W. Thomas "Tad" McCraney III

Tom Walker is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He focuses on commercial and regulatory matters in the financial services industry, with a depth of experience representing financial institutions. Prior to joining the firm, Tom served as executive vice president and director of a community bank in Forest, Mississippi. His experience as general counsel, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, and chief investments officer in the financial services sector enhances his ability ...

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...

Chris defends pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in “bet the company” mass tort litigations. With extensive experience in managing large-scale litigation, Chris brings to the table an eye for streamlining workflows, improving efficiencies, and implementing cost-reduction measures. His work with discovery teams and vendors, in particular, has been recognized by clients and colleagues alike, making him a trusted advisor and leader in the legal community. The Legal 500 U...

Bill Creel was born in Biloxi, Mississippi and has been licensed to practice in the State of Mississippi since 1990. Bill has litigated matters in state and federal courts. Bill has a varied litigation practice involving, among other things, personal injury defense, premises liability and insurance coverage matters. Bill and his wife are proud parents of three boys. The Creels attend Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church.

La'Toyia concentrates her practice in insurance coverage, commercial litigation, business torts and unfair competition, toxic tort litigation, white collar criminal defense, product liability litigation, drug and device litigation, and other complex civil litigation. Her experience also includes regularly conducting internal investigations for companies and providing advice on reporting obligations and representation throughout all phases of government investigations and accompanying litigati...

Jimmy B. Wilkins is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Jimmy B., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jimmy B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mike Hurst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Mike, who practices law in Flowood, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mike is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gina Jacobs is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. She focuses on business planning and commercial transactions, commercial finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Over the course of a law career that spans more than 30 years, Gina has advised privately held businesses with their business planning, contracting, finance, and acquisition and divestiture needs. Her knowledge of contract and commercial law and finance makes her an asset to her clients as they grow and expand their businesse...

Corey has practiced law with Watkins & Eager since he was admitted to the bar in 2004. He is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Mississippi, all federal courts in Arkansas and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He has also been admitted pro hac vice in numerous state and federal courts around the country. Corey's diverse litigation practice has involved representing clients in every phase of litigation-including trials, appeals and alternative...

Thomas M. Louis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Thomas M., who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.