The firm of Steen Reynolds and Dalehite was established on March 1, 1980 with each of its members being graduates of the University of Mississippi School of Law.

In the spring of 1982 Professor Tom Mason of the Law School contacted Jimmie Reynolds, and asked the firm to support a trial advocacy competition. Due to the firm’s desire to support the University and the Law School in particular, the partners agreed to the proposal. The Competition was to consist of a week-long event consisting of two man teams in a civil jury trial format before a lawyer/judge. Members of the firm have always acted as jury members at the finals.

The final two teams represent the law school at the National Trial Competition held in the spring of each year.

The firm of Steen Dalehite and Pace was established in November 2002, and continues to provide support for the Competition through the Steen Reynolds and Dalehite Trial Competition Endowment.