News & Knowledge

FormanWatkins congratulates Partner, Alison O’Neal McMinn, for being selected for the 2021 Class of the Mississippi Business Journal’s 50 Leading Business Women.  The Mississippi Business Journal honors women who are powerful, influential business leaders in Mississippi. As senior decision-makers, this group of Leading Business Women is making a significant impact on the economy of our state, local businesses, and communities.

FormanWatkins is pleased to announce that Malissa Wilson has re-joined the firm as a partner in its Jackson, Mississippi office.  Malissa brings to the firm nearly 20 years of litigation and trial experience, much of which has involved handling employment matters.

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP announced today that it is donating $50,000 to Hurricane Ida Relief. The Firm is making the donation through the Greater New Orleans Foundation Hurricane Ida Relief Fund, which will distribute those funds to relief efforts across the area. New Orleans partner, Tim Gray, commented, “FormanWatkins believes in the resiliency of our New Orleans community and we hope this donation will accelerate the recovery from this devastating storm.” The Firm made this donation through its charitable foundation, which is supported by the over 140 attorneys and staff across 5 states, most of whom are in offices in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

We are pleased to announce that 37 FormanWatkins attorneys have been recognized in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. 

FormanWatkins is proud to announce our Diversity Pipeline Program, a three and a half day program for Tougaloo College students interested in pursuing a career as a civil litigator. Our Jackson team hosted Clifford Benton, Ayanna Hill, and Tia Patrick in April for the 2021 Program. The students attended seminars each of the three days to provide an overview of “firm life.”

The firm recently awarded the 2020 recipients with our inaugural Pro Bono Star and Civic Star awards. We proudly congratulate our dedicated team members, Julian Miller and Jennifer Parks!

Congratulations to Sam Kapoor for her recent election to the Mississippi Bar’s Young Lawyers Division Board of Directors for the Hinds Post IV! The Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division is governed by its Board of Directors and is active in many public service endeavors. The Young Lawyers Division is composed of all lawyers 37 years and younger and any lawyer over the age of 37 during their first three years of practice following their admission. Officers and Directors Elected for the Bar’s Young Lawyers Division The ballots for the 2021 Young Lawyers Division elections were tabulated on January 28, by Direct Vote Plus. Jess Waltman of Gulfport was elected President-Elect of the Young Lawyers Division. Waltman’s term will begin at the 2021 Annual Meeting in July. Also elected were La’Toyia J. Slay of Ridgeland, Secretary, and Lindsey E. Lazinsky of Oxford, Director At-Large. Elected to the Board of Directors were: J. Aaron Spearman of Tupelo, Northeast District; Brandon H. Riches of Gulfport, Coastal II District; Sampada “Sam” Kapoor of Jackson, Hinds Post IV; Kevin “KB” Bass of Jackson, Hinds Post V; Andreanna “Ann” Jones of Jackson, Hinds Post VI; Alex Parker Shoemaker of Purvis, Southwest District; and Chase Wynn of Ridgeland, Central I District.

The 2021 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists have been released, and we are proud to announce that 6 of our attorneys were among those selected!

FormanWatkins Partner, Mary Clift Abdalla, has been selected as one of Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Under 40 for 2020. As the name suggests, Top 50 Under 40 recognizes the state’s 50 up-and-coming business leaders under the age of 40. Considered one of the state’s most prestigious awards, the award highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to Mississippi’s overall economic progress. All of the Top 50 Under 40 recipients have involvement that go beyond normal working hours. Their days are extended by a large number of civic and community activities.

FormanWatkins Partner, Mary Clift Abdalla, has been selected to the Friends of Children’s Hospital Board of Directors! Friends of Children’s Hospital is a nonprofit organization created to benefit the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The board of directors works together to promote fundraising events and reach new donors, to help meet the extraordinary needs of caring for Mississippi’s sick and injured children. Contributions have purchased state-of-the-art equipment, built facilities, and provided services for all pediatric patients.