News & Knowledge

FormanWatkins is pleased to announce the addition of Siara N. Haas as an associate attorney in the Houston office. Siara earned her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, where she served as Head Senior Articles Editor for the Houston Journal of Health Law and Policy. She received her Bachelor of Science in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Lamar University. Siara focuses her practice on complex civil litigation and insurance defense, with experience in personal injury, product liability, premises liability, and commercial disputes. She combines strong analytical and writing skills with practical litigation judgment. She identifies the issues that matter most and develops defense strategies designed to resolve claims through motion practice and negotiated settlements. “Siara’s approach reflects careful evaluation, clear judgment, and a focus on helping clients understand the risks and strategy behind their cases,” said Win Gault, Partner at FormanWatkins. “That mindset is invaluable when navigating complex disputes.” Prior to joining FormanWatkins, Siara worked with several Texas-based defense firms where she handled a wide range of diverse matters.  She also served as an Adjunct Professor of Moot Court at Lamar University and completed a federal judicial internship with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

FormanWatkins is pleased to announce the appointment of Elaine Saxton as its Chief Administrative Officer. With more than 25 years of finance and operational leadership experience spanning Fortune 100 companies, private equity-backed firms, and organizations at every scale, Elaine brings an exceptional level of expertise and a proven record of transforming complex operational challenges into efficient, high-functioning solutions. “Elaine brings an exceptional combination of experience, integrity, and strategic vision that we believe will have an immediate and lasting impact on our Firm,” said Tanya Ellis, partner at FormanWatkins. “Her more than 25 years of leadership have prepared her exceptionally well for this role, and we are confident she will continue to raise the bar of excellence that our Firm has always prided itself on. We are thrilled to welcome her and look forward to everything she will bring to our team and our clients.” In her new role, Elaine will oversee the Firm’s administrative and financial operations, working in close partnership with Firm leadership and attorneys to ensure the delivery of high-value solutions for clients while positioning the Firm for continued growth and success. Elaine holds a Bachelor of Science and Business Administration in Accounting from Mississippi College and is a recipient of the MCI Circle of Excellence Award. She has previously earned credentials as both a Certified Information Systems Auditor and Certified Internal Auditor, reflecting a career defined by discipline, precision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. A self-described analytical person, she has built her career on a straightforward […]

FormanWatkins is pleased to announce the addition of Madeline A. Earles as an associate attorney in the New Orleans office. Earles brings a dynamic litigation practice to the firm, representing clients across employment law, toxic tort litigation, and complex commercial disputes in Louisiana state and federal courts. A native of Bunkie, Louisiana, Earles grew up on a third-generation sugarcane, rice, soybean, and crawfish farm, where she developed the values of tenacity, adaptability, and resilience that define her approach to the law. She applies that same outside-of-the-box thinking and proactive problem-solving to her practice, guiding clients through constantly shifting legal standards with creativity and determination. Earles has managed litigation matters from initial intake through mediation, settlement, and closure. She has drafted and argued dispositive motions, including successful motions for summary judgment, and has experience defending employers and public entities against EEOC charges involving race, gender, age, sex, and disability discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and ADA violations. Her practice also includes defending school boards in employment disputes, personal injury, and discrimination matters, as well as negotiating favorable settlements for clients across the region. “We are thrilled to welcome Madeline to our team,” said Charles Abbott, Partner at FormanWatkins. “Her depth of experience in employment law and toxic tort litigation, combined with her fierce advocacy and commitment to her clients, makes her a tremendous asset to our Firm and the clients we serve.” Prior to joining FormanWatkins, Earles served as an associate at McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC, where she honed her litigation skills across […]

The Firm is pleased to announce the admission of Sampada Kapoor, Margaret McLaughlin, and Daniel Roberts into the Partnership. These three attorneys have consistently demonstrated exceptional legal skills, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to client service since joining the Firm. Sampada Kapoor brings a unique global perspective to her practice, speaking Hindi, English, and Japanese. Her creative approach to finding solutions in complex litigation matters has earned her recognition in The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch, selection to Mid-South Rising Stars, and designation as one of Mississippi Business Journal’s 2019 Leaders in Law. She received the Law-Related Public Education Award from the Mississippi Bar Foundation and has been named a FormanWatkins Pro Bono Star. Margaret McLaughlin is a strategic litigator who thrives on collaboration and creative problem solving. A former elementary school teacher, she brings a natural teaching disposition and relentless work ethic to her practice. Margaret has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch, selected to Mid-South Rising Stars, and chosen for the New Orleans CityBuisness 2024 Leadership in Law class. She earned the FormanWatkins Pro Bono Star award in 2020, primarily focusing her pro bono work on juvenile life without parole representation and work with Special Immigration juvenile status applicants. Daniel Roberts is known for seeking alternative, creative solutions beyond conventional options. With meticulous diligence and a commitment to thorough investigation, he leaves no stone unturned in defending clients across Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Daniel has been selected to Louisiana Rising Stars […]

FormanWatkins has secured a decisive victory for its clients in federal court, obtaining summary judgment on all federal employment discrimination claims, with the court also awarding $5,000 in sanctions after determining that the plaintiff submitted a declaration containing fabricated testimony in bad faith in opposition to summary judgment. The plaintiff alleged discrimination based on race, color, national origin, and age, but the court found these claims lacked evidentiary support once the fabricated statements were excluded. The defense team successfully demonstrated that the plaintiff failed to rebut legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for the employment decision and that the record contradicted the plaintiff’s claims. Malissa Wilson, a partner at FormanWatkins and a member of the defense team, emphasized the significance of the ruling. “This decision vindicates our clients completely,” said Wilson. “The court saw through the fabricated evidence and recognized that our clients made legitimate employment decisions based on performance concerns. We are particularly gratified that the court took seriously the misrepresentations made to the court by awarding sanctions, such conduct undermines the integrity of our judicial system and will not be tolerated.” After ruling in favor of the Firm’s client on the merits and striking the plaintiff’s declaration in its entirety, the court issued a strongly worded order imposing sanctions against the plaintiff and his attorney.  The court found that the declaration submitted in opposition to summary judgment included numerous fabricated quotations purportedly from deposition testimony, with these false statements relied upon throughout the opposition to summary judgment. The court further determined […]

FormanWatkins is pleased to announce that six of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in New Orleans list, excerpted from the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America ®, a prestigious peer-review publication that has served as the preeminent guide to legal excellence in the United States since 1983. The honored attorneys are the following: Charles Abbott was recognized for his work in Commercial Litigation and representing defendants in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions, Personal Injury Litigation, and Product Liability Litigation. Abbott routinely serves as lead counsel or co-counsel on significant cases in a very diverse range of subject matters and practice areas, in federal and state court cases throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Michael Abraham earned recognition for representing defendants in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions, Personal Injury Litigation, and Product Liability Litigation. His commitment to creative problem-solving and strategic counsel has established him as a trusted advocate in complex litigation matters. Tim Gray was honored across four practice areas: Commercial Litigation, Environmental Litigation, and for representing defendants in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions and Product Liability Litigation. He has served as national trial counsel to several defendants in toxic tort litigation and has tried cases in multiple states. McCann LeFeve received recognition for her work representing defendants in Personal Injury Litigation. Known for her thorough approach and creative problem solving, LeFeve has established herself as a resolute advocate for her clients. Amy Maccherone was recognized in Environmental Litigation and for representing defendants in Mass Tort […]

FormanWatkins is proud to recognize Sampada Kapoor and Colby Rogers as the recipients of the firm’s 2025 Pro Bono All-Star and Civic Star awards. These annual honors celebrate attorneys and staff members who exemplify the Firm’s unwavering commitment to equal access to justice and meaningful community engagement. Pro Bono All-Star: Sampada Kapoor Sampada Kapoor has been named the 2025 Pro Bono All-Star for her exceptional dedication to pro bono service. Kapoor contributed nearly 150 hours of pro bono work in 2025, with a majority devoted to representing a client in a complex juvenile life without parole case, advocacy that directly impacts one of the most vulnerable populations in our justice system. Kapoor’s commitment reflects the Firm’s core belief that every individual deserves quality legal representation. Civic Star: Colby Rogers Colby Rogers has been honored with the 2025 Civic Star award in recognition of her extraordinary community service, dedicating nearly 700 hours to organizations that strengthen our community and state. Rogers’ service spanned leadership roles within the Junior League of Jackson, Make-A-Wish Mississippi, the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation and the Mississippi Business Development Board of Directors. Her tireless commitment to service demonstrates the breadth of impact that dedicated individuals can have across multiple sectors of community need. A Legacy of Service These individual achievements are part of FormanWatkins’ broader eight-year commitment to pro bono and civic engagement. Since establishing a formalized pro bono program, the Firm has: Contributed more than 18,400 civic hours to community organizations and initiatives Provided nearly 12,000 […]

FormanWatkins is honored to announce its exceptional rankings in Best Law Firms of 2026 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers. The firm achieved a prestigious National Tier ranking for its defense in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions, along with fifteen Metropolitan Tier rankings across its Houston, Jackson, and New Orleans offices. Law firms included in the 2026 Best Law Firms list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings for its defense litigation from clients and peers. “These rankings reflect our continued commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients across the country,” said Trey Watkins, partner at FormanWatkins. “Our national recognition in mass tort litigation, combined with our metropolitan rankings, demonstrates the depth and breadth of our practice and the dedication of our talented team.” The Firm’s Houston office earned Metropolitan Tier rankings in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions; Personal Injury Litigation; and Product Liability Litigation , along with Tier rankings in Commercial Litigation and Natural Resources Law. The Jackson office received Metropolitan Tier rankings in Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Environmental, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions; Personal Injury Litigation; and Product Liability Litigation. Additionally, the Jackson office received Metropolitan Tier rankings in Insurance Litigation and Labor and Employment Litigation. The New Orleans office earned Metropolitan Tier rankings in Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions; Personal Injury Litigation; and Product Liability Litigation , along with a Tier ranking in Environmental Litigation. The rankings are based on rigorous evaluation of participating firms and extensive client feedback. To be eligible for […]

FormanWatkins celebrates the recognition of twenty-five attorneys in the latest edition of Super Lawyers, a hallmark of excellence published by Thomson Reuters. This honor underscores the unwavering commitment, exceptional skill, and dedication to client service that define our Firm. Super Lawyers identifies outstanding attorneys from over seventy practice areas who have achieved remarkable peer recognition and professional accomplishments. This distinction is reserved for no more than five percent of attorneys in each state, and honorees are selected through a rigorous process that combines independent research, peer nominations, and thorough peer evaluations. Attorney inclusion on the 2025 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists reflects the breadth and depth of FormanWatkins’ capabilities, spanning diverse practice areas and reinforcing the Firm’s reputation for delivering exceptional results. This recognition also solidifies the Firm’s position as a destination for talented attorneys who seek a collaborative, dynamic, and client-focused environment. The Firm is proud to cultivate a culture of excellence that enables team members to thrive and achieve recognition at the highest levels of the profession. FormanWatkins extends congratulations to the twenty-five honorees for their well-deserved accolades and thanks them for their continued contributions to clients and the Firm. 2025 Mid-South Super Lawyers: Mary Clift Abdalla, Jake Banks, Tanya Ellis, Win Gault, Nick Giallourakis, Brian Hannula*, Courtney Hunt, Ruth Huskey, Fred Krutz*, Mitch McGuffey, Alison McMinn*, Joshua Metcalf*, Danny Mulholland, Andrew Stubbs, Jennifer Studebaker*, Caroline Upchurch, Trey Watkins, WG Watkins*, and Malissa Wilson 2025 Mid-South Rising Stars: Sampada Kapoor, Chelsea Lewis, Molly McNair, Catherine Rule, […]

It is with profound sadness that FormanWatkins announces the passing of Daniel “Danny” J. Mulholland, a distinguished partner whose grit and intelligence helped shape our Firm and left an indelible mark on the legal profession. “We are heartbroken. Danny brought intensity and mastery to our work.  He was a fierce and loyal partner and friend who will be deeply missed,” said Tanya Ellis, Partner at FormanWatkins. “For those of us privileged to work with him and learn from him, his intentionality, his unwavering work ethic, his integrity, and his genuine friendship shaped our careers and our lives.” Throughout his distinguished career, Danny represented companies in high-stakes matters across the country, including complex mass torts, MDLs, class actions, commercial disputes, professional liability cases, and insurance coverage matters. His exceptional work garnered national recognition – most notably, his work exposing fraud in In Re Silica Prods. Liab. Litig. (MDL No. 1553) earned him a prominent spot above the fold in the Sunday edition of The New York Times, a remarkable career achievement.  Danny’s cases and contributions were also covered in The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, NPR, The National Law Journal, Corporate Counsel, and Reader’s Digest. “Very few lawyers have been featured on the front page of The New York Times for groundbreaking legal work,” said Win Gault, Partner at FormanWatkins. “Danny was one of them.” Danny graduated first in his class from Ole Miss Law School and joined the Firm as its first associate. His strategic approach, combined with a commitment to […]