Joseph E. "Jody" Varner III

Richard G. Norris II is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Richard G., who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Debbie is a member of the Finance, Real Estate and Restructuring Group and focuses her practice on real estate development and finance.

For over 30 years, Tim has represented businesses and management in employment litigation, restrictive covenant litigation and strategic counseling throughout the country. He is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Attorneys, and has been recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America and Mid-South Super Lawyers for many years.

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...

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...

Ronny practices in the firm’s Tax Group where he focuses on business planning and operations, estate administration, estate and trust planning, taxation law, executive compensation and employee welfare benefits.

Steve is a member of our Finance, Real Estate and Restructuring Group. He focuses his practice on Real Estate Development and Finance and Corporate Governance.

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

Philip Gunn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Philip, 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 Philip is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Ayers was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1983 and is admitted to all state and federal courts in Mississippi and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He also has handled cases in a number of other states under pro hac vice privileges. David's experience includes commercial litigation, premises litigation and general personal injury litigation, with an emphasis on automotive, heavy equipment, industrial equipment and recreational product litigation. His cases of ...