W. Thomas "Tad" McCraney III

Amanda serves as Team Leader for the White Collar, Compliance and Government Investigations Group and focuses her practice on government investigations and complex civil litigation. She has served as Lead Chair in over 30 jury trials. Her experience includes regularly conducting internal investigations for companies and medical institutions and providing advice on reporting obligations and representation throughout all phases of government investigations and accompanying litigation.

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

C. Phillip Buffington, Jr. advises financial institutions throughout the United States on federal and state banking laws and regulations. For more than 30 years, he has served as a trusted advisor to community, regional and national financial institutions, helping them to assess and analyze regulatory and litigation risks. Phil advises on a full range of issues, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, expansion and divestitures, de novo formations and charter conversions, ba...

Shauncey H. Ridgeway is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Shauncey H., 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 Shauncey H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

“Orlando Richmond is highly recognized for his skills as a trial attorney.” (Chambers USA Editorial, 2025, where Rod is ranked for Nationwide Product Liability & Mass Torts and Litigation: General Commercial – Mississippi) “He’s just phenomenal in the courtroom.” “He connects well with juries.” (Chambers USA Editorial, 2023) “Richmond was described by one industry competitor as having ‘one of the best courtroom presences in the i...

Michael Gwin was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1986. His experience ranges from commercial litigation, complex litigation and appellate advocacy to tort and general litigation, product liability and professional malpractice litigation. Michael is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been listed as one of The Best Lawyers in America since 2006.

Chase is a native Mississippian with over 30 years of litigation and courtroom experience. He focuses his practice on commercial litigation, bank and lender liability litigation, professional liability claims, intellectual property litigation, environmental and toxic tort claims, personal injury defense, insurance, wills and estates, and financial products litigation. Chase also manages a large construction practice representing owners, contractors, and subcontractors in all aspects of constr...

Abram Orlansky was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2012. Prior to joining the firm, he served as law clerk to The Honorable Rhesa H. Barksdale, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. His practice focuses on environmental law, wherein he represents clients before the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Corps of Engineers, along with state and federal courts. Abram has assisted clients with issues includin...

Susan L. Steffey was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1987 and to the Mississippi Bar in 1991. She is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Mississippi and Florida and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Before joining Watkins & Eager in 1991, Susan practiced in Tampa, Florida, with the law firm of Sessums & Mason (1987-1990), and served as law clerk to the Honorable Rhesa H. Barksdale, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (1990-19...

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.