Back in 2023, when Judge Paul Watford of the Ninth Circuit announced that he would be resigning from the bench to return to private practice, the legal world wondered where he would land. As it turns out, Watford chose to join Wilson Sonsini as a litigation partner, where he’d focus on appellate and complex commercial disputes. Now, just two years later, the former appellate judge is on the move again, and this time, he’s headed to an even more prestigious firm.
Earlier this week, Watford joined King & Spalding — a firm that brought in $2,137,941,000 gross revenue in 2023, putting it at No. 17 on the most recent Am Law 100 — where he’ll work as a business litigation partner. The Recorder has additional details on Watford’s move:
Watford, who described himself as a litigation generalist, said he hoped to have a mix of 75% trial court work and 25% appellate work. He said his practice is national in scope and that “several” of his clients—operating in the technology and life sciences spaces—are moving with him to the new firm, Watford said.
He said the firm’s collaborative spirit and culture—which he discovered through previously meeting dozens of partners—drew him to King & Spalding. Its L.A. office includes about 75 lawyers.
When he left the federal bench in 2023, he said he interviewed with King & Spalding and “came close” to joining it before deciding to join Wilson Sonsini.
“I love the people, I loved what they were saying about the firm culture, about the opportunities to grow the litigation practice here in Los Angeles and California in general,” Watford said. “Everything about it seemed like a perfect fit for what I want to do.”
Damien Marshall, co-leader of the firm’s business litigation practice group, said the former judge’s presence at King & Spalding “brings a new dimension to the counsel we provide to our clients.”
“I’m hopeful that I can contribute to the growth of the practice here,” Watford said of his move to the Top 20 Am Law firm.
Congratulations to Judge Paul Watford on landing at a new law firm that he loves, and congratulations to King & Spalding on adding a former federal appellate judge to its roster. Best of luck!
Ex-9th Circuit Judge Paul Watford Moves From Wilson Sonsini to King & Spalding In L.A. [The Recorder]
Earlier: From The Bench To Biglaw: Judge Paul Watford Lands At Top 50 Am Law Firm
Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.