News & Knowledge

From the time she was in fifth grade sitting on the couch watching Law and Order, Michelle knew she wanted to be in the courtroom. Today, with her competitive attitude and hard drive for excellence, Michelle never leaves a stone unturned in her pursuit to be the most prepared attorney on the case. If the case needs a less traditional solution, Michelle has no problem thinking outside the box to find creative answers to even the most complex problems. Michelle looks at the challenges of litigation as open invitations for her to work hard, as she is always striving to be the best she can be for her firm and her client. Clients can expect diligent preparation and perseverance in Michelle, receiving excellent work from a well-rounded attorney who cares.

Pete Andarsio joined the firm as a partner on January 1, 2016. He specializes in asbestos premises liability, having served as Liaison counsel for the Texas Premises Joint Defense Group since 1992. His role as Liaison counsel includes taking lead in oral arguments before the courts, coordinating the defense of claims, including medical work up of multi-plaintiff cases, coordinating discovery, retention of experts, and negotiating settlements. Pete’s unique, consistent ability to timely and efficiently meet the needs of multiple clients and work closely with co-counsel in a group context has enabled him to act as Liaison counsel for almost a quarter century in Texas asbestos premises litigation. He employs the same level of commitment and dedication when representing individual clients.

Success, experience, knowledge, creativity, and compassion are just some of the qualifications that make WG Watkins an incredible lawyer. One bold move after the other, WG has been a game changer in law and litigation for over 30 years, and the same proficiency and passion that has brought him success in the past is still strong today. Clients and coworkers alike will attest that he treats every case that comes across his desk as the most important case, giving it the time and expertise it deserves. Competitive, inquisitive, and intelligent, WG offers more than just a brain to his clients. He offers sound work and genuine friendship, both of which can be affirmed by clientele across the nation. When he’s not practicing law or enjoying his family as a husband, father, and grandfather, you can find him reading, writing, playing golf, or relaxing at an Ole Miss sporting event. Whatever the endeavor, WG always brings his total commitment and passion to achieve the best results possible. Never afraid to make a decision or to try a new approach, WG enjoys making the hard things look easy.

Because of his composure under pressure and ability to lead in a room full of unique personalities, Trey flourishes in the most challenging cases. In the courtroom and at the negotiation table he is relentless, known for being courteous and tough, gracious and dogged. He understands that the path to a favorable resolution begins with an honest assessment of the case followed by the hard work of creating a formidable trial option. Trey has an innate ability to analyze large problems, distill complex facts, and find creative solutions. These talents make him a frequent partner with clients seeking someone to design, coordinate, and implement national strategies, as well as to budget and manage costs. This unique combination of skills has led clients to rely on Trey’s judgment in times when sound decision-making is needed most.

Two things inspire Caroline Upchurch every day: the client and the puzzle. Each case is uniquely important to Caroline, because it’s a chance to form a personal relationship with a client and also to use her naturally analytical brain to solve problems. Caroline always works three steps ahead, avoiding surprises and creating well thought out solutions for her client. With an eye for efficiency, Caroline is able to quickly assess situations to decide the best approach and enjoys crafting innovative strategies for her clients. Even if it means finding common ground and compromise, Caroline only works in the best interest of her clients. She enjoys the daily puzzles and challenges that walk through her door. When working with Caroline, clients can expect very thorough work from a strong, passionate, and practical attorney who cares.

Thirty years of litigation experience, strong knowledge of the field, good relationships with judges and attorneys in the practice, and a work ethic centered on preparation that never leaves him surprised in court. These are just some of the factors that make Tom Toman a respected and trustworthy attorney in the fields of asbestos litigation and employment law. As an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan for over twelve years, Tom built a strong record of success with New York juries and then continued on to be successful in civil litigation with reported cases in federal district court and before the New Jersey Supreme Court. Tom demonstrates a work ethic that doesn’t believe in short cuts. Clients can expect excellent preparation and hard work from Tom, plus a level of confidence in representation provided by an experienced and thorough trial attorney.

With years of schooling and significant real-world experience, Jennifer is a successful attorney who is passionate about people and the practice of law. She studied abroad in college, worked as an assistant D.A., and served as a Municipal Court Judge. She currently represents numerous companies in a variety of lawsuits. Business is personal with Jennifer, and she dedicates her time to protecting the legacies of her clients. She builds personal relationships with her clients that foster open communication and trust, which allows her to better understand their needs. When working with Jennifer, clients can expect to see an attorney who is responsive, hardworking, and truly wants to make a difference.

One look at the labyrinth of arrows and notes on his whiteboard wall reveals that, for Peyton, collaborative thinking and creative strategies are the pathways to success for his clients. Drawing on his wide range of experiences, from clerking on the Fifth Circuit to justice system reform work in Uganda to prosecutorial trial work in Boston, Peyton strives to identify the most effective course of action in all his cases. To Peyton, the legal system remains a system comprised of people striving for resolution in occasionally unpredictable and imperfect ways. As such, part of Peyton’s approach is to consider the human element in every case, something he considers essential to providing a thoughtful representation that gets results. In this vein, Peyton can often be found scribbling on that whiteboard wall and brainstorming with his coworkers to craft solutions that meet the unique needs and goals of his clients.

With the tenacity of a relentless detective, Mandie finds that the small, hidden details about a client or a particular case are by far the most important and the most fascinating. With a serious passion for deep research, Mandie loves finding the buried facts that can give her clients success and peace. Mandie offers more than a mere legal opinion, always finding new avenues and options to explore to help her client with current problems, as well as avoiding future issues. With determination, strength, and expertise, she is praised by her coworkers and current clients for being persistent in her work effort and never allowing adversity keep her from the goal – which is always the client’s satisfaction. Clients feel a sense of security and confidence stepping into Mandie’s office, because they know they are working with someone who loves her job and works exhaustively with a smile on her face. In Mandie’s opinion, life is too short and too precious to waste time doing something with which you are not 100% in love, a belief manifested in her great work at FormanWatkins.

Daniel operates under two principles: dedication to the client and there is always a third option. Too often lawyers operate under a this or that dichotomy, so Daniel makes it his mission to break this mold and seek alternative, creative options for his clients. Whether he’s playing a board game or practicing law, Daniel has always possessed an interest in rules. Today, as an attorney, Daniel uses his knowledge of the rules in order to put his clients in the best position possible. With a distaste for short cuts, Daniel dedicates himself to long hours of tedious investigation, searching for any history and connections that may benefit his clients’ defense. Clients can expect excellent commitment from Daniel as he works hard to find innovative solutions and leaves no stone unturned in an effort to find the third option.