Business Details
26 Years
experience
Experienced Legal Representation in Hattiesburg, MS
Since 2000, our law firm has dedicated itself to providing comprehensive legal representation across multiple practice areas. With over 50 years of combined experience, we have successfully resolved thousands of cases for clients throughout Mississippi, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and trial wins. Our attorneys specialize in personal injury, criminal defense, civil rights, employment law, family law, and insurance bad faith cases, preparing every matter for trial to ensure the strongest possible position during negotiations or litigation. We pride ourselves on offering individualized attention, tailoring solutions to each client's unique circumstances, needs, and goals.Our team maintains a relentless focus on achieving results while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical practice. As a multi-practice firm, we serve individuals facing diverse legal challenges, from victims of negligence seeking compensation to those navigating complex family law matters or employment disputes. Our commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of our work, whether handling high-stakes commercial litigation or sensitive personal injury claims.
Services
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Civil Rights
Employment Law
Family Law
Insurance Bad Faith
Wrongful Death
Drug Crimes
Workplace Discrimination
Aggravated Assault
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer multi-practice legal services across 10+ specialized areas
- Our attorneys have recovered millions for injury victims in Mississippi
- 50+ years of combined legal experience guides strategic case preparation
- We maintain a client-focused approach with individualized case strategies
- Our trial-ready methodology strengthens negotiation positions for optimal settlements
What people say
Top-notch attorneys
Very professional
Courteous staff
Diligent and knowledgeable
Extremely confident
Services
Personal Injury
We represent clients injured through no fault of their own in car accidents, motorcycle collisions, and premises liability cases. Our attorneys fight for full compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With millions recovered in settlements and trial verdicts, we prepare every case for litigation to maximize negotiation leverage while maintaining compassionate client support throughout the legal process.
Criminal Defense
Our firm defends clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges including drug possession, domestic violence, and aggravated assault. We develop aggressive defense strategies tailored to each case's circumstances, seeking charge reductions, dismissals, or acquittals. With extensive courtroom experience, we protect clients' constitutional rights while providing realistic case assessments and maintaining open communication throughout the legal proceedings.
Employment Law
We handle employment disputes involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage violations. Our attorneys represent employees in negotiations, administrative proceedings, and litigation to recover lost wages and damages. We specialize in both state and federal employment law claims, ensuring fair treatment in the workplace while providing strategic guidance for resolving disputes effectively.
Family Law
Our family law practice addresses divorce, child custody, and property division matters with compassionate yet assertive representation. We prioritize clients' emotional and financial well-being while navigating complex legal frameworks. The firm focuses on achieving practical solutions through negotiation or litigation, always prioritizing children's best interests while protecting parental rights throughout the legal process.
Civil Rights
We represent clients whose constitutional rights have been violated through unlawful discrimination, police misconduct, or government overreach. Our attorneys handle cases involving excessive force, false arrest, and discrimination in public accommodations. With extensive trial experience, we pursue damages for rights violations while upholding constitutional protections through strategic litigation and settlement negotiations.
People
S. Joel Johnson
Attorney
Practicing law since 1980, Joel Johnson brings decades of experience in bankruptcy, commercial litigation, and insurance law to the firm's diverse practice areas.
Michael V. Ratliff
Attorney
With extensive legal experience since joining the firm in 2000, Michael Ratliff contributes expertise in creditors' rights and complex litigation matters.
Daniel M. Waide
Attorney
Recognized for exceptional client service, Daniel Waide specializes in personal injury and civil litigation with a proven track record of successful verdicts and settlements.
Questions
What practice areas does Johnson, Ratliff & Waide handle?
We provide legal representation in personal injury, criminal defense, civil rights, employment law, family law, insurance bad faith, and wrongful death cases.
How much experience does the firm have?
Our attorneys have 50+ years of combined legal experience, successfully resolving thousands of cases across Mississippi since 2000.
What makes your firm different from others?
We combine trial-ready preparation with personalized attention, preparing every case for litigation to maximize settlement opportunities while maintaining client-focused representation.
Do you handle cases outside Hattiesburg?
Yes, we serve clients throughout Mississippi including Laurel and surrounding areas for all our practice areas.
Can I get a free consultation?
We offer free initial consultations to discuss your legal matter with an experienced attorney at our Hattiesburg office.
What results can I expect from your firm?
While no firm can guarantee outcomes, we have recovered millions for clients through settlements and trial verdicts in personal injury and civil rights cases.
