R. Thomas "Tom" Rich

Caroline M. Upchurch is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Caroline M., 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 M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

"He is an effective negotiator and effectively uses relationships to obtain optimal results for clients. He has early recognition of cases for trial settings and/or settlement, sees the big picture and creates strategies for the future to protect the client." -Patricia Bligh, Chubb & Son, Inc.

Gary practices within Butler Snow’s Regulatory and Government group. Gary’s experience as an engineer and attorney in both the public and private sectors provides him with a unique perspective when advising clients on a myriad of complex environmental issues.

Phil is a seasoned litigator who focuses most of his practice on matters within the construction industry. A certified arbitrator, he has provided counsel to some of the country’s most well-known companies. In over forty years of practice at Butler Snow, Phil has represented owners, contractors, architects and engineers in the construction industry, as well as defending national manufacturers in product liability litigation.

Sue Hicks Fairbank is a member of our Public Finance, Tax Incentives & Credit Markets Practice Group. She focuses her practice on Public Finance and Government Relations.

Will focuses his practice on product liability litigation and has been recognized by Super Lawyers® as a “Mid-South Rising Star” for his work in personal injury defense.

Candace Gregory is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Candace, who practices law in Flowood, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Candace is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rick is a member of the Tort, Transportation and Specialized Litigation Group. He represents companies, businesses, property owners, individuals, and insurers defending various types of personal injury and product liability claims throughout the United States. He has been recognized by BL Rankings, The Best Lawyers in America® and Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers® and is AV®-Preeminent™ Peer-Reviewed Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Robert B. Ireland, III, was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2002 and is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Mississippi and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Robert has handled and assisted with all aspects of litigated matters, through trial and appeal, in both state and federal courts and also in arbitration proceedings. He has also appeared before municipal and county authorities on numerous zoning related matters. Robert has extensive lit...

Whit Rayner is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group and co-leader of the intellectual property team. He focuses on copyright and trademark registration and protection, software licensing, and intellectual property litigation and prosecution. Whit provides counsel and advice to notable large domestic and international clients, including outdoor lifestyle brands, technology companies, and financial institutions. He also represents clients in commercial litigation and contract disputes. Wh...