Jeffrey P. Watson is a labor and employment law litigator with a practice emphasis on and extensive experience in non-compete, non-solicitation and trade secret litigation, handling cases in federal and state courts throughout the United States. He represents private and public sector entities in all employment and labor law matters and litigation, including class and collective action defense, union avoidance and collective bargaining, OSHA and wage and hour compliance matters.
Representative Experience
· Extensive experience in non-compete, non-solicitation and trade secret litigation, representing companies and their executives in federal and state courts throughout the United States.
· Coffman Coleman Andrews & Grogan, Jacksonville, FL Shareholder, 1995-2007
Presentations and Publications
Presentations
· "Protecting Trade Secrets in the LinkedIn Era," Fowler White Boggs Client Seminar, 2012
· "Ethical Considerations When Using Contract Attorneys," Association of Corporate Counsel South Florida Conference, 2011
· "Security Risk: Cyber Insurance & Legal Issues," Lockton Companies Presentation, 2011
· "Wage and Hour Law Compliance," Speaker, Florida Tax Collectors 2009 Fall Conference
· Third Annual Honorable Ralph W. "Buddy" Nimmons, Jr. Federal Practice Seminar, Panelist
· Employer Rights Seminar, Moderator, American Society of Professional Education
· "Employer Obligations - Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)," Speaker, American Society of Professional Education Seminar
· "Immigration Law and Employer Compliance," Speaker, American Society of Professional Education Seminar
· "Trade Secrets and Restrictive Covenants," Speaker, First Coast Manufacturer's Association Seminar
· "Time-off Issues and USERRA," Speaker, Human Resources and Payroll Management Seminar, Lorman Education Services
· "I-9 Compliance, Dangers, and Pitfalls: Documentation Requirements and Obligations Under the Immigration & Nationality Act," Speaker, Human Resources and Payroll Management Seminar, Lorman Education Services
· "Direct Deposit, Payroll Record Keeping Requirements and Related Issues," Speaker, Payroll and Human Resource Management in Florida Seminar, Lorman Education Services
Professional Affiliations
· Federal Bar Association, President, Jacksonville Chapter: 2003; President-Elect, 2001-2002; Vice-President for Memberships, 2000-2001; Vice-President for Programs, 1999-2000; Secretary, 1998-1999; Treasurer, 1997-1998
· The Florida Bar: Member, Standing Committee on Unlicensed Practice of Law 2006-2009; Member, Standing Committee on Advertising, 1999-2001; Member, Labor and Employment Law Section; Member, Trial Lawyers Section
· Jacksonville Bar Association: Member, Labor and Employment Law Section
Community Involvement
· Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida: Past Board Member
· Life Care St. Johns, Inc. d/b/a Glenmoor: Board Member; Chair of Operations Committee
Industries
Health Care
Hospitality
Manufacturing
Technology and E-Commerce
Distinctions
AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
The Best Lawyers in America,2010-2012
ABA National Appellate Advocacy Regional Competition, 1994; Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
Ardall Appellate Advocacy Award, 1995; Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
Barrister, Chester Bedell American Inns of Court, 2000-2003
Chief Justice, Moot Court Board, 1994-1995; Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
Florida Super Lawyers, 2010-2012
Who's Who American Law Students, 1994-1995; Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
Related News
· Fifty-Four Fowler White Boggs Attorneys Named in Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2012
· Forty-Five Fowler White Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012
· 50 Fowler White Boggs Attorneys Named in Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2011
· Forty-Eight Fowler White Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2011
· Employment Group Joins Fowler White