Patrick H. Zachary

Walter J. Brand heads the Employment and Labor Practice Group at Watkins & Eager PLLC, where he has defended employment litigation for more than twenty years. Walter approaches his practice with the view that successful defense of employment claims begins long before a lawsuit is filed and requires three essential components: (1) fair, accurate and documented handling of personnel actions based on updated employer policies; (2) cogent explanation of employer action before administrative a...

Trey Byars has successfully tried cases to verdict ranging from simple automobile accidents to complex products liability and insurance disputes. In recognition of his trial skills, Trey has achieved membership by invitation to such prestigious organizations as the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys. In addition to his litigation practice, Trey is actively involved in several legal organizations that focus on competence and professionalism in the ...

Consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in America® and Mid-South Super Lawyers® in the areas of Product Liability and Commercial Litigation, Mike is also among an elite group of lawyers recognized by Who’s Who Legal: Product Liability Defense as the best in the United States. Mike is AV®-Preeminent™ Peer Review rated by Martindale-Hubbell® , is a member of the Product Liability Advisory Council and International Association of Defense Counsel and serves on the Ste...

James M. Tyrone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Qui Tam Law. James M., 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 James M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joe Sam Owen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Joe Sam, who practices law in Gulfport, Mississippi, has been recognized since 1991. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joe Sam is held by other top lawyer...

William F. Ray was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1986. His experience spans from commercial litigation, complex litigation and banking, securities and financial services to life, health and disability insurance and ERISA and employee benefit claims. His cases of note include Raines v. Bottrell Ins. Agency, Inc., 992 So.2d 642, 2008 WL 1869290, 2008 Miss. App. LEXIS 274; 27 I.E.R. Cas. (BNA) 1350 (Miss. App. 2008); Estate of Bratton v. National Union Fire Ins. Co., 215 F.3d 516, 2000 U.S....

Chad Hammons is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He focuses on creditors’ rights and bankruptcy law, shopping center litigation, agribusiness litigation, and general commercial litigation. Board certified in creditors’ rights law, Chad regularly represents lenders, landlords, and suppliers in state and federal courts in Mississippi in litigation arising out of the debtor/creditor relationship, including commercial and consumer collections, possessory actions, commercial...

Kap has represented buyers and sellers in business acquisitions in a wide variety of industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, hospitality, foodservice, retail, insurance, and aerospace. He is also experienced in private business strategy and planning, including corporate formation, structuring and organization.

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.

David Ayers was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1983 and is admitted to all state and federal courts in Mississippi and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He also has handled cases in a number of other states under pro hac vice privileges. David's experience includes commercial litigation, premises litigation and general personal injury litigation, with an emphasis on automotive, heavy equipment, industrial equipment and recreational product litigation. His cases of ...