Faculty Profile: Shayla Purifoy

Shayla Nicole Purifoy is a lifelong Memphian that is committed to helping Memphis thrive by being involved in community service, professional organizations, and supporting events and causes that uplift Memphis. She earned her B.A. from Rhodes College, majoring in Urban Studies and earned her J.D. from the University of Memphis, School of Law. Shayla Purifoy was appointed the position of Judicial Commissioner by the Board of Shelby County Commissioners on August 1, 2016 where she has served the public with neutrality, respect, and efficiency. 

As a Judicial Commissioner, she arraigns defendants, decides civil order of protection hearings, sets bonds in addition to making probable cause determinations for search warrants, forfeiture warrants, arrest warrants, and preliminary hearings. She previously worked at Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS) and the Family Safety Center for almost 8 years representing victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking with civil legal issues including divorce. While at MALS she was cross trained on a myriad of civil legal issues including housing law, consumer law, and predatory lending.  At MALS she participated in free Saturday legal advice clinics and community outreach. MALS assists people with low income and civil legal matters.  

She has served as the treasurer, parliamentarian, recording secretary, and co-chaired the Social and Networking Committee for the Ben F. Jones Chapter (BFJ)of the National Bar Association. She was the 2020 President of BFJ leading the organization through a global pandemic. As an attorney she served on the Young Lawyers' Division of the Memphis Bar Association (MBA) for multiple years, assisting with community service, CLE planning, social media, and pro bono work. Additionally, she served on the MBA board for years and was appointed an ex officio member. She currently volunteers with the board on their Community Outreach and Diversity Committee. As a long time board member of the BFJ, she hopes strengthened the partnership of the MBA and the BFJ Chapter.

Currently she is a member of the NCNW, volunteers for the Vollintine Evergreen Neighborhood Association, volunteers for the BFJ Chapter and speaks to the community about the role of the judiciary to promote confidence and understanding of the law and judiciary. In 2024 she was awarded the Outstanding Mentor Award by the local Leo Bearman, Sr. American Inn of Court. In 2023 she was awarded the President's Award from both the Memphis Bar and the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association. Notably, she graduated from the Advocacy Learning Center, the MBA Leadership Forum, and received the Outstanding Associate award from the Leo Bearman Sr. American Inn of Court. She also received the New Advocate of the Year Award by the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, and was selected by the Memphis Flyer for their annual Top Twenty Under Thirty.

She has been involved in the Red Shoe Society for Ronald McDonald House, University of Memphis Unity Banquet Planning Committee, Memphis Area Women's Council, and the MBA Bench Bar Conference Planning Committee. In the past she was involved in the Memphis and Shelby County Domestic and Sexual Violence Council, Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services Family Law Task Force, Women of Achievement, The Leo Bearman Sr. American Inn of Court, Rhodes College Mock Trial Team, and The Central High School Mock Trial Team. 

Follow her mission to promote confidence in the judiciary at Magistrate Shayla Purifoy via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/magistrate.shayla.purifoy/