R. David Kaufman

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...

Kaytie Pickett is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. She focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and appeals for clients in the financial services, insurance, manufacturing, and construction industries. Kaytie has developed a particular focus on moving clients’ high-risk cases out of challenging venues. She has successfully removed cases to federal court, transferred venue, and had cases dismissed on complex jurisdictional grounds. Kaytie also has de...

Caroline K. Ivanov is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Caroline K., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Caroline K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian C. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law. Brian C., 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 Brian C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer M. Studebaker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Jennifer M., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dennis Miller is a partner in and co-leads the Government Relations Practice Group, where he focuses on legislative and governmental relations, as well as public utility law. Dennis combines his corporate and public service experience to serve clients across a broad range of industries. Dennis has previously held the position of senate sergeant-at-arms for the Mississippi State Senate and served as a staff attorney in the Senate Legislative Services office. He has also served as senior attorn...

For over 30 years, Tim has represented businesses and management in employment litigation, restrictive covenant litigation and strategic counseling throughout the country. He is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Attorneys, and has been recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America and Mid-South Super Lawyers for many years.

Debbie is a member of the Finance, Real Estate and Restructuring Group and focuses her practice on real estate development and finance.

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

George R. Fair was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1973. He has a general civil practice of both business and litigated matters, primarily in the banking, commercial lending and finance, corporate, public utilities, construction, fidelity and surety areas. George is a former President of the Mississippi Bar and an active member in several professional organizations.