Department profile
Watkins & Eager PLLC

Litigation: General Commercial

USA Guide 2026 : Mississippi

Share profile

Watkins & Eager PLLC

Rankings

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.

Clients (13)

  • Cigna
  • Goodyear
  • Nissan
  • Regions Bank
  • Trustmark
  • Verizon
  • American Optical
  • Lincoln Electric Company
  • University of Mississippi
  • Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Secretary of State of Mississippi
  • Mississippi Development Authority
  • Mississippi Economic Council

Industries (12)

  • Automotive
  • Banking
  • Energy
  • Healthcare
  • Insurance
  • Government
  • Hospitality
  • Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Transportation

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation: General Commercial - Mississippi

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 law 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.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Watkins & Eager PLLC represented landowners on Kings Point Island, Mississippi, in a dispute over the cessation of ferry access to the island.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • You really do feel that the firm is truly connected with you and you are in the best hands. They work for us nationwide. If there was a matter in Mississippi, I'd recommend them to anybody as they are so well connected.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Watkins & Eager has highly skilled attorneys. They learned a highly complex factual background quickly, added value on legal theories and were excellent brief writers.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • The lawyers are very hands-on and are ready and willing to jump into action when needed. They are flexible and will work with your business objectives. They seem knowledgeable and able to pivot to take on various matters.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • The response time is very quick and their service and attention to matters, however big or small, is unbeatable. The team is always available, and having that ability to reach out to them when we need them means a lot.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Watkins & Eager delivers very experienced and knowledgeable counsel. This instills a lot of confidence.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephanie Rippee
    Stephanie Rippee

    Stephanie Rippee

    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 is as smart a lawyer as I've come across. I have full confidence in her ability to handle the most complex and sophisticated matters.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Stephanie is a great communicator and collaborator in terms of working with your business interests and figuring out the best path forward for your circumstances. She is easy to work with and insightful.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Stephanie is a great litigator, one of the best I've worked with. She's quick on her feet, passionate, really gets into the subject matter and is relentless when she needs to be. She has the ability to build a rapport with the judge and jury for trials. She is a really noticeable presence in the courtroom.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
    View profile
  • Michael Gwin
    Michael Gwin

    Michael Gwin

    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.
    View profile
  • William F Ray
    William F Ray

    William F Ray

    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 a go-to when we get involved with litigation, especially high-value and complex litigation matters. He is knowledgeable in securities law and banking law; he is a really smart and well-respected litigator.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
    View profile
  • David L Ayers
    David L Ayers

    David L Ayers

    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.
    View profile
  • Kathy Smith
    Kathy Smith

    Kathy Smith

    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.
    View profile
  • Paul H Stephenson III
    Paul H Stephenson III

    Paul H Stephenson III

    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.
    View profile
  • Walter T. Johnson
    Walter T. Johnson

    Walter T. Johnson

    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.
    View profile
  • H. Rusty Comley
    H. Rusty Comley

    H. Rusty Comley

    Rusty Comley handles civil litigation of varying types, with notable experience at trial and before administrative bodies.
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Watkins & Eager PLLC (8)

Mississippi

Members

Provided by Watkins & Eager PLLC

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership