Aelicia L. Thomas
Aelicia L. Thomas has been practicing law since 1996, building a career shaped by the strong women in her life, her mother and godmother, who instilled in her a determination to rise above challenges and make a meaningful impact. Growing up watching her mother influence local politics, Judge Thomas developed a deep understanding of public service, even before envisioning herself in leadership roles. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Alcorn State University and her Juris Doctor from University of Mississippi School of Law, and began her legal career with North Mississippi Rural Legal Services before founding her own practice in the Mississippi Delta. She served as County Prosecutor for Bolivar County for 13 years, becoming the first African-American woman to hold that office, and later served as Mayor of Rosedale, Mississippi for two years.
For the past 3.5 years, Judge Thomas has served as Bolivar County Court Judge and Youth Court Judge, overseeing civil and criminal cases, protection cases involving domestic violence, and all juvenile matters including well-being, delinquency, and supervision cases. Recognizing weaknesses in existing systems, she has led cross-system initiatives, consulting with school districts, court systems, law enforcement, and governmental agencies to improve outcomes for children and families. Her efforts have secured three grants aimed at preventing youth from entering the juvenile justice system, ensuring that children are supported, not overlooked, and guided toward opportunities rather than pitfalls.
Beyond her judicial responsibilities, Judge Thomas is a dynamic speaker, trainer, and consultant. She founded The Thomas Group Consulting & Training, LLC to leverage her nearly 30 years of experience, providing professional development, leadership training, and cross-system consulting to law enforcement, prosecutors, court personnel, educators, government agencies, and entrepreneurs. Her work includes AI consulting, organizational audits, and workforce development, all grounded in accountability, leadership, and practical solutions. Among her proudest personal and professional achievements is adopting her son, a testament to her commitment to family and community, which continues to inform and inspire every aspect of her work.
• Alcorn State University - BA, Political Science and Government
• Recognition from Changing Your World Ministries for being first African-American woman County Attorney
• Recognition from Bolivar County Community for work in criminal and civil litigation
• Recognition from sorority organizations
• Recognition from school districts
• Member, Mississippi Bar
• Member, Bolivar County Bar Association
• Former member: Mississippi State Prosecutors Association
• Mississippi State Public Defenders Association
• Bolivar County Community Action Agency (partnership for housing assistance)
• Shouldering Youth (nonprofit supporting women and expecting mothers)
• I Believe Project
What do you attribute your success to?
I had two wonderful people in my life and in my ear, and that was my mama and my godmother. They both were just determined that I would not be a statistic. Even if I wanted to, these women were not going to allow such a thing. I don't know where I would be if those two women had not locked in on me. I really want people to understand that we all depend on each other to get where we're trying to go. Somebody had to give you a chance, somebody had to open a door, somebody had to sign off on a piece of paper. I grew up in a place where you were very appreciative that somebody helped you. If everybody just remembered that and was kind, things would be so much better and so much easier.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice came from an older attorney who was a mentor of mine. We were out eating lunch, and I was telling him about some of my frustrations and struggles and perceptions. He just said, 'Did you know that you can catch more flies with honey?' At first, I didn't understand what that had to do with what I was talking about, but after a while it dawned on me - don't walk in a room always ready to fight. Sometimes you get what you bring to the table, so bring something nice. I was a young lawyer, so ready to fight, you know? But that advice stuck with me. I'm glad he didn't try to explain it, because it gave me the ability to figure it out on my own, and that made it stick. Now when young attorneys come into the courtroom, I tell them all the time, 'Did you know that we don't have to fight?'
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid and don't be concerned about being a woman. Don't let anybody reduce you to just being a woman. You're phenomenal. God gave you gifts and talents, and you use them and doors will open.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenges I see in my area where I live is just a lack of young attorneys. Most of our young folks, when they graduate, want to be in the hustle and bustle cities where there are more opportunities. We don't have a lot of opportunities in the Mississippi Delta, and so it causes our young people to leave, and that's something we really don't need to have. I think that's a struggle all of us here in these small communities are struggling with, wherever you are, whether you're in Mississippi or elsewhere.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness, collaboration, gratitude for mentors and family support, fairness/impartiality (particularly on the bench), community service and a faith-informed perspective.
Locations
The Thomas Group, LLC
Rosedale, MS 38769