Litigation: General Commercial: Mississippi

THE FIRM Baker Donelson is home to one of the largest litigation practices in Mississippi, one well placed to advise on a large variety of matters. The team's expertise covers commercial and business disputes, product liability defense, professional liability and personal injury cases. Key clients include Chevron, Ford and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems.

Sources say: “Baker Donelson is outstanding in every respect." "Great effectiveness and great value for money."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bill Jones is widely renowned for his advocacy skills. He has vast trial experience having represented manufacturers and other clients in product liability cases, and national and international insurers in insurance defense and coverage litigation.

The "extremely professional and knowledgeable" Scott Welch is recommended for his "very diplomatic style" in cases. His practice covers a wide range of civil litigation matters including financial services litigation, personal injury, business torts, transportation, product liability and insurance coverage and related litigation.

With a “first class legal mind,” Bill Reed is known for his capabilities in handling class actions, product liability insurance coverage and contract cases. He is described as “rigorous, thorough, thoughtful, persistent, unflappable, aggressive, creative and insightful.” Reed heads up the litigation department at Baker Donelson.

Barry Ford is considered “an excellent trial lawyer” by interviewees. One particular source states: “He's the first person I'd call on something major.” Ford is adept at handling a wide range of product liability and complex commercial litigation matters.

Carter Thompson represents regional and national clients in product liability, drug and medical device, professional liability and personal injury cases. Clients praise his practicality, stating that he “is street smart and employs a practical, real world approach" and "runs his cases in a lean, economical way.”

Sheryl Bey joins the rankings this year following extensive praise from market sources. She is considered “a fiery lawyer” and “very good on her feet.” Her practice primarily focuses on commercial litigation for financial institutions. Her expertise includes foreclosures and other mortgage-related issues as well as bad faith insurance defense, insurance coverage and contract disputes.

THE FIRM This firm comes highly recommended for its wide-ranging commercial litigation practice. The Mississippi team is comprised of attorneys experienced in product liability, business torts, employment, intellectual property, antitrust, professional liability and class actions, as well as white-collar litigation. The team assists clients in a number of different industries, from banking and financial services to manufacturing, construction and healthcare. Over the past year, the firm has increasingly advised on mortgage-related litigation for clients such as HSBC and GMAC Mortgage.

Sources say: "A superb litigation group." "I think the world of them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Star litigator Wayne Drinkwater has a broad practice covering all types of complex commercial litigation, including securities fraud and product liability cases. He is also a leading appellate lawyer in the state of Mississippi, and according to sources “is just excellent with judges and juries alike.” Most recently, he obtained a reversal of a $2.5 million jury verdict against Deviney Construction Company in the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Stephen Thomas possesses extensive trial experience both in Mississippi and across the Southeast. Recent highlights of his work include his representation of Astra Zeneca in litigation by the state regarding the wholesale pricing of pharmaceuticals.

Roy Campbell is another of the firm's expert litigators. Most recently, he acted for Blount Forestry in a product liability case arising out of fire loss. He has many years of experience representing clients in insurance and product liability cases.

William Manuel is a well rounded advocate. His trial experience relates to commercial litigation as well as employment-related matters, such as discrimination cases. He has represented companies in a wide range of industries including manufacturers, financial services, and national retailers.

Douglas Minor recently handled a multiplaintiff action for Homecomings Financial Network. The case concerned allegations of fraud against the client relating to the origination of mortgage loans. He is heavily involved in all aspects of mortgage-related and lender liability litigation.

William Purdy is best known for his substantial capabilities in construction litigation. He typically represents both public and private contractors in these cases.

THE FIRM Brunini Grantham is famed for its team of well respected trial lawyers. The group represents clients before state and federal courts in the full spectrum of business litigation matters, including securities litigation, business torts, and contract disputes. The team handles these types of claims in Mississippi as well as across many of the other Southern states.

Sources say: "They have really strong people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Kaufman is described as “a charismatic advocate who commands a lot of respect in the courtroom.” He has a wealth of experience trying complex commercial litigation, product liability defense and mass tort cases before state and federal courts. 

Christopher Shapley is another of Brunini's top litigators. He is well versed in all types of civil litigation, in particular business litigation, mass torts, environmental litigation, insurance coverage and product liability. Clients are quick to praise his “in-depth knowledge of local court systems” as well as his “perceptive and practical approach to litigation.”

Samuel Kelly's practice focuses on the construction industry, where he represents a wide range of market participants in contract negotiations, claim preparations and litigation. In addition to his transactional skills, he is the kind of lawyer who “can stand up in front of a jury and try a case.”

THE FIRM This firm continues to be a leading light in the Mississippi litigation market. Split between the firm's Jackson, Gulfport and Ridgeland offices, the litigation team has capabilities in a wide range of complex commercial litigation and appellate work. The practice has a strong line in representing financial institutions, but has expanded to include clients involved in the manufacturing, construction, healthcare and transportation industries. The firm continues its involvement in claims related to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Sources say: “I like the fact that the firm is in tune with what is going on in the local courts and jurisdictions.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christy Jones enjoys an exceptional reputation across the state for her litigation practice. Sources say: “When she talks, people listen.” She is chair of the pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare industry group and is best known for her expertise in pharmaceutical and drug litigation. Clients describe Jones as “smart, creative, aggressive and seasoned.”

Lee Davis Thames has been highly active representing several clients in product liability and personal injury cases. He recently represented Enviro in the appeals process of a personal injury case.

Robert Galloway is another key member of the firm's product liability group. He has capabilities in product liability defense as well as commercial litigation, professional liability defense and maritime law.

Barney Robinson stands out for “his local knowledge, his practical and smart approach to litigation and his cognizance of billing.” He is widely respected for his expertise in financial services litigation.

Seasoned litigator John Henegan has strength in appellate matters, particularly those concerning complex commercial, antitrust, intellectual property or media defense issues.

Donna Brown Jacobs is another leading appellate lawyer and the head of the firm's appellate and written advocacy group. She has particular expertise in product liability and media defense matters.

Phil Abernethy has a broad litigation practice covering construction claims, complex commercial litigation and product liability defense. His key clients include The Facility Group, Mississippi Phosphates Corporation and Ameron International.

Since publication Luther Munford has joined the firm from Phelps Dunbar. He is renowned for his substantial capabilities in constitutional litigation and appellate work. He frequently appears before state and federal courts on behalf of news media clients.

THE FIRM The Mississippi arm of this regional firm excels in the defense of mass tort claims involving asbestos, silica and hearing loss, among other issues. However, the firm's expertise extends beyond this specialization to include a range of complex commercial litigation, antitrust, lender liability, insurance coverage, personal injury, product liability and professional liability claims. 

Sources say: “This firm provides a high quality product at a reasonable price.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Star advocate Alan Perry has developed a market leading practice for complex commercial litigation. He has experience across the board in state and federal courts, representing clients in antitrust, insurance, professional liability and general commercial litigation. “Smart as a whip,” Perry's recent highlights include representing Triumph Actuation Systems in a major trade secret case.

Fred Krutz “is both a strong litigator and someone who knows how to posture a case for settlement," say sources, and "is innovative and a strong leader.” He is adept in both mass torts and complex commercial litigation.

Walter Watkins is an experienced trial lawyer with significant capabilities in asbestos, chemical and mold exposure claims as well as environmental and product liability litigation. He is a “tough-minded advocate who can deal with anyone.”

Sources cite Phillip Sykes's background as an accountant as one of his great strengths: “He really understands all the technical financial areas.” He is also praised for his amiable nature and organized approach to trials. His expertise spans commercial litigation and insurance matters as well as personal injury, product liability and toxic tort cases.

Thomas Tardy earns plaudits for his creativity in coming up with workable defenses. Sources also comment that he is “very responsive to the needs of the client.” Tardy's practice also encompasses asbestos-related litigation and product liability cases.

Up-and-comer Chase Bryan is highlighted for his abilities in a range of areas including financial services, commercial, environmental and personal injury litigation. He is considered a rising star of the Mississippi bar.

THE FIRM Watkins & Eager has a strong track record in handling complex commercial disputes. The Jackson-based team frequently assists with product liability, bankruptcy, insurance and construction litigation. The group acts on behalf of a diverse range of industries and includes major corporations such as Bayer, Chevron and Honda North America.

Sources say: “A terrific law firm." "The lawyers have consistently performed well and met all of our expectations.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Ulmer has extensive experience in product liability defense and commercial litigation matters. Sources say he possesses “a myriad of strengths, including strategic thinking and outstanding client communication skills.”

David Ayers earns renown for his superb courtroom skills: “He has a unique way of making a strong connection with the jury,” sources report. He recently represented Lockheed Martin in the defense of cases arising from a mass workplace shooting. Ayers is described as “a very smart and practical lawyer.”

Paul Stephenson continues to be highly rated as “an excellent, well rounded attorney who is capable of grasping complex factual scenarios and boiling them down to manageable, understandable statements." He has been particularly active on behalf of financial institutions.

Will Goodman receives particular recognition for his representation of Bayer, having recently undertaken the defense of a complex class action product liability litigation in state and federal courts involving Yasmin/YAZ contraception.

William Ray furthers his reputation thanks to a busy caseload that includes the representation of Pursue Energy Corporation, an oil and gas producer, in the defense of claims made by numerous royalty owners alleging excessive charges relating to gas processing.

Lewis Bell joins the rankings this year having received substantial feedback from market sources. Clients report that he has “a great ability to organize, compile and explain complicated issues to business people and then recommend a path forward.” He is further praised for knowing how to navigate the political system in Mississippi.

Senior statesman William Goodman Jr has over 30 years of significant trial experience in the state of Mississippi. He is described as “a seasoned litigator with an extraordinary amount of charisma.” Sources further comment that “he is the type of person who electrifies a room when he enters.”

THE FIRM Based in Ridgeland, Biloxi and Hattiesburg, Copeland Cook enjoys a solid reputation for its litigation capabilities. The firm is best known for its exceptional skills in insurance defense work, although it also has experience in a wide variety of other cases. Its team also represents clients in antitrust matters, commercial and business litigation, construction, product liability, employment-related disputes and mass tort actions.

Sources say: “This firm is top notch in insurance defense.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "terrific" Greg Copeland is described as “a take charge kind of attorney” and is noted to be “very able in depositions.” He has extensive experience in a variety of claims including product liability, fraud, personal injury, insurance coverage, business torts, construction and antitrust litigation.

THE FIRM Boosted by Jones Walker's merger with Watkins Ludlam in 2011, this litigation team handles all manner of litigation matter across the Southeast region. It acts for clients in the healthcare, gaming, construction and financial services industries in commercial, insurance, antitrust, product liability and bankruptcy disputes. Clients benefit from the firm's wider expertise in corporate transactional work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “excellent” Keith Raulston is a highly lauded commercial litigation expert. He has gained particular experience of late representing insurance companies in claims arising out of Hurricane Katrina.

Neville Boschert's practice revolves around medical device product liability matters. He represents a variety of different manufacturers in the defense of these claims.

Mitchell Cowan is another of the firm's leading litigators. He focuses on commercial litigation, insurance litigation, product liability and personal injury defense, and banking, mortgage and lender liability.

Mark Herbert is recognized for his capabilities in the construction industry, where he represents a variety of clients in litigation.

THE FIRM This firm's litigation expertise is primarily located in the firm's Tupelo office, where its team of talented advocates advise clients on a variety of civil litigation issues including business disputes, product liability, personal injury and insurance coverage. The firm also has expertise in white-collar crime litigation.

Sources say: "The firm has really good trial lawyers and can handle a diversity of cases."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sandy Sams has decades of experience trying cases before state and federal courts. He specializes in complex commercial litigation, product liability defense and professional liability cases. Sources comment that “he is as bright as can be.”

John Wheeler receives recognition from a number of market commentators for his expertise in medical malpractice litigation. He is a new addition to the rankings this year.

THE FIRM This firm maintains a strong practice undertaking a wide range of disputes. The team has expertise in general commercial litigation, including insurance coverage and contract disputes. Backed by the firm's expertise in the healthcare sector, the team represents a number of industry clients in medical malpractice, pharmaceutical and medical device defense.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Wallace earns rave reviews for his abilities in litigation and appellate work. Sources say: “He can recall any number of cases immediately and thinks well on his feet.” He frequently undertakes appellate and product liability matters for Ford.

James Robertson is another “outstanding appellate litigator.” He is well versed in a range of issues including insurance coverage, attorney malpractice, and premises liability matters.

THE FIRM Regional firm Adams and Reese stables a team of expert litigators located across the Southern states. In Mississippi, the firm is home to several advocates who assist clients with pharmaceutical, insurance, toxic tort and product and premises liability, as well as contractual disputes, bankruptcy and restructuring, professional misconduct and intellectual property enforcement.

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Brabec heads the firm's commercial disputes resolution team. He recently represented Mississippi Valley Title Insurance Company and Old Republic National Title Insurance in connection with the defense of several actions filed by banks resulting from a Ponzi scheme that resulted in claims exceeding $40 million. Clients note that he “handles matters efficiently and achieves positive results.”

THE FIRM The firm's sizeable team is able to assist clients with a variety of litigation matters. The lawyers typically represent clients involved in heavily regulated industries such as energy, healthcare and gaming. The group has expertise in securities litigation, real estate matters, insurance disputes, personal injury, product liability and environmental litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Dyal furthers his growing reputation in the Mississippi market for corporate litigation this year. His recent highlights include the representation of Mississippi State Port Authority in the collection of over $50 million from various insurance companies for damages caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Ben Stone has an exceptionally broad practice encompassing litigation, regulatory and legislative work. He serves as general counsel for Mississippi Power Company.

William Smith enters the rankings on the back of strong market recommendations. He has a solid commercial litigation practice with an emphasis on the energy sector. Smith heads the firm's litigation department in Jackson.

THE FIRM Carroll Warren & Parker is a litigation boutique located in Jackson, Mississippi. Its team works throughout the United States, representing clients in complex civil litigation, insurance and reinsurance, product liability, construction defect litigation, eminent domain and white-collar criminal defense matters. The firm is also well versed in alternative dispute resolution.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior counsel James Carroll has significant capabilities in the areas of insurance and municipal-related litigation. He is renowned for his experience in the field, with more than 35 years spent as a litigator.

Myles Parker specializes in product liability claims, complex commercial litigation and insurance coverage disputes for a wide variety of market participants. His diverse client base includes manufacturers and national and international insurers and reinsurers.

Jim Warren is an expert in a range of civil litigation matters such as property insurance defense, construction defect and product liability matters. Experienced in the energy sector, he is described as a “great litigator with exceptional quality.”

THE FIRM This respected boutique firm specializes in trial and appellate practice, administrative practice and environmental law. Its talented lawyers have extensive experience appearing before state and federal courts in trials and appeals, as well as before state agencies including the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the State Tax Commission and the Ethics Commission.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "All-round good trial lawyer" John Corlew enjoys an excellent reputation across Mississippi for his corporate defense practice. He is also highly adept at handling environmental litigation.

THE FIRM Regional firm McGlinchey Stafford is home to a small yet expert litigation team. Its attorneys are best known for their work in the financial services sector, representing banks and lenders in a range of disputes. The team is also experienced in insurance coverage, medical malpractice and class actions.

Sources say: "An excellent firm whose size allows it more flexibility in terms of rates and staffing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Seasoned expert Hunter Twiford has a wealth of experience in commercial litigation. He has particular expertise in handling class actions and matters related to the Class Action Fairness Act. His recent highlights include serving as lead trial counsel for FNC in a nationwide putative class action in the federal court in Mississippi.

Dewey Hembree earns plaudits for his communications skills. One impressed client said: “He highlights the different courses of action available to us and guides us in making an educated decision about how to proceed.” He focuses on business litigation and consumer finance issues.

THE FIRM Phelps Dunbar has a significant presence across the state of Mississippi. The firm's Gulfport office is entirely dedicated to litigation, and specializes in legal malpractice, professional liability and product liability defense as well as insurance coverage and defense. The team also enjoys an exceptional reputation for its capabilities in appellate work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ross Bass is known as “one heck of a lawyer!” His practice encompasses complex commercial litigation and product liability defense for a diverse group of clients. He manages the firm's Gulfport office.

Clients highlight Fred Banks's ability to write clear and concise briefs as one of his major strengths. He is an expert in commercial litigation, legislative and government relations and appellate law.

THE FIRM This team is an established player in the Mississippi litigation market. Though primarily based in Jackson, the firm has a national practice and represents regional, national and international clients in cases before state and federal courts. The firm's expertise includes commercial and business litigation, securities litigation and product liability claims. The team has a specific niche in the insurance industry, acting for a number of blue chip life insurance companies.

Sources say: “A very client-centered culture.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Walter Willson is highlighted for his client-oriented approach. As one pleased client noted: “He knows our industry well and made the effort to understand how we conduct our business.” He is further described as “intelligent, loyal, assertive and efficient.” Willson is an expert in commercial litigation, insurance defense and lender liability.