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Trey Watkins

Trey Watkins

Partner

Jackson

601-973-5904

601-960-8613


Education

  • University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., cum laude
  • University of Mississippi, B.A.

Bar Admissions

  • Mississippi, 2001
  • Louisiana, 2008
  • New York, 2012

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. When not at work, you can find him with his wife at one of his four children's baseball games, gymnastics meets, or theater productions.

Professional Recognition

Important Litigation Involvement

  • Significant trial experience including multiple trials through verdict
  • Strategically developed cases for trial and litigated every phase of cases in federal and state courts throughout the country
  • Has handled every phase of trial, from voir dire to closing
  • Cross-examined expert and fact witnesses at trials and depositions
  • Defense verdict in take-home mesothelioma claim in New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Leads the strategic management and national defense coordination for premises and products litigation for several companies in repetitive injury litigation
  • Handles defense throughout Louisiana for products liability defendant in asbestos litigation
  • Extensive appellate experience
  • Represents coaches in NCAA infractions cases
  • Managed defense of over 1,500 claims alleging exposure to dioxins, PAH’s, PCB’s, and other chemicals from wood treatment facility

News & Knowledge

Professional Recognition

  • Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating
  • The Best Lawyers in America® since 2011: Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
  • The Best Lawyers in America® 2017 Lawyer of the Year – Jackson, MS – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants
  • FormanWatkins Civic Star, 2021
  • Selected to Mid-South Super Lawyers (2013-2023)
  • Selected to Mid-South Super Lawyers, Top 50 in Mississippi (2015 and 2023)
  • Selected to Mid-South Rising Stars (2008-2012)
  • Benchmark Litigation Future Star


Best Lawyers Award Badge


Speaking Engagements

  • “Settlement Negotiations: Alternatives to Traditional Approach,” Perrin Conferences, 2018, New York, New York
  • “Lung Cancer Cases – What’s Next? Litigating Asbestos Cases in Today’s Environment,” Perrin Conferences, 2015, New York, New York
  • “The Emerging Lung Cancer Case: An Analysis of Surging Filing Trends, Asbestos Trust Issues and the Modern Causation Case,” Cutting Edge Issues in Asbestos, Perrin Conferences, 2014, Beverly Hills, California
  • “Update on Asbestos Trusts,” Litigating Asbestos Cases in Today’s Environment, 2014, New York, New York
  • “Settlement: Have Strategies and Approaches Changed?”, 14th Annual National Asbestos Litigation Conference, 2011, Amelia Island, Florida
  • “Impact of Pretrial Settlements (Including Bankruptcies) and Proving Up Virile Shares”, HarrisMartin’s 2010 Louisiana Asbestos Litigation Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana

Publications

  • “Torts Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress-Fear of AIDS Claim Requires Showing of Actual Exposure Unless Defendant Destroys Evidence of Exposure Creating A Rebuttable Presumption Against Defendant,” 69 Miss. L.J. 1243

Law School Honors & Awards

  • Mississippi Law Journal
  • Moot Court Board
  • Phi Delta Phi

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Practice Areas