Member Highlight – Agent: Joel Blackledge
When Joel Blackledge reflects on his journey as an attorney, he sees a life intertwined with the people and landscapes of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. From humble beginnings in the small town of Soso, Mississippi, to a thriving law practice in Biloxi, Joel’s story is one of hard work, resilience, and an enduring commitment to his community.
Joel grew up just outside Laurel, Mississippi, where he learned the value of perseverance early on. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in accounting, he decided to take his education further, earning his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law. In 1997, he began his career on the Gulf Coast and has called it home ever since.
From the outset, Joel’s legal practice has been deeply rooted in real estate. His first position at Page Mannino in Biloxi introduced him to the complexities of property law, and over the years, he has built a practice that spans land, mobile home closings, and both residential and commercial real estate transactions. A significant portion of his work involves helping first-time homebuyers, a role he relishes. “I love explaining what they’re signing and showing them how paying a little extra toward the principal can make a big difference,” he says.
Joel speaks warmly of the Mississippi Gulf Coast community, calling it a diverse and vibrant place to live and work. While his practice serves clients statewide, he appreciates the unique blend of opportunities found in Mississippi’s second-largest metropolitan area.
His career is marked by moments that go beyond paperwork and contracts. Joel fondly recalls one of his most fulfilling days as an attorney when he facilitated the discharge of a newborn from the hospital for an adoption. “A colleague asked if I’d help with an adoption case. The hospital wouldn’t release the baby to anyone except the natural parents or the attorney handling the adoption. I walked in, signed the paperwork, and carried that baby out to meet the adoptive parents. That was a good day.”
In his work, Joel emphasizes professionalism and mutual respect, often going out of his way to resolve potential claims for others. “Mistakes happen,” he says. “If I can make a call and help someone avoid a claim, I will.” His sense of humor and grounded approach make him a trusted presence in his field, even when unusual situations arise—like the time he stumbled across a release in the Hancock County land records that contained some rather colorful commentary.
Joel’s life outside work is just as rich. Married to Shelly Goodbread Blackledge since 2006, he often jokes that she “lost everything but me in Katrina.” Together, they’ve built a life centered on their daughter, Joelly, a high school junior at St. Patrick Catholic High School in Biloxi. When he’s not at the office, Joel enjoys fishing, hunting, and cycling—activities that allow him to bond with his daughter and recharge.
A seasoned athlete, Joel has completed a full marathon, several half marathons, and even a Half Ironman. He credits these achievements to the same discipline and determination he brings to his legal practice.
Despite his many accomplishments, Joel describes himself as a “typical attorney with a messy desk” and a knack for knowing exactly where everything is—unless someone moves it, of course. This mix of relatability, professionalism, and dedication has made him a cornerstone of the Gulf Coast’s legal and business community.
Joel Blackledge’s story is one of service, resilience, and an enduring connection to the people he serves. Whether he’s helping a family buy their first home, assisting with an adoption, or simply lending a listening ear, Joel brings a personal touch to everything he does, making him a trusted advocate and neighbor on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.