Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the "Lawyer of the Year," making this accolade particularly significant. These lawyers are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the peer review assessments.

Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading attorneys in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity.

In addition to the "Lawyer of the Year" award, Watson was also listed in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the Litigation – Bankruptcy category.

Watson represents secured lenders and special servicers in large scale bankruptcy matters, including pre-bankruptcy workouts, Chapter 11 cases and creditor rights-related litigation. He also advises borrowers on practical ways of navigating distressed situations, including sales, liquidations and bankruptcy proceedings. His experience has touched a broad range of industries including retail, food service, construction and hospitality.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become widely regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.