The law firm of Henke-Bufkin, A Professional Association, was founded in 1991 by W. Kurt Henke, Elizabeth T. Bufkin, and William Cliff Heaton. Prior to the formation of the firm, Mr. Henke and Mrs. Bufkin were members of a larger regional defense firm in Mississippi. The intent of the principals on formation of the firm and the continuing goal of the firm is to provide high quality legal services on a personal basis to clients principally in the fields of corporate, commercial, and insurance related litigation. The firm has enjoyed steady growth since its inception, adding associates Jeffrey S. Dilley (now partner) in 1995, Michael D. Stevens (now partner) in 1996, Kathryn B. Myers in 2001, and Jacob O. Malatesta in 2008. The firm also opened satellite offices in Oxford and Cleveland, Mississippi, in 2001. Mr. Heaton became “Of Counsel” effective March 31, 1999, due to his significant involvement in farming interests. Ms. Myers became “Of Counsel” effective January 1, 2009.

The role of Henke-Bufkin in representing clients involved in commercial and first party insurance litigation is the cornerstone of the firm's practice. Henke-Bufkin presently serves as outside counsel for a several large multiple peril crop insurance companies and represents crop protection chemical companies both regionally and nationally in litigation and regulatory matters. The firm is also involved in the defense of national class action litigation involving traditional first party insurance matters and has served as lead counsel on such cases in both state and federal court. To date, Mr. Henke, in concert with Mrs. Bufkin, has either tried, acted as lead counsel, or managed litigation matters in 48 states ranging from California to New York. Additionally, the firm enjoys a diverse regional and local practice handling a wide variety of cases, including product liability, insurance, regulatory, environmental, professional, and general liability matters.

The firm is proud of its reputation for attention to detail and trial preparation which has helped dozens of corporate and insurance clients successfully try or acceptably resolve matters in litigation. The attorneys in the firm are supported by a seasoned staff of legal assistants as well as a modern computer system and library fully equipped with computerized legal research capabilities. The firm is rated “A-V” by Martindale-Hubbell, and included in that directory’s listing of Preeminent Attorneys.

While litigation is the central focus of Henke-Bufkin, the firm also provides pre-litigation claim handling and general and corporate legal services for its clients. The firm is actively involved in the investigation of claims that are not in litigation and has an on-going relationship with a number of corporations providing legal advice on general legal matters. Mr. Henke is also a frequent speaker at corporate engagements lecturing on claim handling “bad faith” avoidance and regulatory matters.