W. Lee Watt | Jackson Business Lawyer

Clients who jointly own real estate and other assets with siblings often disagree on how to share or split the property. I help them get their fair share. Also, small business clients need help with employment and management issues. They feel stuck and I help them get unstuck.

With an accounting background, I was comfortable with details, but I worked to become a good listener and develop good trial skills. Also, I followed the advice of wise, caring older lawyers.

Clients need to form a relationship with a lawyer; one built upon trust and fairness.

Knowing the practice area well and learning the nuances of the various courts and judges are essential to success.

I usually speak with a prospective client by telephone to determine whether I may be able to help. If so, we meet initially to determine how I will help. Then, we discuss and agree upon a fee for services.

I want to hear the basic problem, e.g., the need to discuss business contracts.

First, the relationship with the client is most important. Second, I have a blend of business/accounting experience with 34 years of trying dozens of various cases. My goal is to use that experience to help two segments of society, i.e., small business owners and retirement aged people with estate-related problems.

Helping a client succeed beyond his or her expectations.

Reading, ministry, and exercise.

Yes, I participate in numerous bar associations, teach at Mississippi College School of Law and serve in several ministry capacities.

• American Bar Association | Member        
  Mississippi Bar | Member        
  American Institute of Certified Public Accountants | Member        

• AV Premier rating by Martindale Hubbell

• Dykes v. Husqvarna Outdoor Products, N.A., Inc., 869 F.Supp.2d 749 (S.D. Miss. 2012) obtained summary judgment for law tractor manufacturer DeJean v. DeJean and Hancock Bank, 982 So. 2d 443 (Miss. App. 2007) bank held not liable to co-owner of certificate of deposit Southeast Supply Header, LLC v. 47.75 Acres in Covington County, MS, 2008 WL 553019 (S.D. Miss. 2008) one of 100 eminent domain cases prosecuted for natural gas pipeline company Graves v. Dudley Maples, L.P., 950 So. 2d 1017 (Miss. 2007) affirmed creation of prescriptive easement Scruggs, Millette, Bozeman & Dent, P.A. v. Merkel & Cocke, P.A., 910 So. 2d 1093 (Miss. 2005) attorneys held not liable for intentional interference with contract Missala Marine Services, Inc. v. Odom, 861 So. 2d 290 (Miss. 2003) minority shareholder entitled to damages for corporate freeze-out Ford v. Destin Pipeline Co., L.L.C., 809 So. 2d 573 (Miss. 2000) affirmed eminent domain verdict In re Conservatorship of McGowen, 752 So. 2d 1078 (Miss. App. 1999) grantor to deed competent to transfer title in absence of undue influence Dedeaux v. J.I. Case Co., Inc., 611 So. 2d 880 (Miss. 1992) affirmed verdict for backhoe manufacturer in wrongful death suit Jackson Cnty. Sch. Bd. v. Osborn, 605 So. 2d 731 (Miss. 1992) affirmed mandamus writ against school board Bulloch v. City of Pascagoula, 574 So.2d 637 (Miss. 1990) affirmed judgment for employer Terrell v. DeConna, 877 F.2d 1267 (5th Cir. 1989) issue preclusion barred claims Estate of Osborn v. Gerling Global Life Ins. Co., 529 So. 2d 169 (Miss. 1988) direct cause of action against reinsurer available

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