G. Dewey "Dewey" Hembree III

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...

Johnny has represented buyers and sellers in business acquisitions in a multitude of industries, including: software/technology, medical device, building supply, retail, advertising and manufacturing concerns. He previously served as Practice Group Leader for the Business Services Group.

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 ...

Michael has served as bond counsel for private conduit financings, single family mortgage revenue bonds, and cities and counties throughout the State of Mississippi. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for his work in public finance law.

Caroline K. Ivanov is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Caroline K., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Caroline K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Margaret Oertling Cupples writes briefs and motions, and manages other lawyers who write them, in civil appeals and commercial litigation. As litigators and their clients know, a vanishingly small percentage of cases actually get to trial; for the rest, a great brief is the way to win. As national legal writing counsel in major litigation for 3M Company, Margaret’s individual contributions and her strong collaboration with colleagues have brought significant value to 3M for two decades....

Whit Rayner is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group and co-leader of the intellectual property team. He focuses on copyright and trademark registration and protection, software licensing, and intellectual property litigation and prosecution. Whit provides counsel and advice to notable large domestic and international clients, including outdoor lifestyle brands, technology companies, and financial institutions. He also represents clients in commercial litigation and contract disputes. Wh...

Corey focuses her practice on commercial real estate transactions, including representation of borrowers and lenders in commercial loans; developers in the acquisition, development, and disposition of complex real estate projects; and landlords and tenants in commercial leasing. In 2018, Jackson Free Press recognized her as a finalist for Best Real Estate Attorney.

Kathy K. Smith was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1996. She has represented local and national clients in all types of litigation, including mass torts, intellectual property, commercial, personal injury, insurance, products liability, medical malpractice, and environmental matters. She has defended manufacturers of lead paint, mobile homes, and heavy equipment. She has defended an employer involved in extensive PCB litigation and an insurance company sued in asbestos litigation. She has ...

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...