J. Scott Newton

Mike Hurst is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Mike practices law in Flowood, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Mike Hurst 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 Mike Hurst 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...

Simon Bailey has represented clients in a variety of matters, including consumer protection cases, product liability cases, and commercial cases involving insurers, lenders, accountants, and other professionals. He has participated in litigation across the country at the trial and appellate stages. Simon also has an active pro bono practice and is a past recipient of the Jackson Young Lawyers Association’s Pro Bono Award. In addition to his law practice, Simon is involved in community a...

Spencer Ritchie focuses his practice on political advocacy and political law compliance with substantial experience in general and appellate litigation. Following law school, Spencer clerked for both a federal district court judge (Eastern District of Texas) and a federal appellate court judge (Fifth Circuit). Spencer also has an extensive background in federal, state, and local politics, having worked for a U.S. congressman and U.S. senator, as executive director of a state political party, ...

Brad C. Davis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Public Finance Law. Brad C. practices law in Jackson, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Brad C. Davis since 2022. 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 Brad C. Davis is held by other lawyers.

Aileen Thomas is a partner in the Tax Practice Group and a member of the firm’s board of directors. Aileen is a nationally recognized finance attorney with a focus on New Markets Tax Credit transactions, Historic Tax Credit transactions, tax exempt bond transactions and other sophisticated debt financing transactions. Aileen’s clients include national, regional and community banks, underwriting firms, investment funds, community development entities and community development finan...

Thomas M. Louis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Thomas M. practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Thomas M. Louis since 2016. 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 M. Loui...

Todd Butler represents clients in matters involving employment, civil rights and appellate issues. He is general counsel to the Mississippi Municipal Liability Plan, the Mississippi Municipal Workers’ Compensation Group, and the Mississippi Municipal Service Company. Todd has successfully represented municipalities, law enforcement officers and companies, serving as counsel in nearly 100 reported decisions and having presented oral arguments in both federal and state courts throughout t...

Chase is a native Mississippian with over 30 years of litigation and courtroom experience. He focuses his practice on commercial litigation, bank and lender liability litigation, professional liability claims, intellectual property litigation, environmental and toxic tort claims, personal injury defense, insurance, wills and estates, and financial products litigation. Chase also manages a large construction practice representing owners, contractors, and subcontractors in all aspects of constr...

Sam is a member of Butler Snow’s Commercial Litigation group. He brings experience in a broad range of construction law, business litigation and appellate matters. Sam regularly advises clients on front-end issues, such as contract drafting and licensing requirements; litigates and arbitrates a variety of construction, commercial, and premises liability disputes; and handles all levels of appeals from administrative agencies to state Supreme Courts and the Fifth and Sixth Circuit Courts...