Jennifer Skipper | Large Headshot | Balch & Bingham

Jennifer Jones Skipper

Partner
  • (601) 965-8182
Download Resume jskipper@balch.com
Education
  • University of Mississippi School of Law
    J.D., 2002, cum laude
  • Millsaps College
    B.A., 1999, English & Political Science, cum laude
Bar Admissions
  • Mississippi, 2002
  • Texas, 2011
  • Arkansas, 2015
About Jennifer
Jennifer is a legal scholar who is capable of handling any litigation matter. She displays the highest standards of ethics and excellence in practice. — Lawyers.com
Q&A
  • What do you find most exciting about your work?

    I enjoy both the pace and challenge of litigation. Although there may be similarities between cases, I believe each case should be looked at individually. I like digging for the small things that make the difference in the case. I truly get to know the plaintiffs and their cases inside and out. By examining every aspect of the case, I can uncover the facts necessary for the strongest defense possible. It is often these minor details that benefit my clients and make a major difference in the outcome. Applying ever-evolving law to varying fact patterns and disputes to formulate the best litigation strategy is exciting.

  • What legal challenges are you looking forward to tackling in the future?

    Several of my clients are on the cusp of closing out decades of litigation. I hope to soon make the phone call with the good news they have been waiting on — that they can close the chapter on litigation against their company. With the closing of one door, another opens, and I look forward to tackling whatever may be on the other side for me. Litigation is always developing and changing — that keeps the practice fresh and challenging for every litigator. The next case is the next challenge.

  • How are you involved in your community?
  • What types of clients do you represent?

Select Matters

  • Environmental litigation: Representing property management companies and property owners involving allegations of moisture intrusion, lead based paint exposure, improper repair, property and personal injury, and mold exposure. (Ongoing)
  • Silicosis dismissals:  Developed the strategy and argued for dismissal of 117 different cases before the Jackson County Circuit Court on behalf of several product manufacturers. The Court granted dismissals with prejudice for failure to prosecute all 117 cases. (2015)
  • Construction defect: Obtained Daubert ruling in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, excluding plaintiffs’ causation expert. (Kenneth R. Rivera v. Adams Homes, LLC,, et al. No. 1:12cv404-HSO-RHW)
  • Product liability: Served as counsel for several clients before the Harrison County Circuit Court and Mississippi Supreme Court, prevailing on statute of limitations and lack of standing motions for summary judgment. Developed the fact necessary to draft the motions, argued before the Court, and ultimately won a unanimous Supreme Court decision affirming the trial court’s dismissal of the case with prejudice. (Kinsey v. Pangborn Corp., 78 So. 3d 301 (Miss. 2011))
  • Appellate litigation: Served as counsel for numerous clients before both the Warren County Circuit Court and Mississippi Supreme Court, reversing, in part, and remanding, in part, the trial court’s denial of summary judgment. For the first time in Mississippi jurisprudence, the Court defined what an “interested party” is under the wrongful death statute. The Court further opined that the statute of limitations in a case voluntarily dismissal without prejudice is not tolled during the pendency of the case – an issue heavily litigated in mass tort cases.  (Clark Sand Co., Inc. v. Kelly, 60 So. 3d 149 (Miss. 2011)) More recently, Jennifer obtained a complete reversal and rendering of a lower court’s denial of summary judgment dismissing the matter entirely for Balch’s clients.  Jennifer was lead counsel in every aspect, from the trial court briefing and arguments through appeal. (F & S Sand, Inc., et al. v. Ted Stringfellow, In the Supreme Court of Mississippi, No. 2017-IA-00962-SCT)
  • Silica trial: Successfully defended several products liability defendants in the first silica case in Mississippi to be tried to verdict.  This case was also the first defense verdict in a Claiborne County, Mississippi product liability case. (Eugene Westrope v. Pangborn Corp., et al., May 21, 2009)
  • Toxic tort litigation: Conceptualized and drafted the first no duty to warn motion for summary judgment for an air compressor defendant, resulting in nationwide dismissals against that company, and similarly-situated companies. The motion ultimately foreclosed litigation against these type companies.
  • Toxic tort litigation: Serving as national coordinating counsel for a respiratory protection manufacturer sued in both silica and asbestos litigation.
  • Silica and asbestos litigation: Defended clients in thousands of silica, asbestos, and mixed dust cases.

News

    Speaking Engagements

      Credentials

      Education
      • University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., 2002, cum laude
      • Millsaps College, B.A., 1999, English & Political Science, cum laude
      Courts
      • U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas, 2014
      • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas, 2014
      • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, 2020
      • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, 2024
      • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, 2016
      • U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, 2019
      • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Mississippi, 2002
      • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Mississippi, 2002
      • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
      Bar Admissions
      • Mississippi, 2002
      • Texas, 2011
      • Arkansas, 2015
      Professional Affiliations
      • Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association
      • DRI - Lawyers Representing Business
      • Mississippi Bar Association
      • Texas Bar Association
      • Arkansas Bar Association
      Awards & Accolades
      • The Best Lawyers in America®, Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, 2016 - present
      • Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2015 - present
      • Mid-South Super Lawyers,  Top 50 Women Attorneys, 2016, 2018 - present
      • Mid-South Super Lawyers, Top 50 Lawyers in Mississippi, 2016, 2018 - present
      • Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star 2011 - 2014
      • Martindale-Hubbell, Distinguished AV-Peer Review Rated
      • Martindale-Hubbell, Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers
      • The Steen Reynolds & Dalehite National Trial Competition Team
      • Moot Court Board Member, 2002
      • Oral Advocacy Competition Runner-up, Fall 2000
      Community Involvement
      • Junior League of Jackson
      • Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project
      • First Presbyterian Church of Jackson