Matthew Rutherford

Gary Jones is a shareholder in the Jackson office of the firm and has served as Chair of the Workers’ Compensation practice group since 2007. He has been involved in the Workers’ Compensation practice for over 30 years and has served as a mediator in such cases for over a decade. When asked about the practice of law, Gary says, “Wise counsel is what you get with Daniel Coker attorneys. Our job is to tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear. Dogma...

Mark is a former legislator who focuses his practice on health law, legislation, administrative appeals, and governmental litigation matters.

Rebecca practices within Butler Snow’s Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Healthcare Litigation group. Rebecca is an experienced trial attorney who now focuses her practice on pharmaceutical product liability litigation. She has tried over 40 cases to jury verdicts in state and federal courts in Mississippi. She has served on teams successfully defending the manufacturers of prescription and over-the-counter products from discovery through the appellate process. As a result of her work ...

Whit Rayner is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group and co-leader of the intellectual property team. He focuses on copyright and trademark registration and protection, software licensing, and intellectual property litigation and prosecution. Whit provides counsel and advice to notable large domestic and international clients, including outdoor lifestyle brands, technology companies, and financial institutions. He also represents clients in commercial litigation and contract disputes. Wh...

Ralph Germany has broad experience with construction issues and disputes. Ralph has successfully handled matters involving the construction of condominiums, highways, commercial buildings and chemical plants. Ralph’s work has included contract negotiations, claim negotiations, litigation and arbitration. Ralph works with clients on a daily basis to develop strategies for solving problems that have arisen on on-going construction projects.Ralph has worked with clients on a broad range of...

“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...

Mark is a member of Butler Snow’s Business Services group. Mark has experience representing buyers and sellers in acquisition and disposition transactions in a wide range of industries, including technology, insurance, energy, timber, and healthcare. In addition, Mark frequently represents developers in the acquisition, financing and rehabilitation of affordable housing properties, and has extensive experience assisting public charities and private foundations with formation, governance...

Matthew I. Hetzel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Matthew I., who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew I. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Corey has practiced law with Watkins & Eager since he was admitted to the bar in 2004. He is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Mississippi, all federal courts in Arkansas and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He has also been admitted pro hac vice in numerous state and federal courts around the country. Corey's diverse litigation practice has involved representing clients in every phase of litigation-including trials, appeals and alternative...

Rod Clement’s practice is concentrated in commercial real estate and secured transactions. He regularly represents developers of shopping centers industrial facilities and office developments and borrowers, lenders and title insurers in secured financings. He also has extensive experience with retail, health care, industrial office leases and commercial properties. Projects he has worked on recently include financing renovation of historic facilities, purchasing of telecommunications sy...