A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER  

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Jake Schwartz, the managing shareholder of our New Orleans office, sent a news alert to many of his colleagues and clients beginning, "Thomas Paine wrote during the Revolutionary War, 'These are the times that try men's souls.'" We, as a Nation, the Southeast Region, the States of Louisiana, Mississippi & Alabama, numerous local communities, and a firm have truly endured, and continue to endure, a most horrific and trying event since the realization of Hurricane Katrina. During this time, we here at Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis strive to uphold our credo of, "Building Relationships with Clients & Communities," as we look forward to employing our talents and resources in helping rebuild that which has been lost.

On a personal note, we are so thankful to report that all of our staff from our New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf Coast offices are accounted for and safe with family and friends. Although the firm's New Orleans office affected by the storm will remain closed for the foreseeable future, we have already begun to take the steps necessary to reopen our Gulfport office as soon as possible. We are also working hard to assist those members of our firm family in restoring their communities, homes and lives to an even greater place of strength than before.

Although we have, to a certain extent, experienced some of the same trials as many of you, we stand ready and willing to serve all our clients during the recovery process. Our attorneys and staff have pulled together to ensure our ability to continue supporting our clients with the same excellence for which we have been known for the past 100 years. Despite the storm's devastating effects, we look forward to the next hundred years and better and stronger future for all those affected.