the family dynamics and challenges that many residents face. This empathy and life experience equip him to be not just a jurist, but a neighbor and servant-leader on the bench.
2026 canidate for chancery court judge
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Alan Dale Rhea is a lifelong Mississippian with deep ties to the communities of Madison, Leake, Holmes, and Yazoo counties. A product of local education, he earned his Associate of Arts degree from East Central Community College in Decatur in 1984. He was admitted to the Mississippi Bar that same year and has been a practicing attorney for over 35 years. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University in 1986 and then a Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law in 1990.
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Upon obtaining his law license, Rhea returned to Leake County to practice law, co-founding the firm Nettles & Rhea in Carthage, MS. Over the decades, he has built a broad legal practice, handling everything from real estate transactions and business matters to criminal defense and family law.
He is noted for providing “exceptional legal services, including adoptions, wills, marital prenups, and business transfers,” with clients describing him as a “fantastic lawyer” who is reliable and dedicated.
This diverse practice has given him hands-on experience with the types of cases that often come before a Chancery Court, such as adoptions, estate matters, and family disputes, and a reputation for thorough, trustworthy service.
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Rhea’s career exemplifies a commitment to public service at the local level.
He has served for many years as the City Attorney for the City of Carthage, the county seat of Leake County.
In addition, he currently serves as the Municipal Court Judge for the Town of Walnut Grove, handling local cases and ensuring justice is accessible at the town level.
Beyond city government, Judge Rhea has also been entrusted with youth and family matters in the court system. In counties without a County Court (such as Leake and others in this district), Chancery Judges appoint attorneys as Youth Court referees or special masters to handle youth and family cases. Alan Rhea has served in such capacities, for example, he has been appointed as a Special Master in Chancery Court proceedings to hear and make recommendations on complex cases
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He is a long-time member of the Board of Trustees of East Central Community College (ECCC), representing Leake County. In fact, his fellow board members elected him as an officer – he has served as Secretary of the ECCC Board of Trustees.
Alan Rhea’s dedication to public education is further evident in his work as the Board Attorney for the Leake County School District, a position of trust he holds in advising the school board on legal matters.
Experience and Integrity
Judge Rhea has built a reputation for honesty and ethical behavior in his 35+ years as an attorney.
He is deeply committed to strengthening families and communities. He values compassion, patience, and understanding, especially in cases involving children, the elderly, or sensitive family situations.
Having advised city and county officials for years, he is well-versed in government ethics and transparency requirements.
As a Chancery Judge, he will hold himself and his staff to the highest ethical standards, and he will ensure that public trust in the court is upheld at all times.
Rhea will handle the case with strict impartiality and a firm hand, ensuring restitution and accountability according to law. He pledges to be transparent and above-board in his own conduct.
“The law belongs to the people, and a judge is merely its faithful guardian”