Litigation: General Commercial
USA Guide 2024 : Mississippi
Band 1
Contact number
+1 601 965 1900About
Provided by Watkins & Eager PLLC
Watkins & Eager’s commercial litigation clients include local, national and international companies as well as entrepreneurs and executives. We are known for using creative negotiation and ADR to achieve cost-effective, prompt, and positive results, earning a First Tier rank in Commercial Litigation from Chambers U.S.A.
Our commercial litigation experiences include antitrust lawsuits; contract disputes; representing directors and officers; investor, shareholder and partnership disputes; ERISA/employee benefits; banking and lender liability litigation; creditors’ rights; insurance and investment sales claims; IP, trade secrets, and non-compete suits; securities arbitration; and tax litigation representing taxpayers and taxing authorities. Our clients hail from diverse industries including manufacturing, franchisors, real estate developers, governments, oil and gas/ energy producers, utilities, banks and brokers, pharmaceutical, health care and medical, retail and hospitality, transportation and logistics, technology and communications, fiduciaries, and closely-held businesses.
A wise litigation strategy must be compatible with a client's business model and goals. In the business arena, preservation of relationships and business reputation can be more important than winning a single dispute. Watkins & Eager lawyers work closely with executives, business owners and in-house counsel to craft an end-game strategy and deliver positive results for every client.
Chambers Review
Watkins & Eager PLLC is a Mississippi-based firm with a deep understanding of the rules and processes governing litigation in the state. The firm is active on behalf of multinational automotive companies in product liability cases, and frequently represents local financial institutions in litigation. It is also equipped to advise well-known pharmaceutical corporations on a broad array of matters, including product marketing issues. Watkins & Eager frequently represents the State of Mississippi and related entities in high-profile statutory cases.
Work Highlights
- Watkins & Eager PLLC defended Valley Tool against claims including breach of contract and negligence related to a warehouse fire.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are always responsive and provide excellent client service. They are forward-thinking and strategic."
"Watkins & Eager has very experienced litigators who have great local knowledge of the courts and the judicial process."
"They are always responsive and provide excellent client service. They are forward-thinking and strategic."
"Watkins & Eager has very experienced litigators who have great local knowledge of the courts and the judicial process."
Notable Practitioners
Stephanie Rippee remains a popular choice for clients due to her extensive trial experience. She acts for national and global pharmaceutical and technology companies in both commercial disputes and product liability actions.
"Stephanie has vast experience and is a savvy litigator."
William Ray takes on a range of complex commercial disputes on behalf of clients such as insurance companies, banks and securities brokers. His practice includes both trial and appellate proceedings, as well as FINRA arbitrations. He is also noted for his strength as a mediator.
"He is a very good lawyer."
Kathy Smith is highlighted for her notable courtroom capabilities, which see her act on both trial and appellate proceedings. Her strong civil litigation practice includes environmental and administrative law matters.
Michael Gwin handles a wide range of civil disputes, while offering particular strength in insurance litigation. He is also noted for his strength in contentious real estate mandates, as well as his representation of creditors.
Paul Stephenson is an experienced litigator who frequently takes on class actions and single-plaintiff suits arising from the energy and financial services industries, among others. His expertise includes RICO claims and tax disputes.
David Ayers is recognized for his expert handling of product liability disputes. He attracts an impressive roster of automotive industry clients with his experience in major class actions and mass torts. His practice also includes personal injury claims.
"David is an excellent product liability specialist."
Walter Johnson is recognized for his extensive product liability and personal injury capabilities, which he draws on in his impressive trial practice. He also offers significant ADR strength.
"Walter is an amazing trial lawyer."
Rusty Comley handles civil litigation of varying types, with notable experience at trial and before administrative bodies.
"He is very good and a solid litigator."
Ranked Lawyers at
Watkins & Eager PLLC
Mississippi
Members
Provided by Watkins & Eager PLLC
Clients
Provided by Watkins & Eager PLLC
American Optical
Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cigna
Goodyear
Lincoln Electric Company
Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Economic Council
Nissan
Regions Bank
Secretary of State of Mississippi
Trustmark
University of Mississippi
Verizon
Industries
Provided by Watkins & Eager PLLC
Automotive
Banking
Energy
Government
Healthcare
Hospitality
Insurance
Manufacturing
Pharmaceutical
Real Estate
Retail
Transportation