Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A.

In the 1960's Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A. became Mississippi's first nationally recognized bond counsel through the efforts of William F. Winter, who later became Governor of Mississippi, and John Hampton Stennis. We served as underwriter's counsel for the first Industrial Development Revenue Bonds issued in Mississippi in 1961, and Public Finance has been a central part of the Firm's practice ever since. During the last half-century we have developed an outstanding working relationship with state and local government agencies as well as the Mississippi Development Authority. We are one of a handful of firms in Mississippi that can tout experience working on projects with the magnitude of Nissan North America, SeverCorr, and Wellman, which have all located and expanded their facilities in Mississippi.

As bond counsel and as issuer's counsel, we have pioneered innovative financing for issuers such as:

- Pearl River Valley Water Supply District

- Pearl River Basin Development District

- Mississippi Higher Education Assistance Corporation

- Jackson Redevelopment Authority

- Regional Economic Development Districts

- Major Manufacturers with sites in Mississippi

We often help to create the financing structure and the issuer, and draft the enabling legislation.

The firm also has a great deal of experience with Tax Increment Finance Bonds, also referred to as "TIF Bonds." These bonds may be used for a wide variety of undertakings, including but not limited to land acquisition, infrastructure and site improvements, street construction and improvements, and building construction and renovation. TIF Bonds are paid solely from the increase in ad valorem taxes that result from new improvements or properties in the area delineated as the TIF District.

Economic Development continues as a major focus with the Firm acting as counsel for over one billion dollars of bond issues each year. Today the Public Finance practice is led by Randy Wall (38 years of experience), Zach Taylor (32 years of experience), Bob Lazarus (33 years of experience), Keith Parsons (27 years of experience) and Aileen Thomas (14 years of experience). Larry Clark, formerly State of Mississippi Deputy Attorney General, provides assistance on local government and education issues. The Public Finance Practice Group is supported by the Firm's tax and securities practice, which is the largest in Mississippi. The Firm's Public Finance attorneys are active in the National Association of Bond Lawyers, the Mississippi Association of County Board Attorneys, and the Mississippi Municipal Attorneys Association.