June Hardwick is a 1997 alumna of Spelman College. In May 2001, she earned from Clark-Atlanta University her Master’s degree in vInternational Affairs and Development with an Area Studies in sub-Saharan Africa. Before attending law school at Mississippi College School of Law in 2003, she taught 6th graders at Siwell Middle School. In 2006, she obtained her Juris Doctorate from MC Law.

Hardwick has practiced law throughout the State of Mississippi for the last nearly 19 years. For four years, she served as an Asst. Public Defender in the Hinds County Public Defender Office. In September 2011, she resigned from the PD Office to enter private practice.

The late Mayor Chokwe Lumumba appointed Hardwick to the City of Jackson Municipal Court in August 2013. She served the City as a Judge from October 2013 until July 2014.

Former Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba re-appointed Hardwick to the Bench in December 2017. She returned to the Bench in January 2018 and has honorably served the City of Jackson for the last eight years. She has served as the Public Defender for the Town of Utica, since January 2012.

Hardwick is featured in the Sundance-award winning, HBO documentary Gideon’s Army. This Emmy-nominated film features three public defenders, including Atty. Hardwick, and their work in the South.