News & Knowledge

Before becoming an attorney, Malissa worked as a journalist and public relations practitioner in crisis communications. Though she is not a working journalist covering stories anymore, as an attorney, Malissa offers clients her ability to lay out and present the story-line of their cases clearly and efficiently to a judge or juror as demonstrated by her successful trials in state and federal court and oral arguments before the state supreme court. With her experience in crisis communications, she offers a calm and honest confidence that clients will find indispensable in the midst of tough litigation. A firm believer of the golden rule, Malissa handles every case how she would want an attorney to handle a case for her, always going the extra mile and never backing down from a challenge. Malissa brings to the firm nearly 20 years of litigation and trial experience. Additionally, Malissa is a Mississippi Bar Certified Mediator. Before joining FormanWatkins, Malissa was employed as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the Office of the Mississippi Attorney General in the Civil Division and as a Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Houston (Texas) in the Labor, Employment and Civil Rights Division. She has served as in-house counsel for a national insurance company overseeing cases in Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi and for the state’s largest public employer, The University of Mississippi Medical Center. In addition to handling employment matters, she has also worked in areas of Workers Compensation, Insurance Defense, Toxic Tort, Civil Rights and Media […]

Hired out of high school as a clerk, Byron had early legal mentors that showed him the value of being an advocate of the law and of the people. Today, as a partner at FormanWatkins with over 20 years of experience, Byron is driven to work hard for his clients to find them the right solutions, because, simply, that is what the client deserves. To Byron, corporate clients aren’t just bricks and mortar, they are people who need sincere representation and individualized solutions to help navigate the legal process. That is why Byron takes effective communication seriously, and works to develop a genuine, lasting relationship with his clients through which they are listened to and given the proper attention. Byron is also driven by the opportunity to problem-solve every day in the office. He understands that complex situations require pre-planning and critical thinking, two skills Byron enjoys practicing and constantly perfecting in his professional career. Ultimately, clients can expect from Byron diligent work, efficient communication, sincerity, and big enthusiasm for New Orleans restaurants. Byron maintains a trial-based practice, which includes a broad spectrum of litigation areas including commercial disputes, including intellectual property matters, contractual disputes, building defect litigation, as well as class actions, and other mass tort actions, including medical device claims, hearing loss claims, and environmental matters. Mr. Kitchens has represented his clients in federal and state jurisdictions, and has done so in local and foreign jurisdictions. In addition, he has served as a docket manager for commercial litigation […]

Charles sat in on his first deposition when he was 10 years old with his father, a well-respected litigator, and has been hooked ever since. Since that time, he has held himself to a strong standard of excellence and a tireless work ethic. Charles understands that not every client defines a “win” the same way, so he works diligently to find personalized “wins” for each case that comes through his door. Driven by the refusal to be unprepared and outworked, Charles offers his clients a sense of security that their business is important and deserves a strongly committed advocate who can create personalized legal strategies. Handling cases in all sorts of practice areas, Charles deals with anything that can go to trial and offers a fierce yet fair competitive spirit to every case. Well rounded in the law and in his hobbies of fishing, hunting, golfing, and family, Charles is a huge asset to clients who want thorough representation and peace of mind. Charles joined the firm in 2017 as a partner and previously has been, and continues to be, retained as lead counsel or co-counsel on cases in very diverse practice areas. He routinely serves as lead counsel/co-counsel on significant, high-dollar commercial, contractual, business interruption, tort, admiralty/maritime, products liability, construction, and toxic tort cases pending in both federal and state courts throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Amy operates under one mantra: Nothing is impossible. The word “problem” does not exist in Amy’s vocabulary; everything is simply a challenge waiting to be overcome. This work ethic allows Amy to find the most effective, efficient, and thorough solutions for her clients.  As a lawyer, Amy enjoys plugging away at each puzzle and challenge she encounters in her cases. Clients can have hope with Amy’s advocacy, as she believes there is always a solution and works tirelessly to find it. Having witnessed a few bad apples, Amy believes in being a sincere, considerate lawyer who seeks excellence in everything she does. Each case allows her to encounter new experts and new issues that help her to grow professionally all in the client’s benefit. Before becoming a lawyer, Amy worked at a chemical company in hospitality, where she learned to always work in the client’s best interest and never give up on a challenge. Ultimately, clients can expect a sincere, persistent work ethic from Amy as well as an adventurous traveler and foodie. Ms. Maccherone is actively engaged in all aspects of civil litigation from trial preparation, including participating in depositions of key fact and expert witnesses and pre-trial motion practice, through the appellate process. A native of Mantua, New Jersey, Ms. Maccherone currently resides in New Orleans, Louisiana.

As someone who thoroughly enjoys problem solving, Melissa has always been attracted to the critical and analytical thinking skills required in the practice of the law, and she practices them well. As a four time high school volleyball state champion and lover of challenges, Melissa is competitive by nature and passionate about everything she does. These qualities are what make her indispensable as a lawyer today. Melissa knows that litigation is tough for all parties involved, so she dedicates herself to finding personalized, thorough solutions for her clients and building lasting relationships with them. Fueled by her job’s daily challenges, Melissa relishes in the chance to think outside the box for her clients. Her determination manifests every day as she operates under the belief that you should never regret anything in life. To Melissa, if it’s good, it’s wonderful, and if it’s bad, it’s experience. Keeping this in mind, Melissa is always learning as an attorney. She never sees failure, but simply an opportunity to grow for the benefit of the client. Ultimately, clients will find Melissa to be an advocate who is passionate in her work and compassionate in her approach, exactly what you need in a litigation attorney.

Before attending law school, Courtney worked in development and governmental relations at Teach for America. In her time there, she learned about the necessity and benefits of a lawyer’s work. She received a law degree from Harvard, then spent five years as a public interest lawyer in Jackson before becoming an integral part of FormanWatkins’ strategic legal team. A strong believer in the Golden Rule, Courtney works hard for her clients because if the roles were reversed, that’s what she would want, and that’s ultimately what the client deserves. This accountability standard means clients can expect Courtney, as a compassionate advocate, to give her absolute best effort in their case. In addition, Courtney enjoys getting to know the little details of each case, learning something new every day and using her problem-solving skills and innovative thinking to help people. From her linguistic work in undergrad, to her developmental work with Teach for America, to her groundbreaking work with Mississippi Center for Justice on HIV discrimination, Courtney Hunt offers a fresh perspective to any problem.

To Jake, the most important part of being an advocate is communication. Jake believes that no matter how busy the case gets, the client deserves complete communication with the person responsible for their peace of mind. Fueled by the desire to solve problems, Jake enjoys digging through the details to find the right answer to litigation’s diverse problems. Jake believes time is the most precious thing we have: that it should be managed carefully and never wasted. Clients can expect trustworthy work from such a dedicated, communicative lawyer who doubles as an avid golfer and loving father. 

For Michael Abraham, it’s not how you fall — it’s how you get up. It’s all about the end goal.  For Michael’s clients, this means an invaluable work ethic that yields creative solutions in a small amount of time. With a passion for the law, Michael is driven by the diverse challenges of the legal issues that come across his desk. Strategizing carefully and tediously exploring all avenues available, Michael is a prepared lawyer who thinks well on his feet. He gives 100% of his effort toward being the most creative and efficient advocate for his clients in every case. With Michael, clients can expect to be represented by a lawyer and family-man with knowledge, experience and sincere determination. 

Alison doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t want to be a lawyer, and, since becoming one, doesn’t remember a time when she hasn’t loved every second of it. Alison believes it is her responsibility as an attorney to practice civility. She makes a point to bring out the humanity in every case because people are deeply important to her. In addition to her compassion and her extremely goal-oriented brain, Alison brings a vast and diverse array of experiences to the table. From prosecution work to civil defense to appellate courts to federal and supreme court cases, Alison has seen and done it all, making her an invaluable asset to every client that walks through the door. While other lawyers are getting lost in details, Alison keeps her eye on the big picture bringing passion and integrity to her clients’ cases. For Alison, the facts are what they are, and as long as you work hard, prepare well, and remember civility, a client’s success and peace are right around the corner.

Whether working with a client, an attorney, a coworker, or just in the general interest of the firm, Robert Gathings conducts himself with integrity and class. Excellence is of the utmost importance to Robert, as he gives 100% of his effort to produce high quality, objectively determined results. When it comes to finances in legal services, Robert understands that change is not only inevitable, but necessary, and works proactively with attorneys to provide clients with high value solutions. With a professional background, including eight plus years with KPMG, Robert is an experienced C-Suite executive who strives for nothing less than excellence and takes pride in he and his team’s work. When not working, Robert enjoys serving various civic and community organizations, and currently serves on the board of a large community health organization. He also enjoys sporting events and, in particular, is a baseball enthusiast.