James A. "Jay" Norris III

Walter G. Watkins III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Walter G., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Walter G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice...

Jason L. Poulson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Finance Law, Economic Development Law, Real Estate Law and Securitization and Structured Finance Law. Jason L., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jason L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Candace Gregory is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Candace, who practices law in Flowood, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Candace is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Michael Williams is a partner in the Jackson, Mississippi, office, where he has developed a diverse state and federal court litigation practice. Since joining the firm in 2015, Michael has litigated claims involving mass torts, commercial contract disputes, real estate transactions, and employment matters. Michael also has experience in product litigation, representing clients in the automotive, heavy equipment, consumer and recreational product arenas. He is prepared to protect his clients&r...

Dale G. Russell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Dale G., who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dale G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Betty Burton Arinder is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Betty Burton, who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Betty Burton is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Trey Bourn has a broad practice focused on helping clients from pre-litigation through trial. His experience includes defending products manufacturers in litigation pending in various state and federal venues across the country in cases involving heavy construction equipment, agricultural products, aviation products, pet food, gas pipelines, recreational vehicles, watercraft, medical devices, automobiles, home appliances, and children’s toys. He also counsels manufacturers on risk manag...

Bill Creel was born in Biloxi, Mississippi and has been licensed to practice in the State of Mississippi since 1990. Bill has litigated matters in state and federal courts. Bill has a varied litigation practice involving, among other things, personal injury defense, premises liability and insurance coverage matters. Bill and his wife are proud parents of three boys. The Creels attend Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church.