J. Stephen "Steve" Kennedy

J. Wesley Daughdrill is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Commercial Transactions / UCC Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. J. Wesley, who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Wesley is held by other top lawyers in the same...

Clifford B. Ammons, named one of The Best Lawyers in America ® in Workers' Compensation Law, was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1978. His experience spans from workers' compensation, medical malpractice defense and nursing home defense to education. His cases of note include Fresenius Medical Care and Continental Cas. Co. v. Woolfolk ex rel. Woolfolk , 920 So. 2d 1024 (Miss. App. 2005); Davis v. Pioneer, Inc. , 834 So. 2d 739 (Miss. App. 2003); and Bates v. Countrybrook Living ...

William Lucien Smith, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. William Lucien, who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William Lucien is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Mildred M. Morris was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1984. Her experience spans litigation, medical malpractice defense, health care and drug and medical device defense. Some cases of note include Warren v. Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corp., 783 So.2d 735 (Miss. App. 2000) (American Law Journal Top 10 Defense Verdicts of the Year); Lindley v. Hamilton, 883 F.2d 360 (5th Cir. 1989); Herrington v. Spell, 692 So.2d 93 (Miss. 1997). She has tried cases to verdict by jury in numerous state and fede...

Brian C. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law. Brian C., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chris defends pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in “bet the company” mass tort litigations. With extensive experience in managing large-scale litigation, Chris brings to the table an eye for streamlining workflows, improving efficiencies, and implementing cost-reduction measures. His work with discovery teams and vendors, in particular, has been recognized by clients and colleagues alike, making him a trusted advisor and leader in the legal community. The Legal 500 U...

Jack is experienced in antitrust, banking, bankruptcy, corporate governance, financial services and securities litigation as well as general commercial litigation matters. He has been AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and recognized by Chambers USA , Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers® and BL Rankings, The Best Lawyers in America® .

Corey has practiced law with Watkins & Eager since he was admitted to the bar in 2004. He is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Mississippi, all federal courts in Arkansas and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He has also been admitted pro hac vice in numerous state and federal courts around the country. Corey's diverse litigation practice has involved representing clients in every phase of litigation-including trials, appeals and alternative...

C. Phillip Buffington, Jr. advises financial institutions throughout the United States on federal and state banking laws and regulations. For more than 30 years, he has served as a trusted advisor to community, regional and national financial institutions, helping them to assess and analyze regulatory and litigation risks. Phil advises on a full range of issues, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, expansion and divestitures, de novo formations and charter conversions, ba...