Paul B. Watkins, Jr.
Paul tackles complex problems for his clients.
Paul is at his best when he’s working to solve difficult problems for his clients. Paul thrives on cases that involve challenging and novel legal issues, and he has a track record of successful outcomes at all stages of complex litigation in Mississippi state and federal courts, including commercial disputes, civil rights, and constitutional law, employment, and education.
Paul also appears regularly before state and federal appeals courts, including two recent winning arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In the first case, the Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a sprawling lawsuit challenging collection practices employed by casinos in two states and the constitutionality of the states’ bad check laws. In the second, the Fifth Circuit reversed a jury verdict in favor of an unsuccessful academic tenure applicant who alleged a university president’s denial of tenure violated the applicant’s due process rights and rendered judgment in favor of Paul’s clients.
Paul also coordinates complex e-discovery search and review projects for litigation clients and manages responses to large public records requests on behalf of public entities.
In addition to his litigation practice, Paul also focuses on education and local government law. He serves as the Board Attorney for the Oxford School District and advises K-12 schools and universities on day-to-day issues including labor and employment, special education, student privacy, and regulatory compliance. He also represents the City of Oxford and advises local governments and landowners on zoning, land use, and annexation issues.
Admissions
Mississippi Bar
Northern District of Mississippi
Southern District of Mississippi
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
United States Supreme Court
Memberships
American Bar Association
Mississippi Bar Association
Lafayette County Bar Association
Fifth Circuit Bar Association
Mississippi Municipal Attorneys Association
William Keady Chapter, American Inns of Court
Education
J.D., University of Mississippi School of Law
B.A., University of Mississippi
