David E. Watson practices in the area of real estate law, land use, planning and entitlement. Mr. Watson represents land developers and homebuilders, as well as clients in the education and tourism and hospitality industries. He has served as counsel in the development and approval of master plans for some of San Diego's major universities, tourism attractions, professional sports facilities and research institutions.
Mr. Watson's experience includes planning and zoning law, the California Environmental Quality Act, the National Environmental Protection Act, the federal and state Endangered Species Acts, the Coastal Act, the federal Clean Water Act and the California Porter-Cologne water statutes. He has represented clients in numerous matters involving federal, state and local regulations and approvals. His matters have involved discretionary approvals for general plans, community plans, specific plans, master planned communities, zoning, use permits, subdivisions and annexation. His environmental and planning experience involves work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Game, regional water quality control boards, the California Coastal Commission, local agency formation commissions, as well as several city and county governments and agencies.
Critical issues in Mr. Watson's practice involve climate change or global warming, water supply analysis, infrastructure financing, transportation management and biological impacts and mitigation.
In addition, Mr. Watson's practice includes vested rights, development agreements, dedications, exactions, special taxes and fees, affordable housing, infrastructure financing mechanisms such as Mello-Roos, and redevelopment.
Mr. Watson is a 1988 graduate of William and Mary Law School, where he was executive editor of the William and Mary Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif, and a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Southern California.
Areas of Practice
ˇ Real Estate Law
ˇ Land Use, Planning and Entitlement
ˇ Environmental Planning Regulation
Professional Activities
ˇ Building Industry Association of San Diego County
- Urban Council
- Public Policy Council
- Political Communication Committee
ˇ Lambda Alpha International (An invitation-only honorary society for advancement of land economics)
ˇ California State Bar
- Real Property Section
- Environmental Law Section
ˇ San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Transportation and Land Use Committee, 2010
Experience
ˇ Duane Morris LLP
- Partner, 2010-present
ˇ Hecht Solberg Robinson Goldberg & Bagley
- Partner, 2008-2010; 2002-2006
ˇ The Yokohl Ranch Company LLC, subsidiary of J.G. Boswell Company
- Vice President, 2006-2008
ˇ Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich
- Attorney, 1988-2002
Civic and Charitable Activities
ˇ 22nd District Agricultural Association, San Diego County Fair Board of Directors, appointed by California Governor Jerry Brown, 2011
ˇ State Race Track Leasing Commission and Del Mar Race Track Authority Board of Directors, appointed by California Governor Jerry Brown, 2012
- Representative of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, San Diego County Fair Board
ˇ Chula Vista Redevelopment Corporation, appointed by City of Chula Vista City Council
- Board of Directors, 2010-2011
ˇ Chair of Citizens' Task Force on Chargers Issues, 2002-2003, appointed by City of San Diego City Council
ˇ San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Board of Directors, 2003-2006
ˇ City of San Diego Planning Commission, 1996-1999, appointed by City of San Diego City Council
ˇ Task Force on Ballpark Planning, 1997-1998, appointed by City of San Diego City Council
ˇ Casa Familiar, a social services agency in San Ysidro
- Board of Directors, 2000-2004
- Abrazo Award for community service, 2001
ˇ Tom Homann Law Association, San Diego's GLBT Bar Association
- Co-founder and Co-President, 1994
- Co-President's Award for community service, 1999
ˇ Mid-City Development Corporation Board of Directors, appointed by City of San Diego City Council
- President, 1993-1996
Selected Publications
ˇ Quoted in "'Sacramento Surprise' puts Chargers' stadium pursuit under suspicion," San Diego Union-Tribune, October 23, 2010
ˇ Featured in "Fifty People to Watch in 2003," San Diego Magazine, January 2003
Selected Speaking Engagements
ˇ Moderator, Public/Private Partnerships Forum on Petco Park, Counselors of Real Estate, San Diego, May 3, 2011
ˇ Moderator, San Diego Association of Governments' 2050 Regional Transportation Plan Update, San Diego, September 23, 2010