James F. "Jay" Watkins
About James F. Watkins
James F. Watkins is a lawyer based in Mobile, AL and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2010. James F. Watkins is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Mobile, Alabama
- Banking and Finance Law
- Financial Services Regulation Law
Current Firm: Maynard Nexsen PC
Education: The University of Alabama, J.D., graduated 1992
Location: Mobile, AL
Nearby Lawyers
Clay Lanham is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He focuses on real estate development and finance. Clay regularly represents private equity funds in the negotiation and documentation of loans secured by real estate and other assets as well as the purchase and sale of loans, real estate, and other assets. Clay also represents developers and investors in the purchase and sale of properties and throughout the entire development process, from the formation of development entities, initi...
Bo Williams is licensed in Alabama and Florida and practices in the areas of insurance, litigation and admiralty throughout those states and the broader Southeast. He focuses his practice on complex first-party and third-party insurance coverage, litigation and counseling. Bo represents various Underwriting Syndicates at Lloyd's and domestic market insurers in first and third-party bad-faith matters and excess engagements and routinely represents their insureds in litigation throughout the So...
William Shreve practices in the areas of appellate advocacy, insurance coverage, and civil litigation. He has handled more than 100 appeals and petitions for extraordinary writ in the Alabama Supreme Court, Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, and United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He has represented insurers and insureds in numerous coverage matters, preparing coverage opinions, prosecuting declaratory-judgment actions, defending breach-of-contract/bad-faith cases, and inter...
Steve Nicholas is part of an elite group of Alabama litigators known for their skill in handling Bet-the-Company cases. A big picture thinker, his work revolves around complex litigation claims including business disputes, class actions, mass torts and major construction disputes. Among his many noteworthy cases is representing thousands of business owners who filed lawsuits and claims in connection with the BP oil spill , an event that is deemed to be the worst environmental disaster in the ...
Jim has been representing businesses and individuals in disputes, litigation, trials and appeals in state and federal courts for over forty years. He handles a wide variety of civil cases ranging from matters involving claims for personal injury to those involving claims made under the False Claims Act. His expertise includes business litigation, statutory and regulatory litigation brought by individuals and the United States, extra-contractual claims brought against insurance companies and d...
Gabrielle E. Reeves is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Construction and Litigation - Insurance. Gabrielle E., who practices law in Daphne, Alabama, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gabrielle E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
E. Glenn Smith, Jr. is a shareholder in the firm’s Mobile, Alabama office. Glenn’s practice concentrates on general litigation matters involving transportation litigation, workers’ compensation, construction, premises liability and personal injury defense. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he was a four-year letterman in football. Glenn went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law at Samford...
After serving with distinction as a Mobile County District Judge from 1997-2007, Judson W. Wells joined Carr Allison as a shareholder on January 1, 2008. Since joining Carr Allison, he has brought his years of judicial experience and prior defense attorney experience to serve his clients in many areas of the law. He has defended labor and employment, professional liability, personal injury, worker’s compensation and insurance claims. Judge Wells was recently named to The Best Lawyers in...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?
by Laurie Villanueva
Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.