Chris McDaniel

Chris McDaniel is a Laurel, Mississippi attorney who handles complex civil litigation in state and federal courts. His practice includes insurance defense, commercial disputes, personal injury, constitutional law, civil rights, education law, product claims, mass torts, and multiparty cases. He has litigated matters across the United States and helps clients evaluate evidence, legal exposure, and practical options.

Chris earned his Associate of Arts with honors from Jones College in 1992 and his Bachelor of Science, cum laude, from William Carey College in 1994. He received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1997. During law school, he served on the Moot Court Board and National Moot Court Team and earned recognition for oral advocacy. He clerked for US District Judge Charles W. Pickering Sr. from 1997 through 1999. He was admitted in Mississippi in 1997, Texas in 2010, and Arkansas in 2025.

Chris has developed substantial state and federal litigation experience throughout his legal career. He served in the Mississippi State Senate from 2008 through January 2024, completing sixteen years in office. During his legislative service, he authored or co-authored more than 300 measures. His public service gave him extensive knowledge of legislation, government procedure, and public policy. Through his publications and presentations, he has addressed class actions, mass torts, constitutional questions, and appellate certification issues.

Chris McDaniel has received an AV Preeminent rating, and Super Lawyers selected him from 2024 through 2026. He was also recognized as a Rising Star from 2008 through 2012 and as a Top 50 Mississippi lawyer. His professional involvement includes Mississippi, Jones County, Fifth Circuit, defense, and claims organizations. Through his litigation, legislative, and federal court experience, he provides informed representation for clients facing complex disputes and important legal decisions.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Hortman, Harlow, Bassi, Robinson & McDaniel, PLLC
• Member, The Mississippi Bar
• Member, American Bar Associations
• Treasurer, Jones County, 2000-2001
• Member, Moot Court Board, 1995-1997
• Member, National Moot Court Team, 1997
• Member, Mississippi Claims Association
• Vice-President, Jones County Young Lawyers
• Member, Steen Reynold’s Trial Competition, 1997
• Member, Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Hattiesburg Area Young Lawyers Association
• Member, Moot Court Board Oral Advocacy Competition, 1996

Licensed State

• Mississippi
• Arkansas
• Texas

Education

• University of Mississippi School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• William Carey College
  Bachelor of Science

Awards & Badges