William S. Painter

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 ...

Eddy Edwards has practiced in the area of business law for more than 30 years, with concentrations in taxation, finance and real estate. His practice in the field of taxation includes wills, trusts and estate planning as well as tax controversies and tax-exempt organizations, while his business practice includes commercial financing and real estate transactions. Mr. Edwards advises individuals and families in estate planning, including wills, trusts, family businesses and gifts, focusing on t...

Neville Boschert is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He focuses on antitrust, business tort, trade secret, non-compete, insurance, and products liability disputes. Neville has more than 30 years of experience practicing law, including a two-year clerkship with US District Judge William C. Keady, Chief Judge of the US District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. He has been active in the American Bar Association and the International Association of Defense Counsel, and h...

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...

Margaret Z. Smith is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Margaret Z. practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Margaret Z. Smith since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Margaret Z. Smith is h...

Brad C. Davis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Public Finance Law. Brad C. practices law in Jackson, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Brad C. Davis since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Brad C. Davis is held by other lawyers.

Ashley focuses her practice on Public Finance, State and Local Taxation, Tax Credits and Tax. She is frequently a speaker for various legal conferences, seminars and CLEs on those topics.

Over 43 years’ experience representing banks and financial institutions in a wide variety of business and regulatory matters including compliance, regulatory enforcement actions, bank products and services, bank formation, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial and real estate finance transactions.

Edwin S. Gault, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Environmental, Litigation - Insurance, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Edwin S. practices law in Jackson, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Edwin S. Gault, Jr. since 2013. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geograph...

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.