News & Knowledge

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.

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.

FormanWatkins attorneys Vernon McFarland, Simine Reed, Courtney Hunt, and Jennifer Studebaker obtained summary judgment on behalf of a major retailer in relation to a personal injury case in Mississippi’s 10th Circuit Court District, on February 1, 2023. After sustaining injuries from a rogue police officer’s use of excessive force, Plaintiff sued FormanWatkins’ client alleging negligence, negligent hiring and retention, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and civil conspiracy. Plaintiff alleged an employee of the retailer negligently called the police after witnessing the Plaintiff’s suspicious activity in the store. The FormanWatkins’ team filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing its client was not liable because the police officer’s use of force was an intervening, superseding cause of the Plaintiff’s injuries.  The Court noted in its Order that “in his deposition testimony, Plaintiff admitted no retailer employee attempted to stop or detain him and that the police officer was the only person to assault him. Plaintiff has produced no evidence to support his claims.”  The Court granted summary judgment and dismissed the claims against FormanWatkins’ client.

On October 10, 2022, an Orleans Parish District Court judge for a second and final time dismissed a mesothelioma asbestos exposure case in favor of two energy companies, represented by Forman Watkins & Krutz attorneys Byron Kitchens and Margaret McLaughlin, and Michael Abraham and Peter Moir, respectively. Plaintiffs are Italian citizens who initially filed suit under maritime law nearly ten years after their decedent’s mesothelioma diagnosis. The parties re-filed a new motion and Plaintiffs brought two witnesses to testify on their behalf, including one of the Plaintiffs and an Italian lawyer. After successful cross-examination executed by McLaughlin and Kitchens, the case was brought home by the testimony of the defense’s Italian medical expert, brought in by Moir. Ultimately, Civil District Court Judge Giarrusso granted the clients’ Renewed Exception of Prescription (motion to dismiss due to statute of limitations).

For 18 months, companies have been consumed with navigating a myriad of operational challenges during this once-in-a-generation pandemic.  HR departments have had the daunting task of interpreting in real time the onslaught of executive and state orders, congressional acts, and federal agencies guidelines to implement COVID-19 policies and procedures to address a variety of personnel matters from remote work to vaccination directives.

Jackson Partner Vernon McFarland recently had an article published in DRI Voices (November 4, 2020).  Read it below, or click the image to open it in a new browser.

Mississippi political news site Y’all Politics published a short article written by FormanWatkins attorney Spencer Ritchie on the difference between “voting by mail” and voting by absentee ballot.

The Supreme Court issued its slip opinion in the matter of United States Patent and Trademark Office v. Booking.com on June 30, 2020.[i]  Justice Ginsburg wrote the opinion for the Court, and Roberts, Alito, Sotomayor, Kagan, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh joined.  Justice Sotomayor wrote a concurring opinion, and Justice Breyer filed a dissenting opinion.

On May 4, 2020, the United States Supreme Court made an unprecedented move and broadcast an oral argument live for the first time.[i] The case pits the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) against Booking.com.[ii] The matter is before the Supreme Court as a result of the USPTO’s denial of Booking.com’s trademark applications. Lately, the average number of days between oral argument and getting to an opinion is around 90 days. So, we are expecting an opinion potentially in early August 2020. While we wait, here is a brief overview of the case.