As the leading attorney at his firm, Joseph H. Van Every exemplifies a steadfast commitment to excellence. He honors the legacy of his predecessors through his dedication and integrity, ensuring that the firm maintains its high standards of legal service. Joseph’s extensive experience in the legal field has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate complex cases effectively. His leadership inspires his colleagues to pursue excellence in their practice, fostering a culture of collaboration and professionalism. Joseph’s unwavering focus on client success and his passion for the law make him a respected figure in the legal community, dedicated to achieving the best possible results for those he represents.
2020
Mississippi College School of Law
JD – Juris Doctor
2007
University of Mississippi
History
State of Mississippi
In 1981, the torch of leadership passed to the second generation, a man who not only inherited the name and the practice, but also the values, passion, and vision of his father before him. David S. Van Every, Sr. son of “Lawyer Van,” stepped into the role with humility and determination, carrying on the sacred duty of serving the people of Mississippi through law. He carried on as “Lawyer Van” as a true character and with humor and a smile truly serving his clients as a lawyer and friend.
From the very beginning, he understood that he was not just running a firm, he was carrying forward a legacy built on service, compassion, and justice for all. Like his father, he believed no case was too small, no client unworthy of his full effort. Whether it was a personal injury claim, a criminal defense, or a matter of family or estate, he approached every legal challenge with the same purpose: to fight for those who needed it most.
What made his journey even more special was that he had the rare privilege of practicing alongside his father living out the dream of working side-by-side with the man who inspired him. Together, they formed not just a law firm, but a family mission.
Through decades of service, he became a trusted name in courthouses and communities across the state. Thousands of clients found in him a steady hand and a fierce advocate. Colleagues saw a man of principle. His family saw a model of quiet strength, a true character, and unwavering dedication.
But perhaps his greatest accomplishment was the example he set for the next generation. He instilled in his sons, David S. Van Every, Jr. and Joseph H. Van Every, the same spirit of service and commitment to justice that began with Lawyer Van in 1942. Today, Joseph carries the legacy forward as the firm’s current owner and operator, guided by the enduring lessons of his father and grandfather.
We remember David S. Van Every, Sr. not only for the legal victories and professional milestones, but for the way he lived his life with integrity, dignity, and devotion to family and community and one of the funniest men alive. His legacy is felt in every case we take, in every client we serve, and in the continued mission of Van Every Law.
In 1942, amid the turbulent backdrop of a changing world, a man of remarkable resolve and quiet conviction laid the foundation for what would become one of Mississippi’s most respected law firms. That man was our founder, known to generations of clients and colleagues as simply “Lawyer Van.”
A devoted family man and a pillar of his community, Lawyer Van built this firm on timeless values: loyalty, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to justice. He believed deeply that the practice of law was a calling to serve — to speak for the voiceless, to fight for the injured, and to ensure that justice was not reserved for the powerful alone.
With a keen mind and an unshakable work ethic, Lawyer Van became known as a true “Code lawyer” — steeped in tradition, yet unafraid to face any courtroom, any adversary. His practice was as wide as Mississippi itself: from personal injury, family law, and criminal defense to estates and general litigation. He took on all cases, large or small, with the same fierce dedication. To him, no client was insignificant, and no opponent too great.
Clients came to him in their darkest hours, and Lawyer Van met them with wisdom, empathy, and a resolve to fight for their cause. Whether in the courtroom or at the kitchen table, he offered not just legal counsel, but hope and dignity. He helped thousands and never counted the cost.
His legacy is not merely found in old court dockets or the firm’s enduring success, but in the countless lives he touched with his advocacy, his kindness, and his steadfast sense of duty. The values he instilled continue to guide us today: the belief that justice is for all, that families come first, and that every case is worth fighting.
We honor him not just as our founder, but as the heartbeat of our firm.
Thank you, Lawyer Van. Your legacy lives on in every case we take, every client we serve, and every truth we fight to uphold.
Just Won: $1M,XXX,XXX Trucking Accident Case
The Million Dollar Advocates Forum: The Top Trial Lawyers In America
