R. Allen Smith, Jr.

Whit Johnson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in a doctor’s household. Mr. Johnson has been licensed to practice in the State of Mississippi since 1979. He specializes in litigation, with the focus of his practice for the past 25 years being the defense of physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers from claims of medical negligence. Mr. Johnson is a frequent speaker to medical organizations, including the Mississippi State Medic...

Elizabeth has served as Bond Counsel for various cities, counties and school districts throughout the State of Mississippi. Her practice is focused on public finance and government relations.

Walter represents a variety of individual and corporate clients in large, complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and personal injury litigation. Walter's primary area of expertise lies in the litigation of disputes in the federal and state courts of Mississippi, where he regularly tries cases to verdict. Specialties: Commercial litigation; catastrophic personal injury litigation; insurance coverage and defense.

Jim Weems is a shareholder in the Jackson office of Daniel Coker Horton & Bell. He focuses his practice in the areas of General Litigation and Hospitality. When asked about his approach to a new matter, Jim says, “When entrusted with a new case by a client, I treat it as if I was a shepherd. That case may be one of many on my list, but to the client, it is the most important thing in the world. And I will treat it that way, from the beginning until I have taken it all the way throug...

Chris Pace is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He advises on project finance and economic development law, state and local government law, economic development incentives, and gaming law. Chris’ clients include county and municipal governmental bodies as well as new and expanding business concerns, examples of which include a large steel company investing more than $1 billion in a new facility, and a regional beverage supplier investing millions of dollars to expand its existi...

Derek Hall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Derek, who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Derek is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Robert Van Uden is a Member and Manager of Stubblefield, Yelverton & Van Uden, PLLC. Robert received his undergraduate degree in History from Louisiana State University in 1996, his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Mississippi in 2000, his Chartered Life Underwriter designation (CLU®) from the American College in 2006, his LL.M. in Taxation with Distinction from the University of Alabama in 2010, and is a graduate of the Southern Trust School. Robert is a member of the Mi...

Johanna Jumper represents developers, landlords and tenants in all types of real estate transactions including real estate acquisitions, dispositions and refinancing; closing of new loans and loan assumptions; workouts and foreclosures; and retail, office and industrial leasing. She also has served equity investors in the purchase, reorganization and sale of distressed assets. In her leasing and developments practices, Johanna negotiates agreements reflecting the diverse priorities of franchi...

Tara P. Ellis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Gaming Law. Tara P., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tara P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.