John B. Beard

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® .

Bea Tolsdorf is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Bea, who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bea is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

John Fletcher is a partner in the Tax Practice Group. John focuses his practice primarily on state tax matters, encompassing Mississippi and Louisiana, as well as multi-state income, franchise, sales and use, and local ad valorem taxes. John has more than twenty-five years' experience in the legal, corporate, and accounting arenas. He is a contributor for Cooking with SALT, a legal blog committed to providing timely insights on recent legal and practical developments of concern to clients in ...

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.

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...

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 Fortenberry regularly represents and advises businesses in a variety of matters ranging from consumer finance litigation and products liability actions to personal and commercial real estate litigation, tax sale disputes, receiverships, foreclosures and other debt collection matters, as well as limited employment concerns. Jason practices extensively in both state and federal court, as well as various arbitration forums, and has obtained favorable results for a broad range of clients in...

Benjamin Bryant is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Benjamin, 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 Benjamin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rod Clement’s practice is concentrated in commercial real estate and secured transactions. He regularly represents developers of shopping centers industrial facilities and office developments and borrowers, lenders and title insurers in secured financings. He also has extensive experience with retail, health care, industrial office leases and commercial properties. Projects he has worked on recently include financing renovation of historic facilities, purchasing of telecommunications sy...