About

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

Provided by Chambers

Litigation: General Commercial - Mississippi

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

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 represented Trustmark National Bank in a series of litigation actions against a state court-appointed receiver of an alleged Ponzi scheme.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Stephanie Rippee
1
Stephanie Rippee
1
Band 1
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 looks around corners and tell you whether issues need to be addressed early on.

She is terrific, smart, gets to the issues, and does a great job for her clients.

Stephanie is a tenacious litigator. She is very energetic and works hard for clients.

Michael Gwin
2
Michael Gwin
2
Band 2
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.

He is creative and thinks about doing things in a different way to better position his clients for success.

Mike is a very qualified attorney.

William F Ray
2
William F Ray
2
Band 2
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.

William is very well thought of in the legal community. Clients go to him for large, complex commercial matters.

William is hands-on with his litigation.

William was an excellent quarterback of the entire team from start to finish.

Kathy Smith
3
Kathy Smith
3
Band 3
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.

Kathy is an excellent lawyer and has a strong background in insurance-related matters.

Kathy is a good trial lawyer.

Paul H Stephenson III
3
Paul H Stephenson III
3
Band 3
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 L Ayers
4
David L Ayers
4
Band 4
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 highly regarded by clients.

Walter T. Johnson
4
Walter T. Johnson
4
Band 4
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 a good lawyer who does a lot of medical malpractice defense, mediation and arbitration. He is wise and has a lot of experience.

H. Rusty Comley
5
H. Rusty Comley
5
Band 5
Rusty Comley handles civil litigation of varying types, with notable experience at trial and before administrative bodies.

Rusty is available for any issue that can come up. He is a good, experienced litigator and gives actionable business advice.

Rusty's trial skills are excellent. He can read a room and is polite towards and respectful of opposing counsel.

Ranked Lawyers at
Watkins & Eager PLLC

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Mississippi

Litigation: General Commercial

Stephanie Rippee
1
Stephanie Rippee
1
Band 1
Michael Gwin
2
Michael Gwin
2
Band 2
William F Ray
2
William F Ray
2
Band 2
Kathy Smith
3
Kathy Smith
3
Band 3
Paul H Stephenson III
3
Paul H Stephenson III
3
Band 3
David L Ayers
4
David L Ayers
4
Band 4
Walter T. Johnson
4
Walter T. Johnson
4
Band 4
H. Rusty Comley
5
H. Rusty Comley
5
Band 5

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