
Paul D. Watson, Bankruptcy Attorney in Tampa, Florida
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights
ShareholderatSivyer Barlow Watson & Haughey, P.A.
Tampa, FL
Practicing bankruptcy in Tampa since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 6
- Bar admissions
Are you Paul D. Watson?
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Quick answer
Paul D. Watson is a shareholder based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Paul has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sivyer Barlow Watson & Haughey, P.A..
- Based in
- Tampa, FL
- Experience
- over 34 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Civil Rights
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Tampa, FL.
- Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Paul D. Watson: Paul D. Watson is a shareholder based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Paul has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sivyer Barlow Watson & Haughey, P.A..
Areas of practice
Legal matters Paul takes on
Paul concentrates on bankruptcy, business, civil rights, construction, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Civil Rights
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Construction
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Litigation
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Trade Secrets
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Creditor Rights
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Bankruptcy cases in Tampa, Florida
Paul takes bankruptcy 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Tampa, Florida
Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Tampa, Florida
Paul takes civil rights 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in Tampa, Florida
Paul takes construction 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Tampa, Florida
Paul takes litigation 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Paul D. Watson — bankruptcy lawyer in Tampa
Paul D. Watson is a shareholder based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Paul has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sivyer Barlow Watson & Haughey, P.A..
Author, "Qualified Immunity: Should a Judge or Jury Decide Who Prevails in the Battle Between Government Efficiency and Constitutional Rights," Volume XX-3, Stetson Law Review.
Working with Paul on a bankruptcy matter
Author, "Qualified Immunity: Should a Judge or Jury Decide Who Prevails in the Battle Between Government Efficiency and Constitutional Rights," Volume XX-3, Stetson Law Review.
Who Paul represents
Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and civil rights matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Stetson University College of Law
J.D. · 1992
Emory University
B.A. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Paul's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1997 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1997 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1992 · ACTIVE
Florida
1992 · ACTIVE
Paul studied at J.D. in Stetson University College of Law and B.A. in Emory University.
Law school and academic background
Paul completed J.D. in Stetson University College of Law and B.A. in Emory University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Paul's professional memberships and bar associations
Hillsborough County and American Bar Associations The Florida Bar
membership
Locations
Paul D. Watson's office in Tampa
Paul's primary office is at Truist Place, 401 E. Jackson Street, Suite 2225, Tampa, FL, 33602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Sivyer Barlow Watson & Haughey, P.A.
Truist Place, 401 E. Jackson Street, Suite 2225
Tampa, FL 33602
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Paul D. Watson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul'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; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Tampa, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Paul
Paul discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Paul's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Paul D. Watson
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Florida typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
Paul 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 — Paul 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 Paul?
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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida
Paul handles bankruptcy matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy 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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