Matthew Rutherford

Jim Crongeyer served as a Managing Member of the firm from 2008 to 2023. He began practicing law in Florida in 1995 after graduating cum laude from the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Mississippi (1997), Alabama (1996), and Florida (1995), and has actively practiced in all three states. Jim has significant litigation and trial experience across multiple jurisdictions (Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Nebraska, New Jersey, Kansas, Kentucky...

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...

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...

Davis Frye is the Practice Group Leader of Butler Snow’s Tort, Transportation, and Specialized Litigation Group. He has extensive experience defending clients in litigation across numerous industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. Davis has tried dozens of cases to verdict and regularly argues before state and federal appellate courts.

Travis Conner joined Biggs, Ingram & Solop in 2008 after working as a petroleum landman representing various oil and gas companies. Using this prior experience, he concentrates his practice in oil and gas title opinions, development agreements relating to energy exploration, as well as real estate and litigation matters.

Joseph G. Baladi was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 2000 and the Mississippi Bar in 2001. Since joining Watkins & Eager, Joe's experience has included numerous pharmaceutical litigations, medical malpractice bench and jury trials, and product liability trials. Joe's involved in several professional organizations and serves as co-chair of Watkins & Eager's Mass Tort and Repetitive Exposure practice group. Joe regularly speaks and presents on the subjects of science at trial, Daubert i...

J. Collins Wohner, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Appellate Practice. J. Collins practices law in Jackson, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized J. Collins Wohner, Jr. since 2007. 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 J. Collins Wohner, Jr. is held by other lawyers.

Roxanne P. Case is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Insurance and Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Roxanne P. practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Roxanne P. Case since 2015. 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 Roxanne P. Case is held by other lawyers.

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...

Matt is a member of Butler Snow’s Health Law group and focuses his practice on healthcare compliance with federal and state law, the structuring of business transactions for healthcare providers, and the defense of healthcare clients in commercial litigation and governmental audits. Matt regularly provides counsel to institutional and individual providers to ensure contemplated business transactions are both profitable and compliant with applicable laws, including Stark Law and the Anti...