News & Knowledge

Thank you to our lawyers for donating their knowledge and time to assist our local community through a law clinic created by our partnership with the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project – see the full story by reading below or click here to view the news story & video. Our Pro Bono initiative for 2017 allows us to partner with various projects like MVLP throughout our local communities and keeps us committed to helping others with their legal needs. As quoted from The Clarion Ledger: You may be able to be your own attorney on some cases without someone referring to you as a fool for representing yourself. However, would you know the type cases you may be able to represent yourself on? On Thursday, a group of lawyers from the law firm of Forman Watkins & Kurtz, and some Mississippi College School of Law students, joined with the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project to provide an answer during a free legal clinic at the Eudora Welty Library in downtown Jackson. These are the cases individuals might be able to represent themselves: Uncontested divorce Simple wills Uncontested adoption matters Guardianship Name change Conservatorship Child support contempt Guardianship Birth certificate correction Expungement of misdemeanor criminal record Stephanie Luckett of Canton came to the legal clinic to get instructions on the steps to file an uncontested divorce case. About 15 people signed up for the free legal clinic Thursday. Such clinics are conducted throughout the state during the year. “I’m trying to get help; […]

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP congratulates Jackson Partner, Brian Hannula, for being honored by Portico Jackson Magazine as a 2017 Portico 10 Attorney. The PORTICO 10 is a group of up-and-coming attorneys in the Jackson area. These individuals were nominated by local firms, past honorees and members of the community before being chosen by a panel of local judges.

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is proud to announce that Jennifer Studebaker was selected as one of 40 Leaders in Law by the Mississippi Business Journal. Each year, the Mississippi Business Journal recognizes a select group of attorneys who exhibit both the legal success and the qualities of character that exemplify this honor. A reception and awards celebration was held in December to recognize the 2016 honorees.

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is pleased to announce that Alison O’Neal McMinn returns to the firm as a Partner in our Jackson, Mississippi office. Bringing more than a decade of litigation experience, Alison is a well-respected leader in our community both in her professional career at the Attorney General’s Office as well as her countless hours dedicated to community programs such as Post-Katrina work, the Junior League of Jackson, and Leadership Greater Jackson. Alison will further strengthen the Firm’s commitment to community outreach in addition to her mass tort litigation experience. Prior to joining Forman Watkins, Alison served as Special Assistant Attorney General in both the Civil Litigation and Consumer Protection Divisions. She was lead defense attorney in numerous suits against the State of Mississippi, its agencies, political subdivisions, and officials.  In her experience with the Consumer Protection Division, Alison prosecuted cases involving fraud, and investigated violations of the Mississippi Consumer Protection Act. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s office, Alison worked as an Associate in our Jackson office where she managed a docket of 727 asbestos products liability cases with complex discovery and motion practice. She was also a member of the trial team for six asbestos product liability trials. Alison graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts and received her Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi.   She has been recognized as a Mid-South Rising Star® in Personal Injury Defense and served as co-chair of both the Diversity and Membership Committees […]

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP, reaffirmed its commitment to the future of downtown Jackson with the announcement that it has leased the top four floors of Regions Plaza, the city’s tallest building.

The Firm proudly welcomed City of Jackson Fire Department representatives to our office after recently learning of a shortage of scissor carjacks within the department which prohibits the department’s full response in crisis situations.

Forman Watkins is proud to announce Vernon McFarland’s selection to the Top 40 Under 40 list chosen by The National Black Lawyers. Only 40 Black lawyers or Non-Black Attorneys that promote diversity from each state or region may become members.

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP founding Partner, WG Watkins, was recently presented with the R. Bruce Shaw Distinguished Counsel Award by firm client, Owens-Illinois, Inc. The award recognizes Watkins’ outstanding legal service of more than 36 years.