Frank Watson has practiced law for over 32 years.  From his small-town upbringing in Redding, California, including rigorous summer jobs for a large paving contractor/real estate developer, Frank developed a practical working knowledge of real estate and construction companies.  Thus, it came as no surprise when, after graduating in 1989 from the University of California-Hastings College of the Law, he accepted a highly coveted position to join one of the preeminent international construction law firms in its Orange County, California office.   After four years of working “around the clock” on mega-construction project disputes, e.g. the “Chunnel Project” litigation and the Orange County Airport construction litigation, representing clients such as Perini Construction, Kaiser Engineering, McCarthy Bros., etc., Frank and his attorney-wife Kelly decided to relocate their young family to the Sacramento area in 1993. 

    Over the past 29 years, as the needs of his clients changed, so did Frank’s practice of law.  Frank earned a well-respected reputation of being a firm and tenacious litigator in complex civil cases, with an emphasis on “large scale” construction disputes.   As lead counsel for one of the world’s largest general contractors, Frank successfully brought suit in Europe against the countries of Russia and Germany for breach of contract (based on unforeseen “hyper-inflation” conditions) and recovered many tens of millions of dollars for his client.  During this time, Frank served for several years as Chairman of the Construction Law Group/Section for the Sacramento County Bar Association, while at the same time volunteering for the Board of Directors for the Greater Sacramento Boys and Girls Club. 

    For the last 15 years Frank’s practice has focused on representing clients in business transactions and real estate sales/purchasers.  He was lead counsel for one of Sacramento’s largest real estate developers and successfully represented it in the sale of an over 14 million sq. ft. portfolio of commercial and industrial real estate properties spanning 7 states.  As of 2022, Frank has acted as lead counsel in the sale or purchase of real properties exceeding $1 Billion in value.  Frank’s business practice also consists of acting as general counsel to mid-size businesses (including a very strong emphasis in the representation of construction companies) who do not have the luxury of in-house counsel.  He provides advice with regard to a wide variety of legal matters that arise in both sophisticated and day-to-day business operations. 

     Frank takes special pride in his knowledge of the practical aspects of operating a construction business, which enables him to provide creative legal

solutions customized to help clients meet their goals and objectives.  With each client, he attempts to develop an on-going relationship and takes a personal interest in helping the client succeed.  His creative, personal approach, coupled with sound business acumen allows him to impart business solutions to corporate clients that address all components of the particular issue at hand.

     Kelly F. Watson joined the Watson Law Firm as of counsel in 2014.  She has been specializing in employment and labor law for over 31 years.  Kelly started her practice in 1990 with the Los Angeles law firm Parker Milliken where she represented management in labor and employment law matters. After moving to the Sacramento area, she continued practicing employment law with a local firm, Hardy Erich Brown & Wilson.  She has represented private and public sector employers of all sizes in diverse industries in both litigation and transactional matters.  

     In addition to litigating wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour claims, Ms. Watson provides employment counseling and advice to employers on various employment issues, including disciplinary matters, leaves of absences, and wage and hour issues.  She has extensive experience drafting employee policies and handbooks and conducting internal employment-related investigations. Ms. Watson received her Juris Doctor degree in 1990 from U.C. Hastings College of the Law.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986, cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles.  Ms. Watson is admitted to the State Bar of California, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern and Central Districts, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She is a member of the Labor and Employment Law section of the Sacramento Bar Association. Ms. Watson is married to Frank Watson of the WATSON LAW FIRM.  They have two grown daughters.