Alan Lee Smith

David joined the Firm in 1991. He focuses his practice on commercial real estate, including the acquisition, sale, leasing and financing of commercial property. He has extensive experience representing borrowers and lenders in secured loan transactions. He also represents landlords and tenants regarding leases of property for retail, office and telecommunications purposes. David represents C Spire Wireless, one of the nation’s largest privately held wireless companies, regarding its tel...

Don H. Goode is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Don H., who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Don H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Clint Vanderver is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Clint, who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Clint is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Walter J. Brand heads the Employment and Labor Practice Group at Watkins & Eager PLLC, where he has defended employment litigation for more than twenty years. Walter approaches his practice with the view that successful defense of employment claims begins long before a lawsuit is filed and requires three essential components: (1) fair, accurate and documented handling of personnel actions based on updated employer policies; (2) cogent explanation of employer action before administrative a...

Scott E. Andress is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Gaming Law. Scott E., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elizabeth Boone advises clients on business transactions and compliance matters domestically and internationally, including contract negotiation, establishment and maintenance of legal entities, establishment of terms and conditions for the sale of goods, privacy compliance matters, employment matters and real estate transactions. She also has assisted with private entity mergers, acquisitions and divestitures in various industries with purchase prices in varying ranges, including a deal valu...

Tom Walker is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He focuses on commercial and regulatory matters in the financial services industry, with a depth of experience representing financial institutions. Prior to joining the firm, Tom served as executive vice president and director of a community bank in Forest, Mississippi. His experience as general counsel, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, and chief investments officer in the financial services sector enhances his ability ...

Nick Morisani practices in the area of labor and employment and represents both private and public employers in defense of discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment and hostile work environment claims. He also represents clients in defense of civil rights claims arising under the U.S. Constitution. Prior to joining Phelps Dunbar, Nick served as a law clerk to the Honorable Sul Ozerden, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi, and as a litigation associate at a large ...

Reed is a member of Butler Snow’s Finance, Real Estate and Restructuring Group.

Susan L. Steffey was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1987 and to the Mississippi Bar in 1991. She is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Mississippi and Florida and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Before joining Watkins & Eager in 1991, Susan practiced in Tampa, Florida, with the law firm of Sessums & Mason (1987-1990), and served as law clerk to the Honorable Rhesa H. Barksdale, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (1990-19...