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Walter “W.G.” Watkins, Jr.

Walter “W.G.” Watkins, Jr.

Founding Partner

Jackson

601-960-8608

601-960-8613


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

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

 

Best Lawyers Award BadgeBest Lawyers Award Badge

 


Best Lawyers Award Badge

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

Practice Areas