David S. Watson, Business Attorney in Tampa, Florida
Over 61 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of Counsel
Tampa, FL
Practicing business in Tampa since 1965.
- 61+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you David S. Watson?
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Quick answer
David S. Watson is an of counsel based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. David has over 61 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Tampa, FL
- Experience
- over 61 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · General
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and General matters from Tampa, FL.
- Over 61 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About David S. Watson: David S. Watson is an of counsel based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. David has over 61 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters David takes on
David concentrates on business, estate planning, general, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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General
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Business cases in Tampa, Florida
David takes business matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Tampa, Florida
David takes estate planning matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
General cases in Tampa, Florida
David takes general matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Tampa, Florida
David takes probate matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Tampa, Florida
David takes tax matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet David S. Watson — business lawyer in Tampa
David S. Watson is an of counsel based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. David has over 61 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
David S. Watson is a lawyer practicing estate planning, probate and administration, trusts and estates taxation and 3 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from University of Rochester in 1961, and has been licensed for 61 years. David practices in Tampa, FL.
How David handles business matters
David S. Watson is a lawyer practicing estate planning, probate and administration, trusts and estates taxation and 3 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from University of Rochester in 1961, and has been licensed for 61 years. David practices in Tampa, FL.
The kind of cases David takes
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and general matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
J.D. · 1964
University of Rochester
B.A. · 1961
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
Florida
1980 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1965 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in University of Pittsburgh School of Law and B.A. in University of Rochester.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in University of Pittsburgh School of Law and B.A. in University of Rochester. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
David's professional memberships and bar associations
Sarasota County Bar Association The Florida Bar Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council
membership
Locations
David S. Watson's office in Tampa
David's primary office is at 401 E Jackson St Ste 2225, Tampa, FL, 33602-5213. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David S. Watson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Tampa.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David S. Watson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire David S. Watson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Tampa, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David S. Watson
How much does it cost to hire David for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Florida typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
David is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new business clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida
David handles business matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
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