Department profile
Watkins & Eager PLLC

Environment

USA Guide 2026 : Mississippi


Watkins & Eager PLLC

Rankings

About

Provided by Watkins & Eager PLLC

Watkins & Eager's Environmental Practice Group offers years of extensive experience from a broad prospective, unlike typical private practice firms. Our attorneys have prior legal and technical experience in environmental consulting and the oil and gas industry, as well as in-house counsel for the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. This broad range of experience allows our attorneys to provide representation with a solid understanding of the clients' needs and goals. It also allows us to effectively attain success for our clients through favorable permit terms, creative financing and development of contaminated sites, identification of potential environmental issues on the front end, cost-effective solutions to compliance issues and solving third party actions prior to litigation.  Additionally, our firm has unique experience involving environmental issues in bankruptcy. 

This broad base of experience is the foundation of the Watkins & Eager environmental legal practice, including:

  • Air, Water, Solid and Hazardous Waste Permitting
  • Air, Water, Solid and Hazardous Waste Compliance
  • Bankruptcies Involving Contaminated Sites
  • Brownfields Development
  • Federal and State Agency Enforcement Defense
  • Federal and State Grant and Loan Counsel
  • NEPA and ESA Compliance
  • Real Estate Environmental Due Diligence
  • Solid and Groundwater Remediation Issues
  • Water and Sewer Infrastructure Issues
  • Wetlands Permitting and Water Quality Certifications

Clients (10)

  • Rankin Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District
  • City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi
  • Mississippi Silicon
  • JTB Furniture Mfg, Co.
  • Baymont Bathware
  • West Rankin Utility Authority
  • Longin Oil, LLC
  • Headwaters, Inc.
  • Entergy Services
  • Team Waste

Industries (1)

  • Governmental entities, Manufacturers, Utilities, Oil & Gas, Chemicals

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment - Mississippi

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Watkins & Eager PLLC has a broad environmental practice with significant technical expertise. The law firm is noted for its in-depth knowledge of water quality and wetlands issues, and is recognized for quality representation of public entities and its work on environmental matters involving industrial and commercial real estate, notably in relation to contentious permitting and compliance matters. Watkins & Eager also maintains notable environment expertise in relation to the development of greenfield property.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Watkins & Eager PLLC advised Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District on the development of a flood control project, including obtaining $221 million in federal funding.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • In the environmental context, the team knows the subject matter and takes the time to understand any of the questionable areas where professional judgment is needed.

    Environment respondentUSA
  • Watkins & Eager has history and experience in working with municipal and regional infrastructure organizations and authorities. I appreciate the diverse range of expertise within the organization.

    Environment respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Keith Turner
    Band 1Keith Turner

    Keith Turner

    Keith Turner is noted for his experience in water, hazardous waste and groundwater remediation matters, as well as air permitting. He leads Watkins & Eager's environmental practice in Mississippi.
    • Keith is a very sharp attorney.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • Keith is top-notch in all areas. He is willing to share constructive criticism and has a reputation for advocating for the client.

      Environment respondentUSA
  • Band 2Betty Ruth Fox
    Band 2Betty Ruth Fox

    Betty Ruth Fox

    Betty Ruth Fox is commended for her handling of environmental compliance and enforcement actions, as well as permitting. Clients benefit from her previous experience working within the MDEQ.
    • Betty Ruth brings a regulatory perspective which is unique, and has a down-to-earth approach to client service.

      Environment respondentUSA
  • Band 3Abram Orlansky
    Band 3Abram Orlansky

    Abram Orlansky

    Abram Orlansky has an active environmental practice, advising on infrastructure developments, permits and regulatory compliance. He has notable experience in wastewater management projects. Clients also benefit from his litigation capacity.

    • Abram Orlansky is very responsive and knowledgeable.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • Abram asks poignant questions which shows his depth and breadth of awareness and sophistication. He comes prepared, showing an exceptional level of service and client care.

      Environment respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Watkins & Eager PLLC (3)

Mississippi

Members

Provided by Watkins & Eager PLLC

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