John S. Hooks

Derek Hall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and 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.

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...

Adam Stone is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation and arbitration for clients in the financial services, insurance, manufacturing, and construction industries. Adam Stone has more than 20 years of experience representing parties in significant complex commercial and construction disputes. Adam is a US Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional (LEED-AP) and has extensive construction law experience. He drafts constructi...

Christian B. Waddell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law. Christian B., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christian B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

“Orlando Richmond is highly recognized for his skills as a trial attorney.” (Chambers USA Editorial, 2025, where Rod is ranked for Nationwide Product Liability & Mass Torts and Litigation: General Commercial – Mississippi) “He’s just phenomenal in the courtroom.” “He connects well with juries.” (Chambers USA Editorial, 2023) “Richmond was described by one industry competitor as having ‘one of the best courtroom presences in the i...

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...

Julie is an equity shareholder at Hagwood and Tipton. She holds a Master's Degree in Health Law (LL.M. Health Law). As an attorney whose primary focus is health care law, Ms. Mitchell's practice encompasses such matters as: stark, fraud and abuse, Medicare and Medicaid payment issues, corporate compliance, CON law, provider and physician contracts, healthcare corporate matters, hospital law, DMEPOS matters, licensure and certification, HIPAA, nursing home law and healthcare integration. Ms. M...

Gary practices within Butler Snow’s Regulatory and Government group. Gary’s experience as an engineer and attorney in both the public and private sectors provides him with a unique perspective when advising clients on a myriad of complex environmental issues.

Nicholas C. Giallourakis 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. Nicholas C., 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 Nicholas C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal p...

William L. Smith, Sr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Environmental Law and Litigation - Real Estate. William L., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.