ABOUT US
Watts Law was founded in 2012 with the objective of bringing an uncompromising integrity and unrelenting loyalty to the practice of law. After several years of working within the restrictive business model of the modern law firm, the attorneys at Watts Law recognized that larger firms can be cemented into outdated legal processes and strategies designed to insulate the firm from liability whilst feeding the firm’s overhead with billable hours. In this still used, but archaic model of legal representation, while a “client may come first” by way of lip service, that only remains the case so long as the client can sustain the barrage of legal fees.
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Watts Law exists to serve our clients well. We do so by minimizing our clients’ interface with the legal process, so that they can focus on the business, family, or personal goals which not only outweigh, but outlast, legal battles. At Watts Law, every attorney, paralegal, and staff member, is versed in both transacting business, and when necessary, fiercely litigating disputes that cannot be resolved informally.
SERVICES
Watts Law maintains a wide range of practice areas, ranging from general business and real estate transactions to complex litigation services. If Watts Law is unable to provide the legal support our clients require, we ensure they receive the advice needed by accessing our long standing network of relationships with law firms across the country.
GENERAL ADVICE AND COUNSEL SERVICES
Watts Law provides an economically viable alternative for those clients who aren't ready to employ a full-time in-house attorney. As outside general counsel, Watts Law assists its clients with legal compliance, business structuring and governance, employment advice and counsel, contract drafting and review, and litigation management.
BUSINESS TRANSACTION
The attorneys at Watts Law are equipped to handle various business transactions, including acquisition/sale agreements, partnership/joint venture agreements, licensing agreements, terms and conditions of sale/service, consumer product and/or service terms, employment agreements and policies, vendor agreements, business formation, structuring, and governance, etc...
REAL ESTATE PRACTICE
Watts Law also maintains a real estate practice, focusing on commercial/industrial purchase and sale agreements, secured promissory notes/deeds of trust, commercial/industrial lease drafting and review, land use and development, easement and license agreements, real estate finance and banking, association law, and construction practice and agreements.
LITIGATION PRACTICE
While we endeavor to help our clients avoid the time and expense associated with litigation, when a fight ensues, Watts Law is a fierce and unwavering advocate. The attorneys at Watts Law have an extensive range of litigation experience, involving partnership disputes, breach of contract, business dissolutions, real estate disputes, preliminary and permanent injunctions, employment disputes, fraud and intentional torts, construction disputes, etc...
DIRECTORS & OFFICERS LITIGATION
Watts Law regularly handles high-stakes disputes in which we represent members of boards of directors, corporations, stockholders, managers of LLCs, and those with managerial or ownership interests in other forms of entities. Our attorneys successfully manage matters in both state and federal court, involving fiduciary duties, individual and derivative actions, partnership disputes, requests for injunctive relief, corporate governance and related business disputes. While our lawyers are poised to provide effective representation at all stages of litigation, they also understand that, in many instances, efficient dispute resolution is the preferable course of action for their clients. Our business-minded approach allows directors and officers, managers, and investors, to focus on business solutions so they can maximize returns for shareholders.
CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE
Watts Law represents owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, design professionals and lenders in a broad range of domestic construction law matters relating to public and private projects. We offer a one-stop shop, advising clients from project inception to conclusion. Whether negotiating contracts or prosecuting and defending all matter of disputes, we partner with our clients to realize their project goals.
EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE
Watts Law’s Employment Group represents local, regional and national employers across a wide spectrum of industries, in all aspects of employment law, and with an emphasis on the unique challenges facing California employers. Our client-centric, lean staffing structure provides clients with regular partner contact while maintaining cost-effective representation. Many of Watts Law’s national clients view our Employment Group practice as an extension of their in-house legal department, while our emerging and middle market clients rely upon the depth of our expertise and the outstanding service we are able to provide daily. Our Employment Group’s general focus is on preventing litigation and reducing exposure to our clients. However, while sound policies, training, and self-auditing generally prevent significant problems, sometimes employment litigation is inevitable, and it is with litigation that our team truly excels. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling state and federal litigation from commencement of the action through trial. Areas of focus of our team include, but are not limited to, discrimination and harassment, state and federal wage and hour disputes, wrongful termination, retaliation, non-competition and trade secret protections.
Leadership
Integrity And Loyalty
Watts Law's success as a firm is a direct result of its dedicated team of attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff. Our management philosophy is built upon the principle of uncompromising service. We understand that to serve our clients well, we must be willing to serve each other. Our management is comprised of three accomplished attorneys, Aaron Watts, Geoffrey Brethen, and Jonathan Dykstra, who strive to ensure our firm family remains humble but effective.
​Aaron C. Watts started his career as a trial attorney focused primarily on disputes involving partnerships, corporations, and other business-related issues. At the request of several longstanding clients hoping to avoid the pitfalls of litigation, Aaron began providing business formation, structuring, and transaction advice. Aaron presently manages Watts Law's outside general counsel and business transaction practice.
Aaron C. Watts
Partner
awatts@wattslawyers.com
Geoffrey Brethen
Partner
gbrethen@wattslawyers.com
Geoffrey Brethen is a seasoned litigator with nearly 20 years of experience representing clients in complex litigation in both state and federal courts. As mamager of the firm's litigation practice, his practice focuses on employment law, business litigation, directors and officers liability, and real estate matters. Geoff also provides strategic employment counseling to businesses of all sizes, helping employers navigate compliance, manage risk, and implement workplace policies. He is committed to helping clients avoid costly disputes through proactive problem-solving, but when litigation is unavoidable, Geoff is an aggressive advocate dedicated to protecting his clients’ interests.
Jonathan Dykstra has spent the last 17 years successfully representing individuals and businesses in various types of litigation. Jonathan has recovered millions of dollars when prosecuting claims on behalf of his clients, and has saved his clients millions in mounting a defense. His practice is built on practical advice, strategic thinking, and a commitment to resolving complex business issues efficiently.
Jonathan Dykstra
Partner
jdykstra@wattslawyers.com
CONTACT US
California Office
9900 Research Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (949) 622-8980
Facsimile: (949) 622-8901