T: (703) 749-1000 vCard McLean rwatt@wthf.com
"Father of the firm" Bob Watt was described by commentators as "a passionate advocate for his clients" and "a widely respected figure in the construction industry." -
2008 Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Lawyers for Business
He is an "extremely aggressive and personable lawyer who knows the industry inside-out - he always responds promptly and offers a fair, reasonable and accurate approach. " -
2007 Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Lawyers for Business
For over thirty years, Firm Chairman Bob Watt has engaged in a highly recognized practice focusing on private and public construction disputes, arbitrations, litigation, both on a national and international level, and complex surety matters. He advises clients on a broad range of issues related to the construction of major infrastructure throughout the world, and has extensive experience in handling disputes with a variety of governmental bodies including the United States Corps of Engineers. He has tried numerous cases before boards of contract appeals, construction arbitration panels, federal and state courts throughout the United States, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Arbitration and London Court of International Arbitration.
"Clients dubbed Robert Watt 'the leading surety bond lawyer in the country,' praising him for offering 'a quality of advice that is second to none.'" -
2004 Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Business Lawyers
Honors
- Best Lawyers' Washington, DC Construction Attorney of the Year - 2011
- Best Lawyers in America, Construction Law Category - 2005-2011
- Chambers USA - Top Construction Lawyers in Virginia - 2004-2012
- Chambers USA - Star Rating - 2008-2011; Only construction lawyer in the U.S. to achieve highest star rating (2008-2011)
- D.C. Super Lawyers - 2007-2008, Top 100 Attorneys in 2007
- Virginia Business Legal Elite, Real Estate - 2002 / Construction - 2002, 2009
- Virginia Super Lawyers - 2006-2011
- Legal 500 - 2008, One of five attorneys selected as Leading National Construction Lawyers
- Legal 500 - 2009, One of four attorneys selected as Leading National Construction Lawyers
- Practical Law Company - 2009/2010, Highest rating for D.C. lawyers and one of five attorneys in U.S. to receive the highest "Leading" rating
Memberships and Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Fidelity and Surety Law Committee
- Tort and Insurance Practice Section
- Bar Association of the District of Columbia
- Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Publications and Presentations
- Co-Author: "The Surety's Procedures for Preserving and Defending Its Rights Following a Default Termination," The Construction Lawyer, Winter 2002.
