News & Knowledge

Whitney developed her passion for law early, driven by a natural analytical mindset and an unwavering love for writing and oral advocacy. A magna cum laude graduate of Southern University Law Center in 2019, she has since embraced a standard of excellence that underpins her practice. Whitney’s time as a law clerk to the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where she also gained experience in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, deepened her understanding of complex federal litigation and honed the meticulous preparation that defines her practice today. Understanding that each client’s version of success is unique, Whitney works diligently to tailor strategies that align with their goals. She is driven by her ABC motto: Be Authentic, Be Bold, and Be Courageous, a mantra that infuses her practice with determination and resilience. Whitney’s clients benefit from the assurance that they have an advocate who is not only fiercely committed, but also fearless in crafting innovative solutions. Whitney brings her tenacity and genuine care to every case she manages, ensuring each client feels valued and empowered by her representation.

With over 15 years of experience in toxic tort litigation, Adriana combines her passion for science and the law to deliver exceptional results for her clients. A graduate of South Texas College of Law, she has served as National Coordinating Counsel for a major chemical manufacturer, managing its benzene litigation docket and overseeing large-scale discovery, e-discovery, and complex document review teams. Her extensive experience spans all aspects of litigation from investigations and written discovery to trial strategy and negotiations. Adriana’s unique ability to navigate both the scientific and legal complexities of toxic tort cases has positioned her as a tenacious advocate and a trusted leader on defense teams. Whether securing outright dismissals or negotiating favorable settlements, Adriana thrives in high-stakes situations, always focused on delivering the best possible outcome. She is committed to building strong relationships within her team, and her resilience, critical thinking, and strategic mindset make her an invaluable asset to her clients. Adriana’s scientific background, honed during her time at M.D. Anderson’s Department of Epidemiology, further enhances her ability to tackle the most challenging cases with confidence and precision.

As Director of Marketing and Attorney Recruiting, Colby Rogers leverages her proven expertise to elevate the firm’s brand, strengthen client relationships, and attract top-tier legal talent. Her strategic approach ensures the firm’s values and strengths are communicated effectively, while her leadership fosters a dynamic recruiting strategy that aligns with the firm’s growth and vision for the future. Colby brings extensive experience in communications, media relations, issue advocacy, and brand management, having worked with Fortune 100 companies, some of the world’s largest privately held organizations, Members of Congress, and the White House. Appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, Colby also serves on the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation and Mississippi Development Bank Board of Directors, driving economic development statewide. Her leadership extends to influential community roles, including the Junior League of Jackson and numerous nonprofit organizations.

With a relentless work ethic and a strategic approach, Will’s goal with every matter is to work smarter and harder than the other side, providing clients with a distinct advantage. His background as a trial court and appellate clerk gives him a unique perspective on legal issues, enabling him to guide cases from inception through trial and on to appeal. Will sees the entire picture, helping clients not only win immediate legal battles but also find sustainable, long-term solutions. Driven by a desire to resolve issues efficiently, Will understands how legal obstacles can derail a client’s business or personal goals. His focus is on clearing those hurdles as quickly as possible, so his clients can return to their primary mission. Whether the stakes are high or the pace is intense, Will’s commitment to integrity and respect remains at the forefront of his practice. His dedication to these values is what sets him apart, ensuring that he delivers exceptional service while treating everyone involved with the dignity they deserve.

Kara Bidstrup offers a client-centered work ethic with a unique perspective. Having served as a judicial law clerk then practicing with civil litigation firms in Tennessee, Kara has accumulated quite the experience for her years of practice. She has defended clients against complex healthcare liability claims and premises liability claims through bench trials, jury trials, mediations, and appeals. For her, practicing law has always been about analyzing problems and prevailing for the client, because the client is most important. Whether it’s work for the firm or pro bono work, Kara is a dedicated and compassionate lawyer who pushes herself in order to provide the best quality service. To Kara, reputation matters, and that means long hours of strategic collaboration with her coworkers and upholding a standard of excellence that can make her clients proud. With Kara, clients can expect thorough solutions obtained by work that is above and beyond.    

Etienne cares about his clients’ business, not just their litigation. Having spent time on the West Coast brokering commercial real estate transactions and with a growth engine start-up company, he approaches his legal practice with a keen business perspective, understanding the livelihood behind companies’ management. To Etienne, a client’s business is personal, and if he hasn’t made his clients business better after working together, then he hasn’t done his job. When working with cases, he is always focused on getting the best outcome for his clients as creatively and quickly as possible. He believes every day is another opportunity to grow and be better personally and professionally, which is what drives him to offer excellent service to his clients. Ultimately, his philosophy is simple: stay positive, expect big things, be excellent, and, most importantly, do all these things in the best interest of the client.

Michael believes that being a lawyer is one of the few jobs where problem solving and critical thinking go hand-in-hand. As a former process engineer, Michael is a critical thinker who provides a unique problem solving approach for each and every one of his clients. He also enjoys working diligently to personally get to know his clients and set goals together as a team. Michael maintains a level head, methodically analyzes and actively tackles every challenge that arises, believing it leads to professional and personal growth. There is nothing Michael would rather be than a lawyer at the service of the people, so clients can always rest assured that with his representation, their case and their business will be well taken care of.

Autumn’s early days as an Air Force ROTC cadet at Clemson University instilled in her a relentless work ethic and a passion for perfection. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force, she set her sights on a promising career as an Air Traffic Controller, however, an unforeseen government shutdown deterred those plans and Autumn shifted gears to pursue a career in law. Intrigued by the intricacies of the legal system and driven by her innate competitive spirit, Autumn excelled in law school, where her blend of self discipline, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination served her well. Never one to back down from a challenge, Autumn is a motivated, persistent attorney fascinated both by the ever-changing nature of law as well as the diversity of the cases and people that come into her office. She works hard to become an expert in whatever case she is working and takes the time to gain an in-depth understanding of her clients and their goals. Ultimately, Autumn offers extensive knowledge, innovative solutions and a warm personality to her clients, making her a vital asset to the FormanWatkins team.

K. B. Battaglini has for more than four decades counsel and represented businesses and individuals.  During his career, he was a partner at large international law firms.  His primary practice involves business and commercial litigation, arbitration, and transactional work, particularly in the areas of energy, environmental, natural resources, securities, and media/entertainment.  He has significant first chair experience in trials and appeals. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America© (by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners) and is on the national panel of arbitrators for the American Arbitration Association and FINRA.

In 47 years of practice, David has handled a wide range of litigation across Texas and in states including Louisiana, Arkansas, California, Mississippi, Illinois and Maryland. He has tried as lead counsel business, commercial, construction, toxic tort, premises liability, products liability, maritime, Jones Act and property damage cases. He has defended companies in plant and pipeline explosions and fires, CERCLA actions, medical device cases, trucking accidents, occupational and environmental exposures to radiation, benzene, asbestos, silica, pesticides and other chemicals, maritime accidents, and construction and contract disputes. He is also frequently retained as local counsel in all Beaumont courts. Mr. Ledyard was elected by his peers to membership in The American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Association of Defense Counsel.