City Attorney

City Attorney

Jeffrey J. “Jeff” Turnage

Jeffrey J. “Jeff” Turnage brings over 30 years of legal experience combined with a strong background of military and public service. Born in Long Beach, California, the son of a Naval officer, Jeff has lived in numerous places around the country and earned his undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston in South Carolina before serving with distinction in the United States Marine Corps. On active duty, he held leadership positions including infantry platoon commander and company commander, later serving in the Marine Corps Reserves as an artillery forward observer and battery executive officer.

Following his honorable discharge as a Captain, Jeff earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he served as Trial Division Chairman of the Moot Court Board and was a member of the Mississippi Law Journal. He also taught computerized legal research as a campus representative of Westlaw.

Jeff joined the law firm of Mitchell McNutt in 1992 and became a shareholder in 1996. His practice has focused on civil litigation, representing clients in matters including medical malpractice, construction defects, product liability, civil rights, premises liability, contract disputes, and estate and probate law. He has served as legal counsel for numerous governmental entities, notably representing the Columbus Housing Authority for more than 25 years and the City of Columbus for 20 yearsand has a Martindale Hubbel rating as AV which is the highest possible peer rating for legal ability and V representing a very high peer rating for professional and ethical conduct.

In July 2025, Jeff will begin his transition to serve full-time as City Attorney for Columbus, Mississippi, where he will also act as General Counsel to the Columbus Redevelopment Authority and will retire from Mitchell McNutt.

Outside the office, Jeff enjoys numerous hobbies, including walking with his wife Anne, spending time with his dog Piccolo, painting and tending his farm in Winona, Mississippi.