Overview

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is one of the nation's most respected trial law firms, representing prominent corporate clients in multi-district tort claims as well as other environmental and complex commercial litigation. Our lawyers provide a full spectrum of legal services in a number of other areas, including corporate law, financial services and securities, bankruptcy, commercial real estate, public utilities, antitrust and administrative law.

Forman Watkins proudly celebrates over 32 years of serving our clients. We officially opened for business on December 8, 1986, with the idea that we could create a firm that would be different from others not only in how we approached the practice of law, but also in the work environment for everyone who chose to work with us. We have grown today beyond our Jackson, Mississippi, office to become a national firm with five offices across the country. Experience, innovation and creativity are the cornerstones of the firm's approach to litigation.
Founded:
1986
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
8
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
28

Rankings

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

Regional

Beaumont

Tier
2
Beaumont
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier
3
Beaumont
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
3
Beaumont
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Houston

Tier
1
Houston
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier
1
Houston
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
1
Houston
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Firm Leadership

Brian B. Hannula
Partner
Edwin S. Gault, Jr.
Partner
Fred Krutz
Partner
Joshua J. Metcalf
Partner
Tanya D. Ellis
Partner
Tim Gray
Partner
Walter G. Watkins III
Partner
Walter G. Watkins, Jr.
Partner

Rankings

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

Regional

Beaumont

Tier
2
Beaumont
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier
3
Beaumont
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
3
Beaumont
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Houston

Tier
1
Houston
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier
1
Houston
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
1
Houston
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier
3
Houston
Commercial Litigation
Tier
3
Houston
Natural Resources Law

Jackson-MS

Tier
1
Jackson-MS
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Jackson-MS
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
1
Jackson-MS
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier
1
Jackson-MS
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
1
Jackson-MS
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier
2
Jackson-MS
Litigation - Insurance
Tier
2
Jackson-MS
Litigation - Labor and Employment

New Orleans

Tier
1
New Orleans
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
New Orleans
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier
1
New Orleans
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier
3
New Orleans
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
3
New Orleans
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

Practice Areas

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 8 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Corporate Governance Law
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Litigation and Controversy - Tax
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
  • Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP proudly has 28 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Awards

Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
Martindale-Hubbell's Top Ranked Law Firms
Fortune 500 Go-To Law Firm
Altec Industries "Go To" Lawyers
Finance Monthly Magazine's Arbitration and Litigation Law Firm of the Year, USA
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform Award for Outstanding Organization
Chambers USA Top Ranked Law Firm
Benchmark Litigation's South Mississippi Case of the Year
U.S. News "Best Law Firms" Jackson, MS first-tier Ranking in 12 areas
U.S. News "Best Law Firms" National first-tier Ranking in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions
The BTI Client Service A-Team 2013
U.S. News "Best Law Firms" New Orleans, LA Second-Tier in Mass Tort Litigation

Offices & Contacts

Jackson, MS
210 East Capitol Street, Suite 2200
Jackson, MS 39201-2375
United States
New Orleans, LA
201 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 2100
New Orleans, LA 70170
United States
Livonia, MI
Powerscourt, Suite 314
17199 North Laurel Park Drive
Livonia, MI 48152-7904
United States
Red Bank, NJ
Beaumont, TX
Houston, TX
4900 Woodway Drive, Suite 940
Houston, TX 77056-1800
United States
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