M. Patrick McDowell

Ben Williams is a corporate and transactional attorney in the firm’s Real Estate and Banking & Financial Services practice groups with more than 40 years of experience in complex corporate, commercial finance, and real estate transactions. Ben’s practice includes creating, negotiating and closing nuanced structures and innovative financing alternatives on behalf of lender and borrower clients alike, and assisting businesses on both sides of acquisitions and mergers. His work i...

Kasey M. Adams is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Kasey M. practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Kasey M. Adams since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kasey M. Adams is held by other lawyers.

Eddy Edwards has practiced in the area of business law for more than 30 years, with concentrations in taxation, finance and real estate. His practice in the field of taxation includes wills, trusts and estate planning as well as tax controversies and tax-exempt organizations, while his business practice includes commercial financing and real estate transactions. Mr. Edwards advises individuals and families in estate planning, including wills, trusts, family businesses and gifts, focusing on t...

LaToya Merritt, a community leader and experienced litigator, aims to assist her clients make the best decisions whether that includes taking a case to trial or working to resolve a case through alternative resolutions. She has been recognized by a number of media outlets as an active and engaged member of the Jackson community through devoting her time to volunteer with Mississippi organizations. For nearly 20 years, LaToya has practiced exclusively in the area of labor and employment with a...

Shauncey H. Ridgeway is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Insurance Law. Shauncey H. practices law in Jackson, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Shauncey H. Ridgeway since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Shauncey H. Ridgeway is held by other lawyers.

Susan L. Steffey was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1987 and to the Mississippi Bar in 1991. She is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Mississippi and Florida and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Before joining Watkins & Eager in 1991, Susan practiced in Tampa, Florida, with the law firm of Sessums & Mason (1987-1990), and served as law clerk to the Honorable Rhesa H. Barksdale, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (1990-19...

Christian B. Waddell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Public Finance Law. Christian B. practices law in Jackson, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Christian B. Waddell since 2013. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Christian B. Waddell is held by other lawyers.

R. David Marchetti is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates. R. David practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized R. David Marchetti since 2013. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which R. David Marchetti is held by other lawyers.

Chase is a native Mississippian with over 30 years of litigation and courtroom experience. He focuses his practice on commercial litigation, bank and lender liability litigation, professional liability claims, intellectual property litigation, environmental and toxic tort claims, personal injury defense, insurance, wills and estates, and financial products litigation. Chase also manages a large construction practice representing owners, contractors, and subcontractors in all aspects of constr...

Lance W. Martin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Civil Rights Law. Lance W. practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Lance W. Martin since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Lance W. Martin is held by other lawyers.