W. Lee Watt | Jackson Business Lawyer

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
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.

How did you build a successful practice?
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.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Clients need to form a relationship with a lawyer; one built upon trust and fairness.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Knowing the practice area well and learning the nuances of the various courts and judges are essential to success.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
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.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
I want to hear the basic problem, e.g., the need to discuss business contracts.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
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.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Helping a client succeed beyond his or her expectations.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
Reading, ministry, and exercise.

Are you involved in your community?
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
  

W. Lee Watt has been a Premium Member since July 14, 2017.
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