Michael J. Watson's practice focuses on commercial litigation in state and federal courts with an emphasis on business and insurance disputes, including breach of contract and business torts, insurance coverage litigation, deceptive trade practices actions and bad faith/fraud claims. In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Watson regularly advises clients on insurance coverage and risk mitigation and has extensive experience in assisting clients in identifying and defending questionable or fraudulent claims.

Mr. Watson received his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 1998 where he graduated Cum Laude. He was also a member of South Texas Law Review.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

Representation of commercial property owner in suit to recover for breach of contract against former tenant. The jury awarded our clients all damages sought and rejected the defendant's claims.

Representation of individuals in breach of contract and tort action against a national association which culminated in a 3 week jury trial and a verdict in favor of our client.

Representation of electric power wholesaler in dispute to recover millions of dollars in damages for failure of three wind farms to produce and deliver the required amounts of renewable energy and renewable energy credits under the parties' power purchase agreements. Following a two-week trial, the jury rendered a multi-million verdict for the power wholesaler and rejected the wind farms' counterclaims.

Representation of various business owners in actions involving asset sale agreements, business mergers and other disputes stemming from various sales and merger transactions.

Representation of a national carrier in a federal court action to recover premiums wrongfully converted by a former agent who was ultimately found to have defrauded the carrier.

Representation of ERISA Plan, Third-Party Administrator, and Texas Company in a breach of contract and ERISA action brought by regional hospital network pertaining to benefits excluded under the Plan.

Representation of company in action brought by reinsurer to recover policy proceeds allegedly expended on questionable worker's compensation claims.

Representation of insurance agencies in errors and omissions actions stemming from the placement of insurance policies.

Representation of insurance carriers in actions alleging breach of contract, insurance code and DTPA violations stemming from the denial of fraudulent insurance claims.

Defending policy holders in actions stemming from staged auto accidents, questionable premises liability cases, and matters involving inflated or fraudulent medical expenses.

Representation of various insurance carriers in the investigation and defense of fraudulent insurance claims including conducting examinations under oath and providing coverage opinions and advice regarding both commercial and personal lines auto and property policies.

ADMITTANCES

State Bar of Texas, 1998
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan

EDUCATION

South Texas College of Law
Houston, Texas
Juris Doctorate, 1998
Honors: Cum Laude, Order of Lytae

West Texas A&M University
Canyon, Texas
Bachelor of Science, 1995
Honors: Magna Cum Laude

LEGAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Dallas Bar Association
American Bar Association
State Bar of Texas
Texas Association of Defense Counsel
Member International Association of Special Investigation Units
Member North Texas Chapter of International Association of Special Investigation Units
Author: "When is it Bad Faith to Settle for Policy Limits?" Dallas Bar Association, Headnotes,
Tort and Insurance Law, August 2010.