John E. Milner

Ben serves as General Counsel representing the firm on a variety of issues, including ethics and risk management matters. Ben is also a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Group where he focuses his practice on director and officer defense, trade secret litigation, contract litigation, intellectual property litigation, administrative law, and aviation law.

David joined the Firm in 1991. He focuses his practice on commercial real estate, including the acquisition, sale, leasing and financing of commercial property. He has extensive experience representing borrowers and lenders in secured loan transactions. He also represents landlords and tenants regarding leases of property for retail, office and telecommunications purposes. David represents C Spire Wireless, one of the nation’s largest privately held wireless companies, regarding its tel...

Molly Jeffcoat Moody is a partner in the firm’s Real Estate and Banking & Financial Services practice groups with a focus on commercial transactions and complex financing matters. Her work includes significant representation of lenders and borrowers alike in commercial loans and developers in the development, construction, and operations of complex real estate projects. Molly has considerable experience with loan syndications, derivatives (interest rate swaps), and participations. M...

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...

Mike Ellingburg has been engaged in the active practice of law since May 1976. He practiced at Daniel Coker Horton & Bell, P.A. from that date until December 31, 2019, when he left and started his own firm. While at Daniel Coker he led the firm's Appellate Law and Commercial/Business Litigation practices and was active in advancing the firm’s technological capabilities and usage. He has litigated complex matters in nearly every industry, with extensive experience in banking, closely...

Derek Hall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Derek, who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Derek is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason L. Poulson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Finance Law, Economic Development Law, Project Finance 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.

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...

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.

Barry Cannada focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, complex business transactions and finance and restructuring. He has extensive experience in various transactional advisory services, capital formation, joint ventures, private placements, financings (including distressed financings). He formerly served as the Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel overseeing all the administrative functions for a client earning approximately $3 billion in revenues and employing approxim...