News & Knowledge

FormanWatkins has been selected as a recipient of the Chevron 2024 Law Firm Diversity Award, an honor recognizing law firm partners that actively promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The Firm was recognized for its commitment to Chevron’s core values of Diversity and Inclusion, as demonstrated through its employment practices and Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, including the Firm’s Diversity Pathway Program. “At FormanWatkins, we believe that the most innovative legal solutions come from diverse perspectives and backgrounds working together,” said Malissa Wilson, Partner at FormanWatkins. “Our commitment is reflected in our hiring practices, our internal initiatives, and the partnerships we build within our communities. Being recognized by Chevron for these efforts is a true honor and reinforces our dedication to fostering a culture of inclusion in our offices and beyond.” As part of the award, Chevron provided a $5,000 contribution to a designee of the Firm’s choice. FormanWatkins recently presented the funds to a Diversity Pathway Program partner, Jackson State University, in support of its efforts to cultivate opportunities for diverse law students. “We work hand-in-hand with FormanWatkins to give our students an experience with a top-tier firm to learn about the practice of law,” said Charles Irvin, J.D., director of the Bob Owens Pre-Law Center. “For them to give back to us means the world to me because everything is for the students. The students need opportunities, preparation to hone their skills, mentorship, and professional development, and working with FormanWatkins provides that in a major way.” FormanWatkins […]

On February 19, 2025, New Orleans attorneys Charles Abbott and Etienne René guest lectured a Toxic Tort Class at LSU Paul M. Herbert Law Center. With both second year and third year law students in attendance, Abbott and René provided practical experiences and advice pertaining to various toxic tort related topics and issues, including, but not limited to, causation, expert witnesses, and Daubert challenges of expert witnesses, as well as overviews of epidemiology and toxicology. This is Abbott’s twelfth year guest lecturing in the Toxic Tort class at LSU and will be the first in a series of Toxic Tort classes that he, fellow FormanWatkins attorneys, and other practitioners will guest lecture this semester with Professor John Church.

Malissa Wilson recently delivered a compelling presentation titled AI in the Workplace: Legal Implications and Emerging Trends. The session was presented to the International Association of Defense Counsel’s Employment Law and Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and Technology Committees, and addressed the intersection of AI with workplace practices and data privacy laws. The presentation analyzed how AI affects talent acquisition and performance management, while also outlining the associated legal and ethical risks. Using Mobley v. Workday as a case study, Malissa provided a comprehensive analysis of key issues such as algorithmic bias, transparency, and compliance with employment and privacy laws. Attendees were left with actionable strategies to harness the benefits of AI while managing its associated risks. “AI is reshaping workplace operations, but its adoption requires a thorough understanding of legal and ethical considerations,” said Wilson. “This presentation provided practical insights to help organizations implement AI responsibly and effectively.” Read more about Malissa Wilson here.

The Firm is pleased to announce the addition of Colby Rogers as the new Director of Marketing and Attorney Recruiting. With an extensive background in communications, political strategy, media relations, and brand management, Colby brings a wealth of expertise to the role. She has worked with Fortune 100 companies, some of the world’s largest privately held organizations, Members of Congress, and the White House, making her uniquely qualified to lead the Firm’s marketing and recruiting initiatives. In this role, Colby will use her expertise to elevate the Firm’s brand, strengthen client relationships, and implement innovative recruiting strategies that align with the Firm’s growth and vision for the future. “We are thrilled to welcome Colby to the team. Her impressive background and proven track record in strategic communications and leadership make her an invaluable asset to our Firm,” said Robby Gathings, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at FormanWatkins. “Colby’s ability to blend creativity with data-driven strategies will not only strengthen our marketing efforts, but also position us to attract the best legal talent in the industry.” In addition to her professional accomplishments, Colby has been appointed by the Governor and Confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation and the Mississippi Development Bank, where she has served on the Board of Directors for three consecutive years. Her leadership also extends to impactful community involvement with the Junior League of Jackson and other nonprofit organizations, showcasing her ability to connect with and serve diverse audiences. Read […]

The Firm is pleased to announce the promotion of Chelsea Lewis to Partner, effective immediately. Since joining the Firm in 2019, she has excelled and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her work and the Firm. Chelsea is an experienced litigator. As a former federal judicial law clerk and member of trial teams for several of the Firm’s national clients, her courtroom expertise and insight are invaluable. She also handles case-dispositive briefing and represents clients in state and federal courts across the country. Her practical, results-driven approach consistently results in favorable outcomes, including numerous dismissals for clients facing complex legal challenges. In addition to her litigation practice, Chelsea has become a trusted advocate for student athletes, coaches, and universities, providing expert counsel on athletic eligibility and related issues. Her deep knowledge of this specialized area has earned her a reputation as a go-to advisor in the sports community. “Chelsea’s promotion reflects her skill, commitment, and leadership within our Firm and the community,” said Tanya Ellis, Partner at FormanWatkins. “She consistently delivers exceptional results and embodies the values of excellence and creativity we strive for at FormanWatkins.” Chelsea brings a distinguished professional background to the partnership. Before joining the Firm, she served as a Law Fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center, a judicial extern for the Honorable Abdul Kallon of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, and a judicial clerk for the Honorable Carlton W. Reeves of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. […]

The Firm is proud to announce the addition of Adriana Houlton as a partner to its team of experienced litigators. With over 15 years of experience in toxic tort litigation, including serving as national coordinating counsel for a major chemical manufacturer, Adriana brings a unique combination of scientific insights and legal acumen that will enhance the Firm’s ability to deliver exceptional results for its clients. A graduate of South Texas College of Law, Adriana has established herself as a tenacious advocate with a proven track record in complex litigation, class actions, and products liability. Her scientific background, cultivated during her time at the Department of Epidemiology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, provides her with a distinct advantage in navigating the intricate interplay of science and law in toxic tort cases. “Adriana is a remarkable addition to our team,” said Tim Gray, Partner at FormanWatkins. “Her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and passion for both science and the law make her a formidable advocate for our clients. We are confident that her expertise will contribute to the exceptional service we provide our clients.” In her role at FormanWatkins, Adriana will continue to build on her legacy of success, leveraging her skills in developing and cross-examining expert witnesses across multiple disciplines, large-scale discovery, trial preparation, and negotiations. Her dedication to achieving favorable outcomes and her ability to build strong relationships within defense teams and with opposing counsel underscore her value to both the Firm and its clients.

The Firm is pleased to announce that Whitney Antoine has joined the team as an associate in its New Orleans office. A magna cum laude graduate of Southern University Law Center in 2019, Whitney brings a proven record of excellence and a passion for client advocacy to the Firm. Whitney’s legal journey began as a law clerk to the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. During this time, she also gained invaluable appellate experience in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, further refining her skills in handling complex federal litigation. Her diverse practice areas include asbestos and environmental litigation, commercial disputes, product liability, and insurance coverage and bad faith defense, making her a versatile addition to the firm’s team. “We are thrilled to welcome Whitney to our New Orleans office,” said Charles Abbott, Partner at FormanWatkins. “Her meticulous approach to litigation, commitment to excellence, and ability to craft innovative solutions make her an outstanding advocate for our clients.” Driven by her personal mantra – Be Authentic, Be Bold, and Be Courageous, Whitney approaches every case with determination and resilience. She takes pride in tailoring strategies to meet each client’s unique goals and works tirelessly to ensure her clients feel empowered and valued. Her passion for writing and oral advocacy, coupled with her sharp analytical mindset, defines her as a determined and fearless litigator. Read more about Whitney here. 

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP proudly celebrates the recognition of 18 attorneys in the latest edition of Super Lawyers, a hallmark of excellence published by Thomson Reuters. This prestigious honor underscores the unwavering commitment, exceptional skill, and dedication to client service that define the firm. Super Lawyers identifies outstanding attorneys from over 70 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 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Star 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 18 honorees for their well-deserved accolades and thank them for their continued contributions to clients and the firm. 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers: Mary Clift Abdala, James “Jake” L. Banks IV, Tanya Ellis, Nick Giallourakis, Brian Hannula*, Courtney Hunt, Ruth Maron Huskey, Fred Krutz*, Alison McMinn*, Joshua Metcalf*, Spencer Ritchie, Jennifer Studebaker*, Caroline Upchurch, and WG Watkins* 2024 Mid-South Rising Stars: Patrick Fields, Catherine Pettis Rule, Autumn Smith, and Peyton […]

FormanWatkins attorneys Nick Giallourakis, Mitch McGuffey, and Spencer Ritchie joined PraCon Global Investment Group and Topgolf representatives to celebrate the grand opening of Topgolf’s state-of-the-art sports entertainment facility at Prado Vista in Ridgeland. The grand opening marks a significant milestone for the 77-acre mixed-use development, where FormanWatkins represented PraCon and Topgolf and played a pivotal role by providing zoning counsel to secure an overlay district that made the project possible. The two-level Topgolf facility features 62 climate-controlled hitting bays equipped with Toptracer technology, which tracks ball flight paths and metrics, as well as a nine-hole mini-golf course. With $25 million in capital investment, the Ridgeland venue is the 108th Topgolf location worldwide and will employ more than 200 local workers, adding to the 300 jobs created during construction. As the anchor of the multimillion-dollar Prada Vista development, Topgolf is just the beginning of this transformative project led by Mississippi-based PraCon Global Investment group. The development plans to include a national grocery store, two luxury hotels, over 100,000 square feet of office space, retail, and dining space, an entertainment venue, 228 homes, and a river walk. FormanWatkins will continue to assist with the project as additional elements are completed, supporting the development’s contribution to the growth and vibrancy of the community.

Forman Watkins & Krutz has been named the recipient of the 2024 Curtis E. Coker Access to Justice Award by the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project (MVLP). The award recognizes the Firm’s sustained efforts to provide pro bono legal services to underserved communities across the state. “Receiving the Coker Award is a tremendous honor,” said Alison McMinn, a partner at Forman Watkins & Krutz. “This award acknowledges the dedication of our attorneys and staff who have spent thousands of hours engaging in issues that matter to them and their communities. We are proud to partner with MVLP, which plays the absolutely essential role of connecting attorneys with people who need them.” The Firm has a long-standing tradition of contributing pro bono legal work. In 2017, the Firm formally launched the FormanWatkins Pro Bono Initiative. Over the past 8 years, the FormanWatkins team has committed over 9,000 hours to pro bono work, an effort valued at over $2 Million. On behalf of pro bono clients, the FormanWatkins team has conducted trials, drafted appeals, filed petitions, influenced policies, and launched legal clinics.  FormanWatkins attorneys have also presented oral argument before the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Mississippi Court of Appeals and represented children at hearings in juvenile court. The Coker Award, MVLP’s highest honor, has been presented annually for the past 24 years. It is awarded to individuals, law firms, or organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the legal needs of low-income Mississippians. Named after Curtis E. […]