General Information
Overview
Content is provided by the firm.
Watkins & Eager is a full service, diversified law firm with offices located in Mississippi and Alabama. Its proud heritage began in 1895 when William Hamilton Watkins became the twentieth lawyer at the Jackson bar. The influential career of Will Watkins spanned sixty-four years during which he argued over twenty cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. Pat H. Eager, Jr. joined Will Watkins in 1916 and practiced with the Firm until he death in 1970. Pat Eager was recognized as a premier trial lawyer who served as president of the International Association of Defense Counsel (1943-1944) and who was Mississippi's initial invitee into the American College of Trial Lawyers. For several decades the image of the Firm was heavily influenced by two of Will Watkins' children. Elizabeth Watkins Hulen, an outstanding appellate advocate, was the first woman in Mississippi history to argue before the Supreme Court of the United States. Thomas H. Watkins earned a national reputation in the representation of corporate and governmental clients. Will Watkins' grandson, Bill Goodman, if the Firm's senior partner and is one of only three Mississippi lawyers who are members of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. Many others have contributed and continue to contribute growth and progress of the Firm that now enjoys an extensive corporate and business practice in addition to its broad trial and appellate practice.
Our client base includes major manufacturers, employers, contractors, oil and gas producers and refiners, banks and financial institutions, healthcare providers, cable television operators, institutions of higher learning, investors, telecommunication providers, insurers and governmental entities on the federal, state, county and municipal levels.
The Firm has graduates in law from Columbia University, Florida State University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi College, New York University, Tulane University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Florida, University of Mississippi, Vanderbilt University, and Wake Forest University. The staff includes investigators, paralegals, nurses and other professional support personnel. Orderly continued growth is expected. The Firm's 70+ professionals in Mississippi and Alabama from varied backgrounds use their wealth of experience to creatively help clients navigate an ever-changing legal landscape.
Significant Distinctions: The Form is proud of the academic achievements and honorary qualifications of its lawyers. One of the Firm's former members, Charles Clark, was the retired Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and a member of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. In-house professional endeavors are required in addition to mandatory continuing legal education. Participation in the State Bar pro bono program is encouraged.
Individual lawyers are associated with recognized civic, industry and professional organizations. Members belong to the Product Liability Advisory Council, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, the American College of Employment Lawyers, the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, and are Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Rankings
Watkins & Eager PLLC is metro ranked in 66 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.
Read how Best Law Firms ranks firmsMetro Rankings
Birmingham
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 1 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier 2 for Employment Law - Management
Tier 2 for Litigation - Health Care
Highlighted Client Comments
All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
Tax Law
Watkins & Eager helps us with estate tax matters, primarily in the areas of estate tax returns, 706, and related fiduciary tax returns.
Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Watkins & Eager attorneys are extremely professional, responsive, and give complete explanations--all I could ask of from a law firm.
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Watkins & Eager has a group of great trial lawyers, who know their jurisdiction well. They are a pleasure to work with!
Tax Law
I have dealt with Jamie Houston at Watkins & Eager over the past 30 years in different areas of estate and tax matters for both individuals and companies. He is highly respected and very professional in all matters. I would highly recommend him to anyone. He has always been very responsive every time we have worked together. I would rate Jamie Houston's work as excellent in all areas of tax matters. The firm of Watkins & Eager is well respected all around Mississippi.
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
I can't say enough good things about Watkins & Eager and, in particular, Matt Tyrone and Jim Crongeyer. I work with lawyers around the world at large firms and small firms. Matt and Jim stand toe to toe with the best.
Environmental Law
We have found Watkins & Eager to be Excellent in all six of the areas of criteria. They are knowledgeable not only of the law, but also the state regulator. They have taken the time to learn about and understand our business, particularly how it is affected by our permits. I get a response within a day virtually every time I call l them, and their fees are reasonable. They do a great job for us and I would have no problem recommending them to a friend for this work.
Commercial Finance Law
We highly value the relationship we have with the Watkins & Eager law firm, both from a professional and a friendship perspective. They provide us sound counsel in a timely and efficient manner.
Tax Law
Watkins & Eager is a wonderful firm to work with.
Tax Law
I have worked with Watkins & Eager over the years and they have always provided excellent service; always going the extra mile for the client.
Tax Law
Watkins & Eager has a very strong reputation for serving clients well and being very knowledgeable and reliable. My experience has been very good with this firm.
Commercial Litigation
I have recently been involved in trust litigation with Watkins & Eager for the past six years. Their work is strategic and well-thought-out.
Trusts and Estates
I have been involved with estate planning / will preparation for the past 20+ years. Watkins & Eager's work is excellent and timely.
Corporate Law
Watkins & Eager has expertise in many areas from Human Resources, financing, litigation, and vast array of areas.
Commercial Finance Law
Watkins & Eager is very knowledgeable in all aspects of commercial finance. They have represented us on all aspects from land sales, construction lending, and permanent finance. They are highly skilled and experienced in market conditions.
Real Estate Law
Watkins & Eager are the best lawyers around! They are highly competent individuals whose expertise takes a lot of us in transactions.
Appellate Practice
Watkins & Eager lawyers brought deep substantive and procedural knowledge and unique insights to the challenging appellate issues faced by the client. They have a first-rate appellate practice.
Litigation - Bankruptcy
In the area of bankruptcy, Watkins & Eager has very knowledgeable attorneys that know the creditor side very well and do a great job of protecting our interests. All litigation actions we have had were handled in a very satisfactory manner and at a reasonable cost.
Banking and Finance Law
Watkins & Eager is very familiar with our operation and needs and always keeps up with the Banking and Finance laws and any changes that may be taking place in this industry.
Family Law
Watkins & Eager is an excellent law firm with the very highest quality of service.
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
This firm practices at a very high level. It is stocked with attorneys who are very capable and reasoned. The firm is well managed, lending to very good responsiveness and cost-effectiveness.
Family Law
Watkins & Eager is a great firm with outstanding lawyers. It is a joy to work with them.
William Wright
– Wright Law Firm
Health Care Law
I am very with satisfied Watkins & Eager! The firm met and even exceeded expectations. They are responsive, professional, and cost-effective. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone seeking assistance in the area of Health Care Law and litigation.
John Whitfield
– Digestive Health
Appellate Practice
Collins Wohner of Watkins & Eager is a great appellate counsel, good strategic mind, good writer, and well respected in the community.
Thomas Vanderford
– Hyundai Motor America
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
David Ayers of Watkins & Eager is a top notch trial attorney; great strategic mind, responsive, excellent writer, well respected in the community. Jimmy Wilkins is also a great attorney and is a pleasure to work with.
Thomas Vanderford
– Hyundai Motor America
Litigation - Bankruptcy
I rate Watkins & Eager excellent in all areas. The attorney we use Jim Spencer, handles most of our Mississippi litigation and bankruptcy cases. He understands our desired outcome and drive for resolution and works toward that goal in every case he handles for us; very professional!
Tab Sheperd
– Home Bank N.A.
Tax Law
The firm attorneys Jamie Houston and Clark Luke of Watkins & Eager are the primary attorneys I deal with. They are smart, conscientious, considerate, team players, and also add significant value to the serves they perform for our mutual clients; and best of all they are a real pleasure to work with.
Richard Reitano
– Grantham Poole
Commercial Finance Law
Watkins & Eager is an excellent firm for commercial and financial matters.
Larry Ratzlaff
– Origin Bank
Commercial Litigation
Watkins & Eager are representing me in a protracted and difficult litigation. I cannot say enough good things about the firm and especially my main attorney, William Ray. They have been very responsive to the needs of my case, with a high standard of expertise, attention to detail and creativity to solve difficult issues. I recommend them most highly.
Dave Mitchell
– Individual
Family Law
Watkins & Eager is the best firm in Mississippi.
William "Bill" T. May
– Barry Palmer Thaggard May & Bailey, LLP
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
The attorneys are Watkins & Eager have always done great work and are priced very reasonable.
William R "Randy" James,
President
– The Pruet Companies
Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Watkins & Eager attorneys are very professional with an unquestioned integrity. They provide quality work, are responsive and deliver in a short time if necessary. This firm is much more cost effective than other large firms I have worked with; I rate all the lawyers I have worked with at Watkins and Eager as excellent.
Stanley Herren,
Senior Vice President
– Regions Bank
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Walter Johnson of Watkins & Eager is one of the finest trial lawyers I have worked with. He communicates to juries and clients effectively and efficiently. His team, including Joe Baladi and Cory Hinshaw, also consists of excellent lawyers.
Jeffrey Healy,
National Coordinating Counsel
– American Optical Corporation TUcker Ellis LLP
Tax Law
Watkins & Eager has excellent lawyers with experience levels in industries compatible with our CPA firm. They are very responsive, professional and team players when it comes to solving client problems. It is a pleasure to work with each of them.
Cecil Harper
– Harper Rains Knight & Co
Commercial Finance Law
I work primarily with M. Binford "Ben" Williams and Molly Jeffcoat Moody of Watkins & Eager. In my opinion, their expertise and thoroughness is unrivaled; they often see issues from all sides and can anticipate potential problems or discussion points long before they arise. Both Ben and Molly are extremely responsive and understand the need for urgency and cost-effectiveness when necessary.
Julie Hall
– Trustmark National Bank
Corporate Law
George Fair and his fellow lawyers at Watkins & Eager are great to work with. They bring a team of very competent attorneys that can deal with all legal aspects of your business.
Rodney Grogan,
President
– MMC Materials, Inc.
Family Law
Watkins & Eager attorney Susan Steffey was an excellent attorney. She was very knowledgeable. I was referred to her and did not know her. Her knowledge of Family Law was quite impressive. Her ability to manage a case in an efficient manner and not overcharge was very refreshing. She was solutions based and wanted a quick resolution. Interestingly, she and I have become friends and stay in touch. I am not sure many people can say that about a lawyer in any area of expertise, especially Family Law.
Pam Files
– Bottrell Insurance Agency
Securitization and Structured Finance Law
I have worked with a number of the attorneys at Watkins & Eager over the years. Some have represented my company as a borrower and some have represented our lenders. In all instances, they have always performed in a very efficient, responsive and professional manner.
Sam Colson
– Net Lease Alliance
Trusts and Estates
Watkins & Eager has exceptional legal expertise. They offer the highest level of service. They are one of - if not - the best law firm(s) in the state.
Evelyn Agent
– First Commercial Bank
Litigation - Banking and Finance
same as above.
Financial Services Regulation Law
Watkins & Eager are great folks who work very hard and are very intelligent. I always appreciate their efforts, expertise, and drive.
Tax Law
Watkins & Eager is a very professional firm. They are experienced and have great customer service.
Litigation - Labor and Employment
I have worked with Watkins & Eager for 17 years, and my company has worked with them for over 30 years. They are a great partner and do excellent work.
Health Care Law
Watkins & Eager provides well-thought-out responses in a timely manner and does excellent work.
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Bin Williams of Watkins & Eager is the best transactional lawyer I have ever worked with. Period.
Environmental Law
Watkins & Eager does an excellent job for us, assisting in our relations with state regulators.
Commercial Finance Law
Watkins & Eager is very pleasant to work with. I always feel comfortable with their legal advice. Fees are reasonable
Environmental Law
Watkins & Eager provides legal services in support of environmental permits for our wastewater facilities, land acquisitions, construction contracts, solid waste services contracts, legislation, and administrative legal service.
Bruce Stephens
– West Rankin Utility Authority
Commercial Finance Law
Watkins & Eager is very responsive, thorough, resourceful and a trusted advisor.
Larry Ratzlaff
– Origin Bank
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
It is a pleasure working with Watkins & Eager. Jim Crongeyer and Jim Matt Tyrone are extremely professional, knowledgeable and efficient attorneys.
Joseph J. Pophal,
Associate General Counsel (2008)
– Parker Hannifin Corporation
Commercial Litigation
Watkins & Eager have been representing me in a very difficult and lengthy arbitration proceeding with an aggressive counterparty. They have been incredibly responsive, effective and tireless advocates for me, and could even bring in specialized resources to deal with extraordinary actions taken by the counterparty. I recommend them, and in particular my attorney, William Ray, most highly.
Dave Mitchell
– Individual
Commercial Finance Law
The lawyers at Watkins & Eager have a broad range of knowledge handling complicated transactions in different states. I have never felt that they have been ill-prepared or not had the exposure or experience to handle my transactions. This is true, even when dealing with larger firms who may represent other parties in the transaction. While the firm may be based in Mississippi, do not let that fool you and their level of expertise!
Michael Johnson
– Landmark Homes
Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
Watkins & Eager is an outstanding firm. I have worked extensively with the firm's lawyers there for decades. They are top-notch lawyers, who have impeccable ethics and great trial skills.
David Kaufman
– Brunini
Project Finance Law
There is no firm that is better in handling all aspects from construction financing to permanent debt than Watkins & Eager. They see so many deals and have a handle on current market terms and structure. Their advice and counsel is invaluable.
Michael Johnson
– Landmark Homes
Real Estate Law
Watkins & Eager understands the balance between business and law, the delicate balance that a real estate developer must walk. The attorneys realize that all aspects and exposures must be pointed out and facts considered, but then once a decision is made, they help to minimize the risks as best allowed by the law. I appreciate the fine line they must take.
Michael Johnson
– Landmark Homes
Corporate Law
Watkins & Eager understands how to structure a deal since it handles all aspects from finance, defense, estate, etc. It helps that the exposure levels of their attorneys to many areas helps its clients think through all the various issues and pitfalls that may arise in these times.
Michael Johnson
– Landmark Homes
Public Finance Law
Watkins & Eager handled our school's multi-million dollar public financing bond with great expertise. Their team led this effort with competence and responsiveness that gave our leadership team great confidence in a very sensitive process. Joyce Hall, their expert in government bonds, was especially critical. She helped bring together 5 banks in a financing project that took an extreme amount of detail. Additionally, Watkins and Eager partners Tim Sensing and Matt Tyrone have been a great resource for our school in other legal matters in the past. We will continue to trust them with our work in the future.
David Horner
– Hartfield Academy, Inc.
Commercial Finance Law
The members of Watkins & Eager's commercial finance team are always very accessible and responsive, and the quality of the work is excellent. The work produced is directly in line with the work needed.
Ron Hendrix,
Executive Vice President
– BancorpSouth
Banking and Finance Law
Watkins & Eager is very knowledgeable on banking matters and have always been great to understand my needs and quick to respond with a solution.
Cousie Giglio,
Senior Vice President
– Guaranty Bank and Trust Company
Litigation - Bankruptcy
The bankruptcy attorney at Watkins & Eager is very knowledgeable in this area and always stays on top of any case I send him. He understands what I need and is timely in responding with a recommendation and action plan for the case.
Cousie Giglio,
Senior Vice President
– Guaranty Bank and Trust Company
Family Law
Watkins & Eager show great work ethic, care and concern for the situation. They were also expedient in working through issues.
Pam Files
– Bottrell Insurance Agency
Family Law
Watkins & Eager is a top quality law firm with a large group of outstanding lawyers.
William DalehiteJr., QC
– Steen Dalehite & Pace
Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
Watkins & Eager is an excellent law firm with excellent lawyers. They are always professional and courteous, always prepared, and handle themselves well in court and deliver top-level written product.
Michael Barnhill
– Womble Bond Dickinson LLP
Commercial Finance Law
Watkins & Eager has the most competent & practical counsel, as you will find. In my dealings and transactions across the US, I never feel like Watkins & Eager is ever overmatched.
Project Finance Law
Watkins & Eager handles a large amount of transactions from both the developer end , and also on the lender side (not on same deals) ; and this experience gives them vast knowledge, and leg up on so many.
Trusts and Estates
Watkins & Eager does a terrific job at thinking through the complex, granular legal issues while also looking at the same issues from a big-picture standpoint.
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Matt Tyrone and Jim Crongeyer at Watkins & Eager are top-notch. Over my career I have engaged litigation attorneys at many firms - large and small - and I would recommend these two litigators above all the others. They are smart, practical, efficient and timely. They are terrific.
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
I have worked collaboratively with Watkins & Eager’s attorneys for joint representation of a national client and have had nothing but positive experience. When I became national coordinating counsel for a mass tort, I hired Stephanie Rippee at the firm to handle matters locally in Mississippi but also to be part of the science team. Again, I had a very positive experience.
Commercial Finance Law
I work exclusively with Ben Williams and Molly Jeffcoat Moody at Watkins & Eager for legal counsel and documentation of most large and/or complicated commercial loans that we work with. They are very responsive, always eager to help in whatever way possible, discussing options for keeping costs low when that is a concern, and are always willing to look at various issues from all angles. I value their advice and am happy to count them as both friends and colleagues.
Trusts and Estates
We have great faith in our legal advisors at Watkins and Eager and we depend heavily on the advice we get from the firm. as a result, we sleep very well at night! The firm is also generous in its support for projects around the area and the State, which we consider very telling.
Commercial Litigation
At Watkins & Eager they develop an overall case strategy and work the strategy. They do excellent work.
Trusts and Estates
Watkins & Eager is a great law firm! They are extremely knowledgeable in Trusts & Estates Law.
Trusts and Estates
They are excellent lawyers at Watkins & Eager.
Real Estate Law
Watkins & Eager attorneys are very competent and experienced! They know the law inside and out.
Corporate Law
Watkins & Eager understand how to tie the law and business side together. While advising you of the legal impacts, they understand that at the end of the day it’s a business decision.
Tax Law
Watkins & Eager is client focused and a great firm to work with. They have great service and attention to detail.
Land Use and Zoning Law
Watkins & Eager attorneys are very knowledgeable and excellent with all aspects of zoning and title work!
Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
Watkins & Eager provides excellent representation and deals effectively with very difficult issues. Mike Ulmer and Matt Tyrone are very capable attorneys in this and other areas.
Health Care Law
The Watkins & Eager team has shown a depth of resources and expertise in litigation, employment law, HIPAA, malpractice, Stark & AKS, and professional service contracts. I have had the pleasure of dealing with numerous attorneys, each very knowledgeable and professional in his or her respective area.
Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
Watkins & Eager is one of the premier firms in Mississippi. The firm has many exceptional attorneys who are great advocates for their clients.
Energy Law
I always expect to be treated with respect and courtesy by the members of Watkins & Eager and I am never disappointed.
Public Finance Law
We worked on several bond issues in default this year with Watkins & Eager. Their research has been thorough and they have done a good job of managing bondholder communication. They managed our deadlines well.
Health Care Law
Watkins & Eager is very professional and resourceful. They have handled med-mal cases for us, as well as assisted with our HIPAA compliance.
Environmental Law
Keith Turner and his team at Watkins & Eager are a great help for us in dealing with MDEQ. They know the players and the best way to get things done. Their advice about how to approach the agency is invaluable.
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Watkins & Eager's product liability lawyers know how to win. Corey Hinshaw is an excellent product liability litigator and a pleasure to work with on strategic issues.
Banking and Finance Law
Watkins & Eager has always been very knowledgeable in the area of Banking and Finance, they understand the bank's perspective and give us sound advise.
Environmental Law
Keith Turner is my prime contact and has proven himself and staff at Watkins & Eager to be of the highest integrity and competence in the areas of environmental law, bond financing law, state and federal procurement law, and contracting law. I highly recommend Watkins & Eager for all of these matters.
Bruce Stephens
– West Rankin Utility Authority
Appellate Practice
Watkins & Eager is one of the best in the country.
Robert Maxwell
– BERNARD, CASSISA, ELLIOTT & DAVIS, APLC
Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Watkins & Eager attorney Clifford Ammons is outstanding, and I have worked with many all around the country
Ken Lowery
– Hunter Engineering Corp
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Watkins & Eager is a great firm with experienced attorneys. They are always helpful with needs we have, and available when needed.
William R "Randy" James,
President
– The Pruet Companies
Public Finance Law
Watkins & Eager has supported Hartfield Academy as our representatives and advisers through several circumstances since the establishment of our school seven years ago. Whether it's their expertise on a bond agreement that saved us $300,000 on a multi-million dollar loan or giving us legal advice regarding sensitive situations with our school's students, patrons, and faculty, Watkins & Eager has been sensitive to our needs, and has helped us successfully navigate through every time. I'm grateful specifically for the work of Joyce Hall, Tim Sensing, and Matt Tyrone, who have all leveraged their time and talent for the benefit of ensuring our school's success. They are the best in the city of Jackson!
David Horner
– Hartfield Academy, Inc.
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
The lawyers at Watkins & Eager, particularly Walter Johnson and Joe Baladi, are excellent courtroom lawyers -- thoughtful, strategic, and professional. I have recommended them often and will continue to do so, as well as work with them as often as I am able.
Jeffrey Healy,
National Coordinating Counsel
– American Optical Corporation TUcker Ellis LLP
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
George Fair of Watkins & Eager has done an excellent job for our company for all our merger, acquisition, and contract needs for a number of years. I would not want to use any other attorney for handling these legal matters for our company.
Rodney Grogan,
President
– MMC Materials, Inc.
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Watkins & Eager is my go-to firm on anything bankruptcy related; all litigation matters have been handled in a very satisfactory manner.
Cousie Giglio,
Senior Vice President
– Guaranty Bank and Trust Company
Family Law
Watkins & Eager has excellent attorneys in all areas, especially family law. I highly recommend this firm
William DalehiteJr., QC
– Steen Dalehite & Pace
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Watkins & Eager attorneys Bin Williams and Molly Jeffcoat are the most responsive lawyers I have ever worked with. Not only do they know their material inside and out, they go out of their way to make you comfortable and keep you up-to-date in all aspects of M&A process. I could not be happier with the service they have provided me.
Emmerson Daily,
Former Owner/Selling Principal
– Daily Equipment Company
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
The Watkins & Eager team is fantastic all around. Send them into any fight at any time.
Ben Ammerman
– Tokio Marine
Commercial Finance Law
The attorneys at Watkins & Eager have been quick to respond and extremely helpful reviewing our responses to clients. They have the experience we need to appropriate document our deals.
Rankings
Regional Rankings
Birmingham
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 1 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier 2 for Employment Law - Management
Tier 2 for Litigation - Health Care
Tier 2 for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier 2 for Real Estate Law
Jackson-MS
Tier 1 for Administrative / Regulatory Law
Tier 1 for Appellate Practice
Tier 1 for Banking and Finance Law
Tier 1 for Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier 1 for Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Tier 1 for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Tier 1 for Commercial Finance Law
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 1 for Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Tier 1 for Construction Law
Tier 1 for Corporate Governance Law
Tier 1 for Corporate Law
Tier 1 for Economic Development Law
Tier 1 for Elder Law
Tier 1 for Employment Law - Management
Tier 1 for Energy Law
Tier 1 for Environmental Law
Tier 1 for Family Law
Tier 1 for Government Relations Practice
Tier 1 for Health Care Law
Tier 1 for Insurance Law
Tier 1 for Labor Law - Management
Tier 1 for Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier 1 for Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier 1 for Litigation - Banking and Finance
Tier 1 for Litigation - Construction
Tier 1 for Litigation - Environmental
Tier 1 for Litigation - Health Care
Tier 1 for Litigation - Insurance
Tier 1 for Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier 1 for Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Tier 1 for Litigation - Municipal
Tier 1 for Litigation - Real Estate
Tier 1 for Litigation - Securities
Tier 1 for Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Tier 1 for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier 1 for Mediation
Tier 1 for Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier 1 for Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
Tier 1 for Natural Resources Law
Tier 1 for Nonprofit / Charities Law
Tier 1 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier 1 for Project Finance Law
Tier 1 for Public Finance Law
Tier 1 for Real Estate Law
Tier 1 for Tax Law
Tier 1 for Trusts and Estates
Tier 2 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier 2 for Corporate Compliance Law
Tier 2 for Family Law Mediation
Tier 2 for Financial Services Regulation Law
Tier 2 for Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier 2 for Litigation - ERISA
Tier 2 for Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Tier 2 for Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier 2 for Municipal Law
Tier 2 for Oil and Gas Law
Tier 2 for Privacy and Data Security Law
Tier 2 for Securitization and Structured Finance Law
Tier 2 for Utilities Law
Tier 2 for Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Tier 3 for Arbitration
Tier 3 for Criminal Defense: General Practice
Tier 3 for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Practice Areas
The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.
- Administrative / Regulatory Law
- Appellate Practice
- Arbitration
- Banking and Finance Law
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Commercial Finance Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
- Corporate Law
- Employment Law - Management
- Energy Law
- Environmental Law
- Family Law
- Financial Services Regulation Law
- Health Care Law
- Insurance Law
- Labor Law - Management
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Litigation - Banking and Finance
- Litigation - Bankruptcy
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
- Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
- Litigation - Trusts and Estates
- Litigation and Controversy - Tax
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
- Mediation
- Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
- Natural Resources Law
- Oil and Gas Law
- Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
- Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
- Project Finance Law
- Real Estate Law
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
- Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
Watkins & Eager PLLC has 51 lawyers recognized for individual performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in
America®.
By receiving this Best Lawyers recognition from their peers for their professional excellence, these lawyers made Watkins & Eager PLLC eligible for evaluation for Best Law Firms rankings.
For almost two decades, Best Lawyers has awarded these singular accolades, making them the foundation of our Best Law Firms awards.
Read more about our Best Lawyers process here.
{{ practiceAreaName }}
{{ lawyer.FirstName[0] }}{{ lawyer.LastName[0] }}
![]()
{{ lawyer.FirstName[0] }}{{ lawyer.LastName[0] }}
{{ lawyer.Locations[0].City }}{{lawyer.Locations[0].StateCode ? ', ' + lawyer.Locations[0].StateCode : '' }}
Client Comments
All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
{{ comment.ClientFullName + (comment.ClientTitle ? ", " : "") }}
{{ comment.ClientTitle }}
– {{ comment.ClientCompanyName }}
Main Location
Jackson,
MS
The Emporium Building
400 East Capitol Street
P.O. Box 650
Jackson, MS 39205-0650
United States
601-965-1900
Call our Jackson, MS location at 601-965-1900
Get Directions
Get directions to our Jackson, MS location
Office Locations
Birmingham,
AL
Saks Building, Suite 300
1904 First Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
United States
205-598-2100
Call our Birmingham, AL location at 205-598-2100
Get Directions
Get directions to our Birmingham, AL location