Michael B. McDermott

AV PREEMINENT RATED - As a former insurance defense trial attorney, he knows the strengths–and weaknesses–of the companies and employers he faces. With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Bowden is a highly qualified personal injury lawyer who knows how to help accident victims receive the full financial compensation they deserve. His team is focused, dedicated, and sensitive to each client’s needs. Mr. Bowden has been practicing law since 1988 in a wide range of litigation fie...

James E. Lambert III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. James E., who practices law in Gulfport, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ed Taylor has successfully tried numerous cases for his clients to verdict. Ed’s present practice emphasizes trial work. In particular, just in the last three years Ed has tried fifteen cases to verdict in South Mississippi courtrooms. He was recognized in the 2013 Mississippi Jury Verdict Reporter as one of the most prolific trial lawyers in the State of Mississippi. Professional Affiliations Harrison County Bar Association Louisiana Bar Association Mississippi Bar Association Honors &...

Scott Ellzey practices in the areas of commercial litigation and general insurance defense matters involving both third-party liability claims and first-party coverage issues in state and federal court. Additionally, he has extensive experience defending tort claim liability matters, as well as transportation litigation, municipal liability defense claims, products liability claims and professional liability matters. Scott served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Mississippi as pa...

David Duhe is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. David, who practices law in Gulfport, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Doug Vaughn is a problem solver for his clients. He represents people and businesses when they need a voice to be heard and brings fresh ideas to claims to get a resolution in the client’s best interest. In practicing law, there is no one size fits all approach. Clients have different ideals and objectives when they bring a case or a matter in need of resolution. Doug spends time listening to clients, understanding their culture, understanding what's important to them and then tailors a...

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...

Kaara Lind is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Kaara, who practices law in Gulfport, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kaara is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Heather is a member of Butler Snow’s Government and Regulatory Group. She concentrates her practice on public utilities and administrative law. She works primarily with local utility authorities, school boards and municipal governments on a multitude of issues. Her secondary practice is commercial real estate where she conducts multi-million dollar closings.

Jim Wyly practices in the area of litigation. He handles a diverse litigation practice in Mississippi and Louisiana. As a litigator, he has defended a variety of tort claims, including serious personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death claims arising from transportation, professional liability (legal, medical, accountant, insurance and real estate agents/brokers), products liability, toxic exposure, maritime (Jones Act and general maritime law), construction (architects, engineers, ...