State of Mississippi Judiciary

Circuit Judge Randi Mueller takes oath of office on March 11

March 12, 2021

Circuit Judge Randi P. Mueller was sworn in on Thursday, March 11, at a seaside pavilion in Gulfport before a crowd of judges, lawyers, civic leaders, family and friends.

Gov. Tate Reeves, who appointed Judge Mueller to a vacancy on the Second Circuit Court, said, “I have full confidence that she will do a tremendous job in her new position.” He said, “I’m proud of her willingness to serve the citizens of Harrison, Hancock and Stone counties.”

Judge Mueller, 45, of Biloxi, said, “I’m very grateful and honored.”

Chief Justice Mike Randolph administered the oath of office and gave some advice from the Book of Exodus about the qualities of a good judge: one who fears God, is trustworthy and hates dishonest gain. He pointed out that the constitutions of all 50 states mention God. “Before you make your decisions, you need to invoke God’s blessings on your work.”

Judge Mueller takes the position previously held by Circuit Judge Roger Clark, who retired Nov. 30, 2020. Judge Mueller’s appointment is for a term that will end Jan. 3, 2022. A special election will be held in November.

The Governor said that Judge Clark is “someone that we all know did a fantastic, fantastic job.” He served for almost 16 years.

Judge Mueller thanked Judge Clark, who was seated on stage at the ceremony. “He set the bar high, and I will strive to meet that standard,” she said.

She said that hearing cases in a timely manner will be a priority. “I truly believe that justice delayed is justice denied. I will keep my docket moving.”

The Governor said that Mueller is an exceptionally talented lawyer who has 20 years of civil practice experience including commercial litigation, construction, gaming, personal injury, mass torts, product liability and premises liability. Mueller is licensed to practice law in five states - Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Tennessee - and has practiced law in four of the five states.

In 2020, Super Lawyers selected Mueller as one of the Top 50 Mississippi Attorneys and one of the Top 50 Women Mid-South Attorneys. She has served as the chairman of the Toxic Tort & Environmental Law Committee in the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section.

Mueller earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from the University of Mississippi. She was an English major. She earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of law in 2000.

One of the things that made Mueller stand out among many well-qualified applicants is her potential for a long career on the bench, Gov. Reeves said. “She has many, many years to serve.”

Three of the four judges appointed by Gov. Reeves this year are in their 40s. Judge Mueller is 45. Circuit Judge Matthew Sullivan of Mize is 40. Court of Appeals Judge Joel Smith of Gulfport is 46.

Commissioner of Public Safety Sean Tindell of Gulfport, a Reeves appointee, said the Governor’s judicial appointments are decisions “that drive the state for generations to come.”

Mueller practiced law from 2000 to 2004 with Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC, and returned to the firm as a partner in July 2020. She practiced law with her father and her brother from 2004 to July 2020 at the firm of Page, Mannino, Peresich & McDermott, PLLC. She is the daughter of Ronald G. Peresich.

She said that her father inspired her to pursue a career in law. She recalled watching him in the courtroom from the time she was a child and thinking that’s what she wanted to do when she grew up. “He’s the reason that I’m up here today,” she said. “He also instilled in me the importance of service to the community.”

She is a former chairman and secretary of United Way of South Mississippi. She has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Knight Nonprofit Center, Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast Business Council. She also served on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Carnival Association.

Accompanying her at the ceremony were her grandmother Ruby Hennessee, parents Ronald and Ramona Peresich, and her brother Ron Peresich Jr. Her husband Tom Mueller and their son Henry Mueller held the Bible as Judge Mueller took the oath of office.

Judge Mueller thanked the crowd that turned out to watch her take the judicial oath at Jones Park. “It means the world to me,” she said.

A photo is attached for your consideration. Caption: Chief Justice Mike Randolph, at left, administers the oath of office to Circuit Judge Randi Mueller on March 11 in Gulfport. Judge Mueller’s husband Tom Mueller and their son Henry Mueller hold the Bible.

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