Cody C. Bailey

Molly Jeffcoat Moody is a partner in the firm’s Real Estate and Banking & Financial Services practice groups with a focus on commercial transactions and complex financing matters. Her work includes significant representation of lenders and borrowers alike in commercial loans and developers in the development, construction, and operations of complex real estate projects. Molly has considerable experience with loan syndications, derivatives (interest rate swaps), and participations. M...

David Ayers was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1983 and is admitted to all state and federal courts in Mississippi and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He also has handled cases in a number of other states under pro hac vice privileges. David's experience includes commercial litigation, premises litigation and general personal injury litigation, with an emphasis on automotive, heavy equipment, industrial equipment and recreational product litigation. His cases of ...

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...

Kaytie Pickett is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. She focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and appeals for clients in the financial services, insurance, manufacturing, and construction industries. Kaytie has developed a particular focus on moving clients’ high-risk cases out of challenging venues. She has successfully removed cases to federal court, transferred venue, and had cases dismissed on complex jurisdictional grounds. Kaytie also has de...

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 ...

Johanna Jumper represents developers, landlords and tenants in all types of real estate transactions including real estate acquisitions, dispositions and refinancing; closing of new loans and loan assumptions; workouts and foreclosures; and retail, office and industrial leasing. She also has served equity investors in the purchase, reorganization and sale of distressed assets. In her leasing and developments practices, Johanna negotiates agreements reflecting the diverse priorities of franchi...

Anna H. Watson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Public Finance Law. Anna H. practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Anna H. Watson since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Anna H. Watson is held by other lawyers.

Meade concentrates his practice on product liability, pharmaceutical, toxic tort, and transportation litigation. He is AV®-Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® , and recognized in Best Lawyers in America® and Who’s Who Legal in Product Liability and Super Lawyers® in Class Action/Mass Tort. Meade represents clients in litigation throughout the United States. He is the Immediate Past President of the Mississippi Bar Association, the Chair-Elect of th...

Jim Pettis is a member of the Firm’s Trust, Estates & Personal Planning Service Team. He concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, probate, Elder Law, ERISA and employee benefits, state and federal taxation, business law including contracts, general corporate merger, reorganizations and acquisitions.

Thomas E. Williams is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Thomas E. practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Thomas E. Williams since 2009. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Thomas E. Williams is held by ...