Amy L. Champagne

Philip Gunn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Philip, who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Philip is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Amanda serves as Team Leader for the White Collar, Compliance and Government Investigations Group and focuses her practice on government investigations and complex civil litigation. She has served as Lead Chair in over 30 jury trials. Her experience includes regularly conducting internal investigations for companies and medical institutions and providing advice on reporting obligations and representation throughout all phases of government investigations and accompanying litigation.

Blake Fulton is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He concentrates in the areas of incentivized public and private project finance, state and local government law, and economic development incentives. Blake develops and negotiates incentivized project finance transactions throughout the Gulf South and nationally. His experience includes a variety of tax credit finance matters, having handled numerous deals in connection with new markets and historic tax credits, as well as certified c...

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...

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 ...

Ryan focuses his practice on representing privately held business in sales and acquisitions, formation, and business planning and operations. Ryan also regularly represents gaming clients on regulatory matters before the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

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...

Lewis W. Bell was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1987. His experience spans from general product liability, general personal injury litigation, and premises litigation to commercial and franchise litigation. His cases of note include Rials v. Philip Morris, USA Inc., et al. 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12420, February 21, 2007; Rawls v. Friedman's Inc., 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 21333, June 27, 2003; Everett v. Friedman's Inc., 2005 U.S. Dist LEXIS 23345, August 12, 2005; Allen v. Tyson Foods, Inc.,...

Eddy Edwards has practiced in the area of business law for more than 30 years, with concentrations in taxation, finance and real estate. His practice in the field of taxation includes wills, trusts and estate planning as well as tax controversies and tax-exempt organizations, while his business practice includes commercial financing and real estate transactions. Mr. Edwards advises individuals and families in estate planning, including wills, trusts, family businesses and gifts, focusing on t...

Ann Corso Taylor is a partner in the firm. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, she handles matters encompassing every aspect of real estate law. Ann advises clients on matters involving acquisitions, sales, leasing, and financing. In recent years, she has been heavily involved in negotiating leases with national and local tenants for the developer of a new shopping center development. She also has been involved in the purchasing and selling of numerous apartment complexes across the ...