L. Clark Hicks Jr.

After graduating from the University of Virginia Law School in 1975, Mr. Cocke moved to Clarksdale, MS to begin practicing in a general litigation firm. In 1982, Mr. Cocke and Mr. Merkel left that firm and established Merkel & Cocke, P.A., and since that time the emphasis of Mr. Cocke's practice has progressed more and more toward medical malpractice. At the present time his practice is exclusively devoted to handling medical negligence cases for the plaintiff, either as a result of direc...

R. David Marchetti is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates. R. David, who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which R. David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul L. Gunn was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1983. His experience spans from real estate and commercial finance to corporate and securities, including representation of developers, lenders and title companies on commercial, multifamily and tax credit projects. Paul's legal work has earned him many honors, including The Best Lawyers in America , Chambers USA -America's Leading Lawyers for Business (Real Estate) and Mid-South Super Lawyers . Paul was also elected to fellowship in the Ame...

Suzie Baker practices in the area of business, with a focus on commercial finance, commercial real estate, mergers and acquisitions, general business, and corporate and securities matters. She represents real estate developers in purchases, sales, financing, and development transactions. Ms. Baker's commercial finance practice includes complex loans for businesses, including fixed asset loans, bond issues, securitized loans, revolving credit facilities and equipment lease financing. She handl...

Barney's practice focuses on commercial litigation and governmental litigation. He is Vice Chair of the Committee on Character and Fitness of the Mississippi Board of Bar Admissions and is a member of the Standing Committee on Local Civil Rules for the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi.

Roy Liddell represents clients ranging from small businesses to large companies in cases involving business disputes, significant accidents, claims of fraud and bad faith insurance defense litigation. He approaches litigation by always seeking early resolutions, when feasible, and vigorously defending cases where necessary. In dealings with clients, Roy emphasizes personal attention and clear communication. "I want clients to know that I understand and appreciate their personal stake in the o...

Malissa Wilson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Malissa, who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Malissa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tommy Shepherd is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He advises businesses, Native American tribes, and financial institutions on a wide range of commercial and transactional matters. Tommy represents a broad spectrum of clients in all types of commercial and regulated matters. He has extensive experience in acquisitions, public-private leases, financings, land-use approvals, statutory and regulatory interpretation and compliance, operations, and administrative hearings. An accomplish...

Donald Moore is an experienced litigator with a strong record of advocating for his clients in workers’ compensation and liability matters. He has extensive experience representing Longshore clients and handles both federal and state workers’ compensation claims. A leader in his field, Donald has served on the Executive Committee of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Mississippi Bar, is a Fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, and is an approve...

Jennifer West Signs is a partner in Balch & Bingham LLP's Gulfport, Mississippi, office and practices primarily in the area of commercial real estate acquisitions, development, and financing as well as general real estate law. She is an authorized signatory with the firm's Mississippi agency with First American Title Insurance Company and has extensive experience in negotiating and issuing complex land title policies for both lenders and owners in multi-million dollar transactions. Ms. Si...