John Allan Watson

I began my career in the State Attorneys Office as a prosecutor. I like to call that experience a residency, much like a medical doctors early training. In that role, younger attorneys are thrust fairly quickly into managing a caseload and trying cases. I can remember being handed a couple of boxes of files when I was still brand new and told to do the research to go try the case. Its a bit of a trial by fire but overseeing the trial work, appeals, and negotiations with opposing counsel really laid the groundwork for my successful career practicing law. Ill admit that I believe I had a bit of an advantage over other, less experienced attorneys because I came into the practice of law a few years older than most. Id spent my young adult life as a highly successful motorcycle salesman and racer. From that, I learned how to sell myself and how to connect with people. There are subtleties in facial movement, tone, and rhythm that can be recognized to see how people are taking what youre informing them about. Its no different from being in front of a jury. By being magnetic and relatable, knowing the case, and presenting it well, Ive learned how to help the jury connect with what my client went through and what were asking for in order to get the best results possible. It is also how I got the nickname the smiling assassin from a well-respected judge I was in front of.