News & Knowledge

The Jackson Friends of the Library (JFOL) recently unveiled a new mural at the Medgar Evers Library in Jackson, honoring the legacy of civil rights leader Medgar Evers during the centennial of his birth. Created by local artist Reshonda Perryman, the mural was funded through a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission, which was matched by the FormanWatkins Foundation. The installation is part of JFOL’s broader mission to enhance Jackson’s library branches through beautification projects and public art. Peyton Smith, partner at Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP, has been closely connected to JFOL’s revitalization efforts since joining the Board of Trustees for the Jackson-Hinds Library System in 2022, where he now serves as Chair. His leadership helped relaunch the Friends organization and guide its community-focused initiatives. “Libraries are more than buildings filled with books. They are gathering places, sources of inspiration, and reflections of our community,” said Smith. “This project is a meaningful way to honor Medgar Evers’ enduring impact while bringing new energy to a neighborhood cornerstone.” Founded in 1985, JFOL supports the Jackson-Hinds Library System, which serves more than 146,000 residents. After being revitalized in 2022, the nonprofit has launched initiatives to strengthen programming and create welcoming, vibrant spaces across Jackson’s library branches.

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is proud to announce a significant appellate victory on behalf of its client in a long-running asbestos case, Parra v. Rapid-American Corporation, Riley Power, Inc. F/K/A Riley Stoker Corporation, DB Riley, Inc., et al., affirming the dismissal of claims that were pending for more than fifteen years. “This is an important win not only for our client, but also for the fair and efficient administration of justice,” said Jennifer Studebaker, partner at FormanWatkins. “The Court recognized that defendants should not be forced to defend decades-old claims where a plaintiff has failed to act.” In a unanimous decision, the Mississippi Court of Appeals upheld the Jones County Circuit Court’s ruling that the plaintiff’s case should be dismissed with prejudice for lack of prosecution. The Court emphasized that the plaintiff took no meaningful action in the litigation for more than nine years, finding that such extensive delay prejudiced the defendants and justified dismissal. The decision brings finality to a case originally filed in 2009, which lingered on the docket with minimal activity since 2011. In affirming dismissal, the Court reiterated that plaintiff bears a duty to pursue his/her claims diligently and that extraordinary delays will not be excused. The FormanWatkins defense team included Haley Arndt, Joel Fyke, Courtney Hunt, Simine Reed, and Jennifer Studebaker. Their strategic advocacy and perseverance were instrumental in securing this outcome. This ruling reinforces FormanWatkins’ longstanding reputation as a national leader in asbestos and mass tort defense, where the firm continues to represent […]

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is pleased to announce that 41 FormanWatkins attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. FormanWatkins is also proud to have partner, Nick Giallourakis, selected as Lawyer of the Year in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants. Lawyer of the Year is awarded to only one attorney in each community and practice area, highlighting exceptional achievement and peer recognition. Of the forty-one attorneys, thirteen were recognized as Ones to Watch, a list recognizing associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Attorneys selected to 2026 Best Lawyers in America©: Charles H. Abbott – Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants Mary Clift Abdalla – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers Michael H. Abraham – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants Pete F. Andarsio – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants Michael L. Baker – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants James L. Banks – Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants B. Battaglini – Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, and Natural Resources Law Tanya D. Ellis – Mass […]

FormanWatkins is proud to announce that Charles Abbott has been named to Forbes’ inaugural America’s Best-in-State Lawyers list. This recognition highlights Abbott as one of the top legal professionals in Louisiana and across the country. Abbott has built his practice on the belief that every client defines a “win” differently. From high-stakes commercial disputes to products liability, construction, admiralty, and toxic tort litigation, he works tirelessly to craft personalized strategies that align with his clients’ goals. Since joining the Firm as a partner in 2017, he has been retained as lead or co-counsel in significant, high-dollar cases in state and federal courts throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. “To be recognized by Forbes among so many accomplished attorneys is a privilege,” said Abbott. “While this is a personal honor, it truly speaks to the strength of our team at FormanWatkins. I am proud to work alongside such talented colleagues who share a commitment to excellence and to serving our clients with integrity.” The Forbes Best-in-State Lawyers list was developed through a year-long evaluation process that included peer nominations, independent research, and review by an advisory board. Out of thousands of attorneys considered nationwide, honorees were selected for their credibility, professional achievements, and client trust. The full list of honorees is available here.

As part of its mission to support safe, affordable housing, food security, and social justice initiatives, the FormanWatkins Foundation is proud to sponsor Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area’s Women Build again this year. Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to build stronger, safer communities through affordable homeownership. Recently, FormanWatkins’ attorneys and summer clerks joined the construction team at Habitat for Humanity as volunteers, contributing their time and energy to help construct a new home for a local family. Their participation reflects the Firm’s ongoing commitment to community service and providing its attorneys and clerks with the opportunity to engage in meaningful, mission-driven work. For Jennifer Studebaker, Partner and Chair of the Firm’s Foundation Committee, and President of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area, the Firm’s long-standing support of Habitat and Women Build reflects its ongoing mission to serve the community with purpose and impact. “The FormanWatkins Foundation partners with Habitat to build stronger and more resilient communities through housing, justice, and essential support services,” said Studebaker. “Our summer clerks are experiencing this firsthand by working with Habitat for Humanity to make a lasting impact.” For Mary Clift Abdalla, Partner and Chair of the Firm’s Recruiting committee in the Jackson office, this experience reflects a core component of the Firm’s summer program. “Our summer clerk program is designed to expose future attorneys not only to the Firm’s complex litigation matters across the country, but also the importance of leading – both in the courtroom and in […]

The Firm is pleased to announce that Damonta D. Morgan has joined the Jackson office as an associate. A graduate of Columbia Law School, where he was recognized as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, Damonta brings a strong background in appellate advocacy, government investigations, and high-impact litigation. Damonta’s legal experience includes clerkships with the Honorable Carlton Reeves of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi and the Honorable Candace Jackson-Akiwumi of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He also practiced in the Appeals and Government Investigations group at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in Washington, D.C., where he worked on matters of national significance for Fortune 50 clients. His practice is grounded in deep intellectual rigor and a passion for problem-solving. Damonta has contributed to legal scholarship in top law journals, and his prior experience includes roles at the U.S. Department of Justice, both in the Office of the Solicitor General and the Civil Division’s Appellate Staff. “We are excited to welcome Damonta to our Jackson office,” said Mitch McGuffey, Partner at FormanWatkins. “His impressive academic credentials, clerkship background, and dedication to excellence make him a tremendous asset to our litigation team.” With a love for storytelling and a drive to find creative solutions, Damonta brings energy and insight to every case. Outside of his legal practice, he has remained committed to service, including teaching a constitutional law course at Tougaloo College and contributing to community dialogue around civil rights and public policy.

FormanWatkins is proud to announce that Melissa Fuller and Taylor Waxley have been selected to the 2025 Leadership in Law class by New Orleans CityBusiness. Each year, the publication honors 50 legal professionals in the New Orleans area for their outstanding career accomplishments and community contributions. This year’s honorees will be recognized at a special event in the fall. Melissa Fuller is a seasoned litigator who represents Fortune 50, Fortune 200, and Fortune 500 companies in complex toxic tort, premises liability, and environmental litigation. She serves as national coordinating counsel for a Fortune 200 energy company, leads trial teams in high-stakes benzene exposure cases, and co-leads the defense of expropriation claims for a major forest products client. Melissa’s legal acumen and strategic leadership have resulted in multiple client victories and dismissals, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted advocate in both federal and state courts throughout Louisiana. In addition to her litigation work, Melissa chairs the Recruiting Committee for the New Orleans office and is actively involved in professional organizations such as the New Orleans Bar Association, the Women’s Energy Network, and DRI. She has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and New Orleans Magazine for her excellence in litigation and commitment to the profession. Taylor Waxley represents the next generation of legal excellence, having already built a diverse and impactful litigation portfolio in her first five years of practice. She has defended national and multinational companies in matters ranging from asbestos […]

On May 7, 2025, the litigation team at Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP, including attorneys Joshua Metcalf, Peyton Smith, and Haley Arndt, recently won a significant victory in a Dallas, Texas federal court, securing a full dismissal with prejudice of all claims brought against our client. The Honorable United States District Judge Jane J. Boyle of the Northern District of Texas granted Forman Watkins’ Motion to Dismiss, bringing an early and favorable resolution to the matter. The plaintiff alleged that he was severely injured while shopping at a home improvement store near Dallas, Texas, asserting claims of negligence and product liability against the client. In response, the FormanWatkins team argued that the plaintiff failed to state a cognizable claim under Texas law, pointing out two fatal flaws in the plaintiff’s pleading. First, the complaint failed to allege a specific manufacturing defect attributable to the client that was present when the product left the client’s control. Second, the Complaint failed to specify any acts or omissions of the client that could be considered a breach of the duty of care that a product manufacturer owes to a consumer. The Court agreed, ruling that the plaintiff’s complaint lacked sufficient factual support. Notably, the plaintiff had already been granted two prior opportunities to amend the complaint, yet still failed to meet the necessary pleading standards. As a result, the Court dismissed the case with prejudice, barring the claims from being refiled. This early dismissal highlights FormanWatkins’ commitment to efficient, strategic litigation defense, and […]

The modern workplace no longer fits neatly within office walls—or office-issued devices. With the rise of remote and hybrid work, employees are increasingly relying on personal phones, tablets, and laptops to stay connected. But while this flexibility offers convenience and cost savings, it also introduces complex legal risks when litigation arises. Attorney Alison McMinn recently led a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) session titled “Bring Your Own Device: Navigating the Rough Seas of E-Discovery with a Strong BYOD Policy at Your Back,” where she led attorneys through the growing challenges associated with BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in the context of e-discovery. Drawing from her extensive experience in both trial and appellate courts, Alison delivered practical insights on how courts evaluate data stored on personal devices and the standards for determining “control” under federal and state discovery rules. She emphasized the importance of proactively assessing a client’s BYOD policy—before litigation hits. “The reality is, if employees are using personal devices for work, the data on those devices may be fair game in discovery,” said McMinn, Partner at FormanWatkins. “Without a strong, well-communicated BYOD policy, companies can find themselves exposed to legal, reputational, and financial risks they didn’t anticipate.” Her presentation focused on high-level strategies for drafting and reviewing BYOD policies, including: Defining acceptable devices and usage Addressing data access, auto-delete functions, and preservation obligations Setting clear expectations for employees, including signed acknowledgements and training While legal standards vary across jurisdictions, and Mississippi courts have yet to squarely address BYOD control in […]

On March 14, 2025, New Orleans attorney Charles Abbott and Tina Bradley out of Nederland, Texas, guest lectured a Toxic Tort class at LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Abbott and Bradley’s lecture, entitled “Benzene 101,” provided an overview of the history and current state of benzene litigation, the evolution of the state of the art regarding benzene and health effects from the same, as well as practical experiences and views from both the plaintiff and defense perspectives. This is the first time that Abbott and Bradley have guest lectured together at LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center and will definitely not be their last.  This is Abbott’s twelfth year guest lecturing in the Toxic Tort class at LSU and is the second class this semester in a series of Toxic Tort classes that he, fellow FormanWatkins attorneys, and other practitioners will guest lecture this semester with Professor John Church.