Support Staff

LaNita Fisher: Office Manager

LaNita has been in the legal field for over 55 years. She obtained a BS degree in Secretarial Science from the University of William Carey in Hattiesburg, MS. During the course of her career in the legal field she has worked for six (6) different law firms. She was the legal assistant/paralegal for the late S. Joel Johnson for the past 28 years with the law firm of Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC. She chose the legal field because it is a very interesting field to work in. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and doing volunteering work through her church and community.

Laramie Turner: Discovery and Witness Coordinator

Laramie worked as a Social Worker for 13 years, prior to her current position with the firm. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and gained invaluable experience working with children by providing mental health services. Laramie worked as a Child Protective Services Investigator in Mississippi and Alabama, before furthering her investigative skills with the CPS Special Investigations Unit in Mississippi. She also worked as a Forensic Interviewer and Program Coordinator for Child Advocacy Center’s in Mississippi and Alabama. She is a certified Forensic Interviewer, Extended Forensic Interviewer, and holds a certificate in Evidence Presentation. Laramie is a certified Dispatcher and certified Public Safety Diver, and served as Captain of her dive team in Alabama. She has extensive experience working with law enforcement, advocating for victims, and seeking truth and justice.

Laramie has spent the last seven years donating her time to search for missing children across the country, and served as an Advisory Board Member for Camille Place, a shelter for child trafficking victims. She currently serves as the Director of Intelligence for Shadows of Strength, a Florida non-profit, that assists with trafficking investigations by providing intelligence to law enforcement through advocacy for victims of human trafficking.

Home | Shadows of Strength, Inc: Identification. Protection. Rebuild.

Paula Harrison: Paralegal

Paula Harrison has been the paralegal to Michael V. Ratliff since May 2015. She graduated with an Associate Degree in Applied Business in Business Office Technology with a concentration in Legal Assisting from Antonelli College in 2010. She also obtained an Associate Degree in Marketing and Social Media Management in 2015 from Antonelli College.

Brittany Richards: Paralegal

Brittany is Daniel Waide’s case manager and paralegal. She has been with the firm since 2017 (minus a two-year break to try her hand at being a stay-at-home mom). Brittany went to USM for legal studies and quickly discovered she loves the role of paralegal, where she can be behind the scenes and connect with clients. Because she loves helping people and understands that needing a lawyer can be a scary and stressful season, you can always be sure that you are well cared for with Brittany and Daniel.

Three things you can always count on her to have: a listening ear, a smile, and a Diet Coke.

Kim Bryant: Intake Coordinator

Kim Bryant joined our firm in 2024, as the Intake Coordinator. She enjoys volunteering, reading, and is a proud mother and grandmother.