Whitley B. Pannell

( Chicago ) Associate

Direct 312.471.8711 LinkedIn

Bio

As a thoughtful and strategic advocate, Whitley Pannell brings a strong foundation in legal analysis and advocacy to her work representing clients in complex litigation matters. She leverages her experience and skills to support clients through all stages of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and clear communication, she excels at distilling complex legal concepts into persuasive arguments tailored to judges, clients, and other stakeholders. Her clients and colleagues appreciate her calm, solutions-oriented demeanor and her commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.

Before joining Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila, Whitley served as a judicial law clerk in the Mississippi Court of Appeals, where she honed her legal writing and research skills and gained valuable insight into judicial decision making. This experience informs her practical approach to case development and her ability to anticipate and address issues with clarity and precision.

Experience

Clerkships

Honorable Latrice Westbrooks, Court of Appeals of the State of Mississippi (2023-2025)
Honorable Debra Gibbs, Seven Circuit Court District of the State of Mississippi (2023)

Credentials

Education

Indiana University Maurer School of Law, J.D., 2022
Sherman Minton Moot Court Executive Competition Coordinator
Sherman Minton Moot Court Competition Quarterfinalist
Crimson Tier Pro Bono Service Award
Black Law Student Association
Business & Law Society

Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School of Business, M.B.A., Business Administration, 2021
SKK GSB Scholarship Recipient
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Hampton University, B.A., Political Science, 2018, magna cum laude
Student Representative to the Board of Trustees
Hampton University Debate Team Captain
National HBCU Debate Champion, 2018
Political Science Departmental Award
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Gamma Theta Chapter

Bar Admissions

Illinois
Mississippi

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi

Professional Memberships

Chicago Bar Association
Cook County Bar Association 
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.
Mississippi Bar Association
Magnolia Bar Association