John L. Watkins

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Claimed Lawyer Profile

Summary

I practice in the areas of business litigation and dispute resolution and business law. My dispute resolution practice currently focuses on business insurance coverage (property and casualty), mediation and arbitration, and litigation management. I work with international companies or their U.S. subsidiaries, as well as domestic companies. My experience includes representing equipment and machinery manufacturers and dealers, professional services companies, utilities, and many other businesses. I handle negotiating and drafting equipment supply contracts, non-disclosure agreements, terms and conditions and other business contracts. I am active in the German American Chamber of Commerce, the British American Business Council of Georgia, the Atlanta International Arbitration Society, the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce, and the international business community in Atlanta. I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia School of Law. I have been rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell for many years and have been on the list of Georgia Super Lawyers since 2008. I teach the Insurance Law course as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia School of Law. I am a registered commercial mediator in Georgia.

Education

The University of Georgia School of Law: J.D. (1982); 1979 - 1982; Honors: First Honor Graduate (summa cum laude); Jessie and Dan MacDougald Award; Isaac Meinhard Award, Class of 1933 Torts Award; American Jurisprudence Book Awards in several classes; Activities: Georgia Law Review (Editorial Board, 1980-81); Intrastate Mock Trial Team

Mercer University: B.A.; 1978 - 1979; Honors: First Round Bid, National Debate Tournament

Professional Experience

Senior Counsel: Thompson Hine, LLP; 2018 - Current; Business litigation and business attorney practicing in areas noted in profile

Partner: Thompson Hine LLP; 2013 - 2017; Business litigation and business attorney concentrating in areas noted in profile

Partner: Barnes & Thornburg LLP; 2010 - 2013; Business Litigation and business attorney in areas noted.

Shareholder: Chorey, Taylor & Feil, A Professional Corporation; 2007 - 2010; Business litigator and business lawyer in practice areas noted above.

Shareholder: Wagner, Johnston & Rosenthal, P.C.; 2007 - 2007; Business litigator and business lawyer in practice areas noted above.

Associate, Of Counsel and Partner: McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP; 1986 - 2007; Attorney in the Litigation Department. I handled a wide variety of commercial litigation, including managing tort litigation for a utility, insurance coverage, commercial contract, product liability, and intellectual property matters.