News & Knowledge

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is pleased to announce a decisive victory on behalf of its clients in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. The Court granted FormanWatkins’ motions to dismiss all claims asserted against its clients and dismissed those claims with prejudice. The Court also denied the plaintiff’s attempt to file a third amended complaint, finding that the plaintiff’s efforts to re-plead claims against the firm’s clients were futile. The plaintiff alleged intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, and tortious interference with the contract, but the Court concluded that the pleadings lacked the necessary factual detail and failed as a matter of law. The ruling ends the case against the firm’s clients entirely, bringing closure to the firm’s clients after more than a year of litigation. “This ruling is a strong affirmation of our clients’ positions and the principle that conclusory allegations cannot substitute for well-pled facts,” said Nick Giallourakis. “We are proud of our team’s hard work and the clarity with which the Court addressed these claims.” The FormanWatkins defense team included Molly McNair, Will Brand, and Nick Giallourakis.  Molly McNair and Will Brand were primarily responsible for the strategic briefing that led to this complete dismissal. This outcome underscores the firm’s experience handling complex business and employment disputes in federal courts in Mississippi and across the country.

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP partnered with Chevron Law Function to deliver critical pro bono legal services to veterans through two impactful initiatives: The Pro Bono Veterans Legal Clinic in Houston and the Swords to Plowshares virtual clinic. At the Houston clinic, hosted by Houston Volunteer Lawyers at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Hospital, Chevron and FormanWatkins attorneys worked alongside volunteers and Houston Volunteer Lawyers staff. Together, the team counseled veterans on a wide range of legal issues, helping them access the benefits and resources they have earned through their service. “We met wonderful people who shared powerful stories of service. While I know we helped people that day, I also felt deeply moved and personally blessed by the experience,” said Sharon Garner, partner at FormanWatkins. “I am grateful to the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country, and I look forward to volunteering again.” FormanWatkins and Chevron also worked together at Swords to Plowshares virtual clinic, where volunteers advised veterans navigating the discharge upgrade process. Through training sessions and one-on-one consultations, the partnership delivered personalized assistance and detailed follow-up guides designed to help veterans pursue the benefits and recognition they deserve. “Our Firm is proud to partner with Chevron Law Function on these important pro bono initiatives,” said Alison McMinn, partner at FormanWatkins and chair of the Pro Bono Committee. “Serving those who have served our country is a privilege, and these clinics give our attorneys the opportunity to use their legal skills in […]

As we pause this weekend to honor America’s workforce, our Labor & Employment team is looking ahead, helping employers navigate today’s most pressing workplace challenges. From litigation defense to proactive workplace solutions, we’re here to provide trusted guidance every step of the way. Watch our Labor Day message above to hear how Forman Watkins can support you. Wishing you a safe and restful Labor Day weekend!

The Jackson Friends of the Library (JFOL) recently unveiled a new mural at the Medgar Evers Library in Jackson, honoring the legacy of civil rights leader Medgar Evers during the centennial of his birth. Created by local artist Reshonda Perryman, the mural was funded through a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission, which was matched by the FormanWatkins Foundation. The installation is part of JFOL’s broader mission to enhance Jackson’s library branches through beautification projects and public art. Peyton Smith, partner at Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP, has been closely connected to JFOL’s revitalization efforts since joining the Board of Trustees for the Jackson-Hinds Library System in 2022, where he now serves as Chair. His leadership helped relaunch the Friends organization and guide its community-focused initiatives. “Libraries are more than buildings filled with books. They are gathering places, sources of inspiration, and reflections of our community,” said Smith. “This project is a meaningful way to honor Medgar Evers’ enduring impact while bringing new energy to a neighborhood cornerstone.” Founded in 1985, JFOL supports the Jackson-Hinds Library System, which serves more than 146,000 residents. After being revitalized in 2022, the nonprofit has launched initiatives to strengthen programming and create welcoming, vibrant spaces across Jackson’s library branches.

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is proud to announce a significant appellate victory on behalf of its client in a long-running asbestos case, Parra v. Rapid-American Corporation, Riley Power, Inc. F/K/A Riley Stoker Corporation, DB Riley, Inc., et al., affirming the dismissal of claims that were pending for more than fifteen years. “This is an important win not only for our client, but also for the fair and efficient administration of justice,” said Jennifer Studebaker, partner at FormanWatkins. “The Court recognized that defendants should not be forced to defend decades-old claims where a plaintiff has failed to act.” In a unanimous decision, the Mississippi Court of Appeals upheld the Jones County Circuit Court’s ruling that the plaintiff’s case should be dismissed with prejudice for lack of prosecution. The Court emphasized that the plaintiff took no meaningful action in the litigation for more than nine years, finding that such extensive delay prejudiced the defendants and justified dismissal. The decision brings finality to a case originally filed in 2009, which lingered on the docket with minimal activity since 2011. In affirming dismissal, the Court reiterated that plaintiff bears a duty to pursue his/her claims diligently and that extraordinary delays will not be excused. The FormanWatkins defense team included Haley Arndt, Joel Fyke, Courtney Hunt, Simine Reed, and Jennifer Studebaker. Their strategic advocacy and perseverance were instrumental in securing this outcome. This ruling reinforces FormanWatkins’ longstanding reputation as a national leader in asbestos and mass tort defense, where the firm continues to represent […]

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is pleased to announce that 41 FormanWatkins attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. FormanWatkins is also proud to have partner, Nick Giallourakis, selected as Lawyer of the Year in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants. Lawyer of the Year is awarded to only one attorney in each community and practice area, highlighting exceptional achievement and peer recognition. Of the forty-one attorneys, thirteen were recognized as Ones to Watch, a list recognizing associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Attorneys selected to 2026 Best Lawyers in America©: Charles H. Abbott – Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants Mary Clift Abdalla – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers Michael H. Abraham – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants Pete F. Andarsio – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants Michael L. Baker – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants James L. Banks – Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants B. Battaglini – Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, and Natural Resources Law Tanya D. Ellis – Mass […]

FormanWatkins is proud to announce that Charles Abbott has been named to Forbes’ inaugural America’s Best-in-State Lawyers list. This recognition highlights Abbott as one of the top legal professionals in Louisiana and across the country. Abbott has built his practice on the belief that every client defines a “win” differently. From high-stakes commercial disputes to products liability, construction, admiralty, and toxic tort litigation, he works tirelessly to craft personalized strategies that align with his clients’ goals. Since joining the Firm as a partner in 2017, he has been retained as lead or co-counsel in significant, high-dollar cases in state and federal courts throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. “To be recognized by Forbes among so many accomplished attorneys is a privilege,” said Abbott. “While this is a personal honor, it truly speaks to the strength of our team at FormanWatkins. I am proud to work alongside such talented colleagues who share a commitment to excellence and to serving our clients with integrity.” The Forbes Best-in-State Lawyers list was developed through a year-long evaluation process that included peer nominations, independent research, and review by an advisory board. Out of thousands of attorneys considered nationwide, honorees were selected for their credibility, professional achievements, and client trust. The full list of honorees is available here.

As part of its mission to support safe, affordable housing, food security, and social justice initiatives, the FormanWatkins Foundation is proud to sponsor Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area’s Women Build again this year. Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to build stronger, safer communities through affordable homeownership. Recently, FormanWatkins’ attorneys and summer clerks joined the construction team at Habitat for Humanity as volunteers, contributing their time and energy to help construct a new home for a local family. Their participation reflects the Firm’s ongoing commitment to community service and providing its attorneys and clerks with the opportunity to engage in meaningful, mission-driven work. For Jennifer Studebaker, Partner and Chair of the Firm’s Foundation Committee, and President of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area, the Firm’s long-standing support of Habitat and Women Build reflects its ongoing mission to serve the community with purpose and impact. “The FormanWatkins Foundation partners with Habitat to build stronger and more resilient communities through housing, justice, and essential support services,” said Studebaker. “Our summer clerks are experiencing this firsthand by working with Habitat for Humanity to make a lasting impact.” For Mary Clift Abdalla, Partner and Chair of the Firm’s Recruiting committee in the Jackson office, this experience reflects a core component of the Firm’s summer program. “Our summer clerk program is designed to expose future attorneys not only to the Firm’s complex litigation matters across the country, but also the importance of leading – both in the courtroom and in […]

The Firm is pleased to announce that Damonta D. Morgan has joined the Jackson office as an associate. A graduate of Columbia Law School, where he was recognized as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, Damonta brings a strong background in appellate advocacy, government investigations, and high-impact litigation. Damonta’s legal experience includes clerkships with the Honorable Carlton Reeves of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi and the Honorable Candace Jackson-Akiwumi of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He also practiced in the Appeals and Government Investigations group at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in Washington, D.C., where he worked on matters of national significance for Fortune 50 clients. His practice is grounded in deep intellectual rigor and a passion for problem-solving. Damonta has contributed to legal scholarship in top law journals, and his prior experience includes roles at the U.S. Department of Justice, both in the Office of the Solicitor General and the Civil Division’s Appellate Staff. “We are excited to welcome Damonta to our Jackson office,” said Mitch McGuffey, Partner at FormanWatkins. “His impressive academic credentials, clerkship background, and dedication to excellence make him a tremendous asset to our litigation team.” With a love for storytelling and a drive to find creative solutions, Damonta brings energy and insight to every case. Outside of his legal practice, he has remained committed to service, including teaching a constitutional law course at Tougaloo College and contributing to community dialogue around civil rights and public policy.

FormanWatkins is proud to announce that Melissa Fuller and Taylor Waxley have been selected to the 2025 Leadership in Law class by New Orleans CityBusiness. Each year, the publication honors 50 legal professionals in the New Orleans area for their outstanding career accomplishments and community contributions. This year’s honorees will be recognized at a special event in the fall. Melissa Fuller is a seasoned litigator who represents Fortune 50, Fortune 200, and Fortune 500 companies in complex toxic tort, premises liability, and environmental litigation. She serves as national coordinating counsel for a Fortune 200 energy company, leads trial teams in high-stakes benzene exposure cases, and co-leads the defense of expropriation claims for a major forest products client. Melissa’s legal acumen and strategic leadership have resulted in multiple client victories and dismissals, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted advocate in both federal and state courts throughout Louisiana. In addition to her litigation work, Melissa chairs the Recruiting Committee for the New Orleans office and is actively involved in professional organizations such as the New Orleans Bar Association, the Women’s Energy Network, and DRI. She has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and New Orleans Magazine for her excellence in litigation and commitment to the profession. Taylor Waxley represents the next generation of legal excellence, having already built a diverse and impactful litigation portfolio in her first five years of practice. She has defended national and multinational companies in matters ranging from asbestos […]