Exceptional Judgment, Decisiveness, and Objectivity
Professional depth in all matters of civil litigation, mediation, arbitration, and complex transactional matters.
Thomas C. Watts, III, Esq.
While involved in the trial or resolution of cases throughout the state, Mr. Watts has always maintained his strong roots in Southern California. Married for over 40 years, he is the father of two daughters. He is an avid Outdoorsman and fervent golfer. Tom is also active in youth sports and civic affairs, having served many years on the Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation Commission.
RANKED BY PEERS AS THE BEST AMONG PEERS, MR. WATTS HAS EARNED THE PRESTIGIOUS AV PREEMINENT™ RATING.
Education
Master of Laws, Dispute Resolution * 2006-2008
Pepperdine University, School of Law, Straus Institute
Juris Doctorate * 1974-1977
Western State Law School
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science * 1970-1974
Chapman College (now Chapman University)
Teaching & Lecturing
University of La Verne, College of Law, Ontario, CA
Adjunct Professor of Law - Arbitration, Negotiation, Mediation
Amity University, Noida, India, Lecturer
Cross Cultural Communication, Managing Cognitive Bias, Negotiation
California Continuing Education of the Bar, Lecturer
Juror Bias, Mediation Advocacy, Negotiation, Arbitration Advocacy
Court and Private Dispute Resolution Panels
Inland Valley Arbitration and Mediation Services (IVAMS)
Riverside County Bar Association General Civil & Probate
Orange County Courts General Civil/Probate/Family Laws
United States District Court for the Central District of California
Bankruptcy Court for Los Angeles Orange and Riverside Courts
Admissions
- United States Supreme Court
- California Supreme Court
- United States District Court Central District
- United States District Court Northern District
- United States Tax Court
- United States Court of Appeals
Professional Memberships
- American Bar Association, Member
- Orange County Bar Association, Member
- Riverside County Bar Association, Member
- San Bernardino County Bar Association, Member
- American Trial Lawyers Association, Former Member
- Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, Founding/Former Member
- Williston Senate
- American Inns of Court Pepperdine/Straus Charter Member
Civic Involvement
- Orange and Riverside County Moot Court Programs
- Over 30 years of volunteer service as judge pro-tem for Settlement Conferences, Small Claims, Traffic Calendars
- Orange County Bar Association Fee Dispute Arbitrator
- Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation Commissioner
- Chairman Yorba Linda General Plan Advisory Committee
- Numerous appearances before the Yorba Linda City Council on matters of public concern.