Page 53 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2026

COURTROOM
Christopher “Stopher” Haug
Christopher “Stopher” Haug is a founding partner at HFFR Injury Attorneys, bringing over 25 years of legal experience to representing personal injury and motor vehicle accident victims across the Gulf South. Known for his client-first approach and extensive trial experience, Haug advocates fiercely for hard-
working individuals in both state and federal courts. He earned his undergraduate degree with honors from Mississippi State University before graduating from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2000. A graduate of Leadership Mississippi, Haug is a Past Commodore of the Ocean Springs Yacht Club and has served as a local election commissioner. Outside of the office, he resides in Ocean Springs with his wife, Lauren, and their three children, where they enjoy spending time on the water of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Todd M. Farrar
Todd M. Farrar is a managing partner at HFFR Injury Attorneys, dedicated to representing injury
victims and families across the Mississippi Gulf Coast in complex personal injury and wrongful death
cases. Motivated by a childhood experience surviving a serious automobile accident, Farrar approaches every commercial trucking, motorcycle, and medical malpractice case with meticulous preparation and an unwavering focus on trial accountability. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University before graduating from the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2011. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 recipient, Farrar remains deeply involved in his community by coaching youth sports leagues. He lives in Ocean Springs with his wife, Amy, and their children.
R. Jonathan Franco
R. Jonathan Franco is a partner at HFFR Injury Attorneys, specializing in complex personal injury, wrongful death, commercial vehicle collisions, and medical malpractice litigation. Known for his thorough case preparation and utilization of modern litigation tools, Franco has secured numerous seven-figure and high-six-figure results for injury victims throughout Mississippi. He earned his undergraduate degree from
the University of Alabama before obtaining his law degree from the Mississippi College School of Law
in 2013. Heavily active in professional leadership, Franco serves as the President-Elect for the Mississippi Association for Justice and is a past president of the Ocean Springs Rotary Club. He has also been recognized continuously as a Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Star. He resides in Ocean Springs with his wife, Ashley, and their two children.
Jason Ruiz
Jason Ruiz is a partner and Senior Trial Attorney at HFFR Injury Attorneys, bringing over two decades
of experience to fighting for personal injury victims across the region. With family roots tracing back eight generations on the Gulf Coast, Ruiz is widely known for his relentless work ethic, fierce trial advocacy, and deep personal bonds with his clients. He completed his undergraduate studies at William Carey College, earned a master’s degree from Trinity College Dublin, and received his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law. A member of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum and recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, Ruiz is deeply committed to serving his local community. He resides in Ocean Springs with his wife, Madelon, and their five daughters.
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