Education
- University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D.
- University of Mississippi, B.A. (with distinction)
Bar Admissions
- Mississippi,1979
- U.S. District Courts for Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 2004
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.
Professional Recognition
Important Litigation Involvement
- National Trial Counsel for several national companies involved in asbestos and silica litigation
- Lead attorney for multiple coaches in NCAA infractions process
- Currently serves as National Coordinating Counsel for several companies involved in mass tort cases
- Currently serves as Chairman of the Defense Liaison Committee for MDL 875 in Philadelphia, PA
- Served as lead negotiator for many companies in complex mass tort settlements involving cases across the country
- Served as lead counsel in cases involving wood preservatives, including creosote, dioxins, CCA, and PAHs
News & Knowledge
- August 15, 2024
41 FormanWatkins Attorneys Honored by Best Lawyers in America
Read More - June 13, 2024
FormanWatkins Ranked in 2024 Chambers and Partners USA Guide
Read More - February 28, 2024
NCAA Compliance and Sports Litigation Team Wins Dismissal of Head Coach in Player Lawsuit
Read More - December 21, 2023
FormanWatkins Sports Compliance Team Closes Out Year with NCAA Reversal
Read More - November 28, 2023
Twenty-one FormanWatkins Attorneys Honored as 2023 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - August 21, 2023
45 FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers® Award Recipients
Read More - June 20, 2023
W.G. Watkins Named BTI Client Service All-Star for 2023
Read More - November 29, 2022
23 FormanWatkins Attorneys Named 2022 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - August 18, 2022
FormanWatkins Attorneys Included in 2023 Best Lawyers® List
Read More - November 30, 2021
Proudly Announcing Our 2021 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - August 19, 2021
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers®
Read More - November 30, 2020
2020 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - September 25, 2020
Krutz and Watkins Participate in Charity Golf Tournament
Read More - August 20, 2020
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2021 Edition of Best Lawyers®
Read More - November 5, 2019
2019 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - August 15, 2019
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2020 Edition of Best Lawyers®
Read More - November 30, 2018
FormanWatkins Announces 2018 Mid-South Super Lawyers
Read More - August 22, 2018
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2019 Edition of Best Lawyers
Read More - November 29, 2017
FormanWatkins Announces 2017 Mid-South Super Lawyers
Read More - August 21, 2017
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2018 Edition of Best Lawyers
Read More - November 8, 2016
FormanWatkins Announces 2016 Mid-South Super Lawyers
Read More - August 15, 2016
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2017 Edition of Best Lawyers
Read More - June 14, 2016
FormanWatkins Recognized in 2016 Edition of Chambers USA
Read More - May 17, 2016
University of Mississippi’s Stefan Moody Signs with FW Sports Management
Read More - May 17, 2016
FW Sports Management Opens Office in Oxford, Mississippi
Read More - December 9, 2015
FW&K Named Highly Recommended Local Litigation Firm in the 2016 Edition of Benchmark Litigation
Read More - November 24, 2015
FWK Reaffirms Commitment to Downtown Jackson
Read More - November 9, 2015
FW&K Announces 2015 Mid-South Super Lawyers
Read More - August 27, 2015
FW&K Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers in America and Lawyer of the Year
Read More - August 19, 2015
Perrin Conferences’ Asbestos Litigation Conference: A National Overview & Outlook
Read More - June 11, 2015
Founding Partner, Walter G. “WG” Watkins, Jr., Recognized by Owens-Illinois with R. Bruce Shaw Distinguished Counsel Award
Read More
Professional Recognition
- Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating
- “Lawyers Seek Dismissal of Asbestos Lawsuits” National Public Radio
- Chambers USA Leading Individuals: Litigation – General Commercial since 2010
- The Best Lawyers in America® (2007-2024): Litigation – Environmental, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
- The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 Lawyer of the Year – Jackson, MS – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants
- The Best Lawyers in America® 2016 Lawyer of the Year – Jackson, MS – Litigation – Environmental
- Selected to Mid-South Super Lawyers (2006-2023)
- Selected to Mid-South Super Lawyers, Top 50 in Mississippi (2008-2009, 2012-2023)
- Benchmark Litigation Local Litigation Star: Environmental, Product Liability
- BTI Consulting Group Client Service All-Star (2023)
- Recipient 2015 Owens-Illinois, Inc. Bruce Shaw Award for Outstanding Legal Service
Organization/Committee Memberships
- The Mississippi Bar
- DRI: The Voice of the Defense Bar
Speaking Engagements
- “The In-House and Insurance Perspective,” Cutting Edge Issues in Asbestos Litigation Conference, Beverly Hills, CA, March 2016
- “National Trends Driving Asbestos Litigation,” Asbestos Litigation Conference: A National Overview and Outlook, San Francisco, CA, September 2014 & 2015
- “Impact by other Mass Tort Law in Asbestos Litigation,” Perrin Conference, San Francisco, California, September 2014
- “A Practical Guide for Winning Lung Cancer Cases at Trial,” The Defense Asbestos Litigation Seminar (DALS), Las Vegas, NV, June 2014
- “Litigating Lung Cancer Cases in 2013 and Beyond,” Perrin Conferences: Litigating Asbestos Cases in Today’s Environment Featuring Insights from the Bench: A Judicial Perspective 2013, New York, New York
- “The Evolution of Asbestos Litigation – A Look Ahead to 2013,” Perrin Conferences Litigating Asbestos Cases In Today’s Environment, Featuring Insights From The Bench: The Judicial Perspective, New York, New York
- Perrin Conferences Litigating Asbestos Cases in Today’s Economic Environment Featuring Insights from the Bench: A Judicial Perspective, Conference Moderator, New York, NY, 2011
- “Managing Your Portfolio: Perspectives on Resolving Asbestos Cases from In-House Counsel & Insurers,” Perrin Conferences Litigation Asbestos Cases in Today’s Economic Environment Featuring Insights from the Bench: A Judicial Perspective Conference, New York, NY 2011
- 14th Annual National Asbestos Litigation Conference Chair and Moderator, Amelia Island, Florida
- “20 Years and Counting: The Curtain Call for MDL 875,” 14th Annual National Asbestos Litigation Conference, Amelia Island, Florida
- “Changing of the Guard,” 14th Annual National Asbestos Litigation Conference, Amelia Island, Florida
- “Judicial Roundtable,” 14th Annual National Asbestos Litigation Conference, Amelia Island, Florida
- “Are We Nearing the End of MDL 875 – Where Do We Go from Here?,” HB’s 13th Annual National Asbestos Litigation Conference, New York, NY, 2010
- “Out of the Black Hole: The Federal MDL Update – MDL 875 Docket and its Impact on the Litigation,” Perrin Conferences’ Asbestos Litigation Conference: A National Overview & Outlook, San Francisco, CA, 2010
- “An Update of MDL 875: Should Cases Stay or Should They Go Now?”- Andrews Asbestos Litigation Conference, New Orleans, LA, 2009
- “Through the Looking Glass: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going,” Andrews Asbestos Litigation Conference, New Orleans, LA, 2008
- “The Role of the States: Texas,” Asbestos Litigation: The Changing Landscape, ALI-ABA, New Orleans, LA
- “Old Jurisdictions in Transition: The Sea Change in Texas;” “Screening: Dead or Just Napping?;” “Back to the Future: Asbestos Litigation in the 21st Century,” ALI-ABA Sixth Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA
- “Diagnosing For Dollars – Update on Current Investigations Into Fraudulent Claims: What Effect Will Investigations into Fraudulent Suits Have on the Litigation?”- Mealey’s Silica & Asbestos Claims Conference, Philadelphia, PA
- “Saving Millions of Dollars Through The Innovative Application of Trial Technology,” The Third Annual West Coast General Counsel Conference, San Francisco, CA
- “Asbestos Trials: Hot Jurisdictions Of Today and Tomorrow,” Asbestos Litigation in the 21st Century, ALI-ABA Fifth Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL
- “The Key Jurisdictions: Mississippi;” “The Key Jurisdictions: Texas;” “Where Is The Litigation Going? A Round Table Discussion,” Asbestos Litigation in the 21st Century, ALI-ABA Third Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA
Law School Honors & Awards
- Phi Delta Phi, Magister
- Mississippi Law Journal – Research Editor, Note Editor, Associate Editor
- Phi Delta Phi – Graduate of the Year