William Marion "Marion" Smith

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.

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.

Steve Rosenblatt focuses his practice on bankruptcy, restructuring and commercial litigation. He has a wealth of experience serving as debtor’s counsel in Chapter 11 cases and is a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy.

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.

Stephanie M. Rippee is admitted to the Mississippi and Tennessee Bars. For more than 20 years she has sought to creatively and efficiently resolve legal matters for clients. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation and product liability litigation. She is a recognized public speaker and author and has been selected by Mid-South Super Lawyers as one of the Top 50 Lawyers in Mississippi.

Jason Fortenberry regularly represents and advises businesses in a variety of matters ranging from consumer finance litigation and products liability actions to personal and commercial real estate litigation, tax sale disputes, receiverships, foreclosures and other debt collection matters, as well as limited employment concerns. Jason practices extensively in both state and federal court, as well as various arbitration forums, and has obtained favorable results for a broad range of clients in...

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...

J. Wesley Daughdrill is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Commercial Transactions / UCC Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. J. Wesley, who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Wesley is held by other top lawyers in the same...

Nick Morisani practices in the area of labor and employment and represents both private and public employers in defense of discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment and hostile work environment claims. He also represents clients in defense of civil rights claims arising under the U.S. Constitution. Prior to joining Phelps Dunbar, Nick served as a law clerk to the Honorable Sul Ozerden, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi, and as a litigation associate at a large ...