Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A.

For more than fifty years, Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A. has assisted in the shaping of public policy. Many of our attorneys have held public office. They and other attorneys at the Firm serve or have served on federal, state and local advisory councils and special committees. State and local officials have sought their counsel in finding ways to resolve public issues.

In the midst of fierce competition, when the pace quickens and the game gets tough, a business wants to be well represented and fully protected on every front. Attorneys practicing in our Legislative and Governmental Relations Practice Group operate as a skilled team to deal effectively with any problem a client may face in the legislative and executive branches of state and local government. They help clients to formulate well adapted strategies that will be clearly understood; provide monitoring, tracking and analysis of legislative and regulatory developments; help clients to develop legislative and regulatory relationships; serve as registered lobbyists when required; and generally assist clients in communicating more effectively their viewpoints with respect to issues. Our attorneys seek creative but responsible ways to assist clients in reducing risks and seizing opportunities in the legislative and governmental arena. Additionally, the Firm employs a non-attorney Government Affairs Representative who also interfaces with our attorneys, clients and Mississippi government officials.

During recent legislative sessions, Group members have been involved in lobbying successfully in connection with various matters, including:

• Developing successful lobbying strategies for civil justice reform legislation in a lengthy extraordinary session.

• Providing counsel, drafting and lobbying on economic development incentive legislation for the benefit of a major automobile manufacturer.

• Obtaining a state-wide ad valorem tax exemption on computer software.

• Obtaining specific authorization for an auto manufacturer's license plate for vehicles assigned to a new facility.

• Assistance in passage of environmental audit privilege legislation for Mississippi business and industry and in maintenance of the privilege in civil cases.