Richard M. Watts

Richard M. Watts is a partner at Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, where he focuses his practice on commercial real estate, business transactions, and complex litigation. With more than two decades of experience, he has successfully represented clients in trials, appeals, and hundreds of negotiated transactions involving retail, office, development, and industrial properties throughout California, from Fresno to Redding. His legal insight and practical understanding of business make him a trusted advocate for companies and developers alike.

Richard earned his Juris Doctor with honors from McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific, where he was recognized for excellence in oral advocacy, mock trial, and academic performance as a member of the Order of Barristers. Before attending law school, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communications at UC Davis, where he was named a Second Team All-American in baseball and later inducted into both the UC Davis Athletic Hall of Fame and the UC Davis Baseball Hall of Fame.

Before practicing law, Richard gained valuable experience in commercial real estate sales and development—an advantage that continues to inform his legal approach. His practice integrates transactional precision with trial-tested litigation skills, offering clients comprehensive solutions to business, real estate, and employment disputes.

In addition to his extensive legal work, Richard M. Watts is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California. His commitment to client success, strategic foresight, and strong negotiation skills have earned him a reputation as a results-driven attorney in California’s commercial and business law sectors.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP
• Member, State Bar of California
• Neutral Mediator, Federal Bar Association, Eastern District Voluntary Dispute Resolution
• Member, American Bar Association, Tort and Insurance Section, Forum on Franchising, Intellectual Property Section
• Member, Sacramento County Bar Association, Civil Procedure Committee
• Member, National Institute for Trial Lawyers
• Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• Member, Surety Claims & Underwriters Association
• Member, International Taekwondo Council

Licensed State

• California

Education

• McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• UC Davis
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges