News & Knowledge

FormanWatkins’ New Orleans office has been named a 2026 Top Workplace by The Times-Picayune, an honor determined entirely by employee feedback rather than firm submission. The Firm separately received a special award for its Benefits Package, recognizing the strength of its employee benefits, insurance offerings, and the culture created. “For a firm built on defending Fortune 500 companies and national corporate clients in complex litigation, this distinction speaks to something clients rely on but rarely see directly: the depth and stability of the team behind the work,” said Tim Gray, Partner at FormanWatkins. The awards were recently presented at the Top Workplaces ceremony at the Higgins Hotel in New Orleans, where attorneys Charles Abbott and Amy Maccherone accepted the awards on the firm’s behalf. Top Workplaces recognition is based entirely on a confidential, third-party employee survey that evaluates factors including alignment, execution, connection, and engagement. These measures are widely used across industries as predictors of organizational performance and employee retention. “The special award for benefits reflects a long-standing investment in the people who make our work possible,” said Charles Abbott, Partner at FormanWatkins. “As the legal industry grows more competitive, we believe firms that prioritize employee well-being alongside client service build the kind of institutional depth that shows up in the quality and consistency of the work.”

FormanWatkins is pleased to announce that Charles Abbott has been appointed to the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel (LADC) Board of Directors as a District 4 Representative, effective with the start of the LADC’s new term on July 1. In this role, Charles will help shape the direction of one of Louisiana’s most influential and legal organizations, representing the interests of civil defense attorneys throughout the district. “I’m honored to serve as a District 4 Representative for the LADC,” said Abbott, Partner at Forman Watkins. “This organization has played a vital role in supporting Louisiana’s defense bar for more than six decades, and I look forward to contributing to that mission.” Since joining the Firm as a partner in 2017, Charles has built a diverse litigation practice, regularly serving as lead counsel or co-counsel on high-stakes commercial, contractual, business interruption, tort, admiralty/maritime, products liability, construction, and toxic tort cases pending in both federal and state courts throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. His body of work includes serving as national coordinating counsel for Fortune 100 clients in benzene and silica exposure litigation, and as lead counsel for Fortune 500 companies defending against asbestos claims throughout Louisiana and Texas courts. He has also led high-profile matters ranging from a putative class action over endoscope sterilization to multimillion-dollar maritime cargo disputes.  He further provides general legal advice and guidance to small and large companies alike, including serving as general counsel to a national refrigerated trucking company on logistics, regulatory, and litigation matters nationwide. […]

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is pleased to announce that several of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, published by Thomson Reuters. These honors reflect a high level of professional achievement and recognition from peers within the legal community. Super Lawyers identifies top attorneys across more than 70 practice areas through a comprehensive selection process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and detailed evaluations. The Rising Stars designation highlights exceptional early-career attorneys who are making a strong impact in their respective fields. This year’s selections highlight the depth and breadth of talent at FormanWatkins, as well as the Firm’s ongoing dedication to providing strategic, results-driven counsel. The recognition also speaks to the collaborative culture that supports attorneys in delivering outstanding service to clients. The Firm proudly recognizes the following attorneys: 2026 Louisiana Super Lawyers: Amy Maccherone, Charles Abbott, Michael Abraham, Michelle Roy, and Tim Gray. 2026 Louisiana Rising Stars: Margaret McLaughlin, Taylor Waxley, Whitney Antoine, and Peyton Smith.

FormanWatkins is proud to announce that Amy Maccherone has been named to the New Orleans Magazine’s 2026 Top Women in Law list for her work in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions. This recognition highlights Maccherone as one of the leading women in the New Orleans legal community. Maccherone has built her practice on the belief that every challenge has a solution. She represents clients in complex civil litigation, with a focus on mass tort and class action matters and works persistently to develop effective strategies that serve her clients’ goals. She is actively involved in all stages of litigation, from trial preparation through the appellate process. “I’m honored to be recognized by my peers,” said Maccherone. “It is especially meaningful to be included among such an accomplished group of attorneys.” The Top Women in Law list is compiled through a peer-review process conducted by Professional Research Services. Licensed attorneys in the New Orleans area nominate fellow attorneys in specific practice areas, and honorees are selected based on survey results and verification of good standing with the Louisiana State Bar Association.

FormanWatkins is pleased to announce a significant victory in a federal court asbestos case tried to verdict before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. After an eight-day jury trial, a unanimous verdict was returned finding no liability against the Firm’s client. Attorneys Peyton Smith and Autumn Smith led the defense team through the trial, presenting a vigorous defense on behalf of the Firm’s client. The jury’s unanimous verdict fully vindicated the Firm’s client. “This verdict reflects our team’s deep commitment to our client and our ability to effectively present their defense in even the most challenging and high-stakes litigation,” said Peyton Smith, Partner at FormanWatkins. “We are proud of the outcome and grateful for the trust our client placed in us throughout this process.” The case involved claims arising from alleged asbestos exposure. While the jury found in favor of the Firm’s client, finding no liability, it did find liability against a separate defendant, awarding $6.625 million in damages to the plaintiffs. Autumn Smith, Associate at FormanWatkins said, “Achieving a unanimous defense verdict in a federal court asbestos case is a remarkable result, and we are proud to have delivered it for our client.” The Firm has a long-standing tradition of excellence in complex litigation, including toxic tort and products liability defense. This verdict further demonstrates the Firm’s ability to deliver outstanding results for its client in difficult cases.

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 […]

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 […]