R. Eugene "Gene" Parker, Jr.

Since joining Watkins & Eager in 1991, Walter's practice has included both federal and state court litigation in the areas of pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, medical malpractice, general product liability, and personal injury. Walter has served as lead trial counsel in numerous product liability and medical malpractice cases in both state and federal courts and has tried multiple cases to verdict. Walter chairs the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device and Alternative Dispute Re...

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...

William Gage is “a great trial lawyer who is very good at managing complex litigations in multiple districts. That is his specialty.” (Chambers USA Editorial, 2024, where William is ranked nationally for Product Liability & Mass Torts). He is “renowned for acting as lead counsel for major pharmaceutical companies in large MDLs, drawing particular praise for his achievements in pelvic mesh litigation.” (Chambers USA Editorial, 2023) William is “vastly experien...

Jim Pettis is a member of the Firm’s Trust, Estates & Personal Planning Service Team. He concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, probate, Elder Law, ERISA and employee benefits, state and federal taxation, business law including contracts, general corporate merger, reorganizations and acquisitions.

Roxanne P. Case is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance and Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Roxanne P., who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Roxanne P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

C. Joyce Hall was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1987 and the Louisiana bar in 1995. Her experience includes commercial transactions, public finance, corporate and health care law. In 1994, Joyce was named Mississippi's Outstanding Young Lawyer and one of Mississippi's 50 Leading Business Women in 2009. She is involved in several professional and civic organizations, and following Hurricane Katrina, provided pro bono work to victims through the Mississippi Bar.

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.

Ben Mitchell is a business lawyer who helps companies navigate complex transactions, protect valuable brands, and structure deals that drive growth.

William L. Smith, Sr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Environmental Law and Litigation - Real Estate. William L., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christian B. Waddell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law. Christian B., 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 Christian B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.