James F. Watkins

Jay is the Managing Shareholder of the Firm's Mobile, AL office and is a member of the Corporate, Commercial Finance, and Real Estate practice groups.

In the area of commercial finance, Jay has represented borrowers and lenders in all areas of secured and unsecured transactions. With respect to secured transactions, Jay has experience documenting real property acquisition and construction financing, timber financing, vessel and aircraft financing, and equipment financing. He has also represented lenders in various letter of credit transactions. Best Lawyers® named Jay the 2017 "Lawyer of the Year" in Mobile for his abilities, professionalism, and integrity in the area of Banking and Finance Law, a distinction given to only one attorney in each geographic area.

As a member of the real estate practice group, Jay has advised clients on a wide variety of real property matters, including purchase and sale contracts, commercial leases, condemnation issues, condominium development, subdivision development, and formation of owners' associations for both condominiums and subdivisions. Jay was a member of the City of Mobile Planning Commission for over 12 years, serving as its Chairman until September of 2016.

Community & Professional

• Mobile Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Maritime Law Association
• Mobile Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors and Vice-Chair Legal (2015, 2016 and re-elected to serve in 2017)
• City of Mobile Planning Commission, Chairman (2014-2016)
• Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors

Recognition

• Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Banking & Finance, 2011-2014
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America® for Banking and Finance Law and Financial Services Regulation Law (2010-Present)
• Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" for Banking and Finance Law in Mobile, 2017
• Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent Rating