News & Knowledge

FormanWatkins is pleased to announce the addition of Erienne Reniajal “RJ” Lewis as an associate in the Jackson office. RJ brings extensive judicial experience, scholarship, and a solid foundation of legal analysis, enhancing the Firm’s ability to provide thoughtful, strategic representation to clients. RJ earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from Mississippi College School of Law, where he served as Chief Executive Editor of the Mississippi College Law Review and earned first place in the Bryant National Health Law Transactional Competition. He also served as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association R. Jess Brown Chapter, worked as a Teaching Assistant for multiple courses, and served as a Writing Fellow in Legal Analysis and Communication. Prior to joining the Firm, he served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Carlton W. Reeves of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi and to the Honorable Curtis Lynn Collier of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. RJ also gained additional judicial experience as an intern for the Honorable Lakeysha Greer Isaac and as an extern for the Honorable David N. McCarty of the Mississippi Court of Appeals. “RJ exemplifies the combination of practical judicial experience, academic excellence, and analytical skill that we seek in all our attorneys,” said Joshua Metcalf, partner at FormanWatkins. “He strengthens our team’s ability to navigate complex legal matters and provide clients with strategic, thoughtful advocacy.” Outside of the office, RJ enjoys baking – particularly southern pecan praline cake […]

FormanWatkins is pleased to announce that Kelsi Baldwin has joined the Firm as an associate in the Jackson office. Kelsi brings to the Firm distinguished clerkship experience, having served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Leslie H. Southwick of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and to the Honorable Kristi H. Johnson of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. Kelsi graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi College School of Law, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Mississippi College Law Review. During law school, she earned numerous honors, including the Joey Phillips Award, recognition as Best Overall Advocate in the CCTB Appellate Moot Court Competition, and several American Jurisprudence Awards. She was also a Teaching Assistant in multiple subjects and selected as a Pupil of the Charles Clark Inns of Court. Her academic achievements also include a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, from Mississippi College, and an Associate of Arts degree, with highest honors, from Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where she was inducted into the Co-Lin Hall of Fame. In addition to her judicial clerkships, Kelsi has contributed legal scholarship as a contributor to the Mississippi Practice Series and as author of the Conflict of Laws chapter in the Encyclopedia of Mississippi Laws. Her published works also include Matter of Will of Ratcliff and the Not-so-Harmless Error: A Call to Change Mississippi’s Approach to Will Formalities in the Mississippi College Law Review. “Kelsi has already built an impressive […]

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*, Jennifer Studebaker*, Caroline Upchurch, and WG Watkins* 2024 Mid-South Rising Stars: Catherine Pettis Rule, Autumn Smith, and Peyton Smith *Top 50 Mississippi Mid-South Super […]

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.

We are pleased to announce that FormanWatkins won the 2024 Mississippi Free Legal Answers’ State Summer Associate Challenge, accounting for more than 50% of the answers submitted from firms state-wide! Free Legal Answers is a national program coordinated by the American Bar Association where attorneys can respond to legal questions from income-eligible individuals. This past summer, our Jackson summer clerks joined members of our firm’s litigation team to participate in Mississippi’s Free Legal Answers Summer Associate Challenge.The team of volunteers fielded 26 questions during two sessions covering a myriad of matters.