Walter “W.G.” Watkins, Jr.

Walter “W.G.” Watkins, Jr. is a Jackson attorney and founding partner of Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP, with more than three decades of experience in complex litigation. His practice includes mass torts, environmental litigation, product liability, personal injury law defense, and NCAA compliance matters. He has served as national trial counsel for companies facing asbestos and silica litigation. His work includes national coordinating counsel roles, complex mass tort settlements, and litigation involving wood preservatives and chemical exposures.

Walter earned his B.A., with distinction, from the University of Mississippi. He later received his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law. His undergraduate and legal studies provided the academic foundation for a career centered on litigation, advocacy, and complex dispute management.

Walter represents companies in large-scale mass tort litigation and serves in national coordinating counsel roles. His experience includes asbestos, silica, environmental exposure, and product-related claims across multiple jurisdictions. He has served as lead counsel in cases involving creosote, dioxins, CCA, PAHs, and other wood-preservative issues. His work extends to NCAA infractions matters, where he has represented coaches during enforcement proceedings. He has served as lead negotiator in nationwide mass tort settlements involving numerous companies and claims.

Walter “W.G.” Watkins, Jr. is a Founding Partner admitted to practice in Mississippi and several federal courts. His federal admissions include the Fifth Circuit and district courts in Mississippi and the Southern District of Texas. He has received recognition from Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Benchmark Litigation, and Martindale-Hubbell. His career reflects extensive experience directing national litigation strategy, managing complex cases, and representing clients in high-stakes disputes involving environmental and product liability claims.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP
• Member, Mississippi Bar Association
• Member, Defense Research Institute

Licensed State

• Mississippi

Education

• University of Mississippi School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Mississippi
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)