News & Knowledge

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.

In a significant legal victory, the Louisiana Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has affirmed the district court’s ruling declaring Jarvis Ballard factually innocent and awarding him compensation for the more than 23 years he spent wrongfully incarcerated. The decision marks a crucial step in Ballard’s pursuit of justice and underscores the dedication of legal advocates committed to righting wrongful convictions. FormanWatkins, alongside co-counsel and the Innocence Project New Orleans (IPNO), successfully secured the district court’s ruling last August. However, the State immediately appealed the decision. The appellate team, including FormanWatkins associates Taylor Delrie Waxley and Michael Morton, vigorously opposed the appeal. On March 14, 2025, the Fourth Circuit issued a unanimous opinion affirming the ruling, stating, “In sum, we find that the record supports the trial court’s conclusion that Ballard was not involved in the [crime].” “This ruling is a powerful affirmation of Mr. Ballard’s innocence and the injustice he endured,” said Waxley. “For Mr. Ballard, this case was about more than just legal arguments. It was about reclaiming his name, his dignity, and his future,” added Morton. FormanWatkins’ Pro Bono Committee Chair, Alison McMinn, emphasized the Firm’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to justice. “At FormanWatkins, we are committed to ensuring equal access to justice for those who need it most,” said McMinn. “Mr. Ballard’s case highlights the vital role of pro bono advocacy in correcting injustices and supporting underserved communities. We are honored to have worked alongside our partners to help secure this outcome.” FormanWatkins remains […]

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP proudly celebrates the recognition of its attorneys in the 2025 edition of Louisiana Super Lawyers, a prestigious honor published by Thomson Reuters. This recognition highlights the Firm’s deep commitment to excellence, legal expertise, and unwavering dedication to client service. Super Lawyers recognizes outstanding attorneys across more than 70 practice areas who have earned significant peer recognition and professional achievements. The selection process is highly competitive, with only the most accomplished attorneys receiving this distinction after rigorous independent research, peer nominations, and thorough evaluations. The inclusion of FormanWatkins attorneys on the 2025 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists underscores the Firm’s strength across multiple practice areas and its reputation for delivering exceptional legal outcomes. It also reaffirms the Firm’s position as a premier destination for top legal talent—an environment where attorneys thrive through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to client success. FormanWatkins congratulates its honorees on this well-earned recognition and thanks them for their contributions to the Firm and its clients. 2025 Louisiana Super Lawyers: Charles Abbott, Michael Abraham, Tim Gray, Amy Maccherone, and Michelle Roy 2025 Louisiana Rising Stars: Margaret McLaughlin, Peyton Smith, and Taylor Delrie Waxley

Forman Watkins & Krutz’s Charitable Foundation is proud to support Make-A-Wish Mississippi in its mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Representatives from Make-A-Wish Mississippi visited the Firm last week to accept a donation that will directly fund a wish for a child in Mississippi. “We are honored to support Make-A-Wish Mississippi and help bring joy to a child who deserves a moment of hope,” said Nick Giallourakis, Partner at FormanWatkins. “The work Make-A-Wish does is truly transformative, and we are grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in making a difference.” Make-A-Wish Mississippi grants wishes to children facing serious medical conditions, providing them with moments of joy and hope during challenging times. Wishes range from dream vacations to meeting personal heroes, all designed to create lasting memories for the child and their family. “Generous donors like FormanWatkins are the heart of our mission at Make-A-Wish Mississippi,” said Allison Tyler, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Mississippi. “Their support brings hope, strength, and joy to children battling critical illness, turning dreams into reality when they need it most. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to making life-changing wishes come true.” FormanWatkins is committed to giving back to the communities it serves, supporting organizations that make a lasting impact. For more information about Make-A-Wish Mississippi and how to get involved, visit https://wish.org/ms.

FormanWatkins has been selected as a recipient of the Chevron 2024 Law Firm Diversity Award, an honor recognizing law firm partners that actively promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The Firm was recognized for its commitment to Chevron’s core values of Diversity and Inclusion, as demonstrated through its employment practices and Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, including the Firm’s Diversity Pathway Program. “At FormanWatkins, we believe that the most innovative legal solutions come from diverse perspectives and backgrounds working together,” said Malissa Wilson, Partner at FormanWatkins. “Our commitment is reflected in our hiring practices, our internal initiatives, and the partnerships we build within our communities. Being recognized by Chevron for these efforts is a true honor and reinforces our dedication to fostering a culture of inclusion in our offices and beyond.” As part of the award, Chevron provided a $5,000 contribution to a designee of the Firm’s choice. FormanWatkins recently presented the funds to a Diversity Pathway Program partner, Jackson State University, in support of its efforts to cultivate opportunities for diverse law students. “We work hand-in-hand with FormanWatkins to give our students an experience with a top-tier firm to learn about the practice of law,” said Charles Irvin, J.D., director of the Bob Owens Pre-Law Center. “For them to give back to us means the world to me because everything is for the students. The students need opportunities, preparation to hone their skills, mentorship, and professional development, and working with FormanWatkins provides that in a major way.” FormanWatkins […]