David C. Dunbar

Clark Luke is a partner in the firm’s Tax and Trusts & Estates practice groups. His practice is primarily focused on estate planning and administration, taxation, corporate law, and M&A. Clark has been listed in Chambers USA High Net Worth Guide , The Best Lawyers in America ®, and Mid-South Super Lawyers . He has an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and is a Certified Public Accountant.

William Lucien Smith, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Government Relations Practice. William Lucien practices law in Jackson, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized William Lucien Smith, Jr. since 2025. 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 William Lucien Smith, Jr. is held by other lawyers.

Joseph G. Baladi was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 2000 and the Mississippi Bar in 2001. Since joining Watkins & Eager, Joe's experience has included numerous pharmaceutical litigations, medical malpractice bench and jury trials, and product liability trials. Joe's involved in several professional organizations and serves as co-chair of Watkins & Eager's Mass Tort and Repetitive Exposure practice group. Joe regularly speaks and presents on the subjects of science at trial, Daubert i...

Robert M. Frey is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Robert M. practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Robert M. Frey since 2020. 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 Robert M. Frey is held by other lawyers.

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.,...

In his nearly 20 years of practice, Jeffrey Blackwood has handled a variety of commercial litigation matters. He is actively representing broker-dealers and registered investment advisors in matters before FINRA, as well as the Mississippi Secretary of State Securities Division. Jeffrey recently obtained a victory on behalf of a trust in litigation involving investment LLCs in Delaware. In addition, he routinely speaks and writes on topics related to securities regulatory and enforcement matt...

Elizabeth has served as Bond Counsel for various cities, counties and school districts throughout the State of Mississippi. Her practice is focused on public finance and government relations.

Steve Rosenblatt focuses his practice on bankruptcy, restructuring and commercial litigation. He has a wealth of experience serving as debtor’s counsel in Chapter 11 cases and is a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy.

Chris Pace is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He advises on project finance and economic development law, state and local government law, economic development incentives, and gaming law. Chris’ clients include county and municipal governmental bodies as well as new and expanding business concerns, examples of which include a large steel company investing more than $1 billion in a new facility, and a regional beverage supplier investing millions of dollars to expand its existi...

Roger Williams is a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. Roger is a transactional attorney who focuses his practice on the acquisition, leasing, and sale of commercial real estate, construction projects, and commercial lending. He represents developers in all phases of the acquisition, development, financing, leasing, and sale of various kinds of commercial properties, including apartment complexes, office buildings, shopping centers, and build-to-suit retail projects. In a...