GABRIEL A. WATSON
A native of Portland, Gabe began his professional career as a firefighter and paramedic, spending 15 years with Portland Fire & Rescue before working his way through law school. Through Gabe’s vast work experience, as well as his personal experience as a land owner and developer, he found that there is a direct connection between access to healthcare and access to the justice system. Gabe discovered a big discrepancy in the quality and availability of legal help to everyone and found that oftentimes the system could be manipulated or abused by those with the deepest pockets. This unfairness really influenced Gabe’s “David vs. Goliath” approach to the law and he wanted to have a law practice that reflected both his belief and passion for equal access to justice for all. Gabe founded Watson Law, his Portland area practice, in 2019 where he continues his mission and fight for equal justice for everyone.
Gabe’s approach to the practice of law…
As an attorney Gabe committed to the principle that every single client deserves equal access to justice and understands the obstacles that often stand in the way.
“Every client is an individual with unique questions and concerns, qualities and values, focus, and family, and fear.” Only after you’ve learned your client’s story can you even begin to understand your client’s case. And only once you understand this all can you give your client, and their case, the advocacy that justice deserves.”
Fear and frustration are all too real for those in need of legal assistance, and until you’ve found an attorney you can trust, these emotions only grow. Gabe begins by listening, by getting to know you, by building the trust that allows him to ask the difficult questions and make the informed decisions that are central to securing the best possible outcomes.
As a hard-working and committed member of the legal community, Gabe is respected as a consummate professional, his creativity and dedication are often reflected in the results he accomplishes on behalf of those he has the opportunity to represent.
Education & Training
Juris Doctorate, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2018
Bachelor of Science, University of Oregon, 2000
Grant High School, Portland
Practice Areas
Litigation
Business/Contract disputes
Medical/Dental malpractice
Employment discrimination
Personal Injury
Real Estate and Land Use
Scenic Waterways and Recreational and Resource lands
Special access and easements (historical)
Unique structure/development permitting
Emergency First Response Law (Fire/Medical)
First responder liability claims and defenses
Firefighter and Paramedic malpractice
Disaster response and planning (NIIMS, FEMA, OSFM)
Internal investigations, strategic planning
Labor/management relations
Risk management/strategic planning/consulting
Cannabis and Psilocybin Licensing
Conditional Use Permitting
Licensing and compliance
Strategic/business planning
Crisis management and planning
Media relations and event response
Strategic planning, pre-planning, mitigation and management
Large scale response and management/information and media
Associations and Activities
Active member of the Oregon State Bar, OSB #190401, admitted by bar exam
Member, American Bar Association
OSB Litigation Section, Small Firm Section, Employment Section, Real Estate & Land Use Section
Multnomah County Bar Association member
American Association for Justice
Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
Special Knowledge and Experience
Author: The Law of First Responders, American Bar Association. In progress.
Paramedic and Firefighter - Eugene and Portland, 2003 to present
Land owner and developer in Portland, Mosier and Deschutes River areas of Oregon
General Counsel: BOG Management (Hunter’s Hot Springs and Hotel, The Inn at Marquam Hill, Camp Leslie Louise, TG Watson Company).
Technical, swift water, and dive rescue
Awards and Recognition
2021 Pro Bono award winner- ONLD member who contributed the most Pro Bono service, with 418 hours in 2020
Hobbies and Recreation
Hiking or running with his wife and two dogs
Whitewater rafting, kayaking and scuba diving
Reading and Photography
Enjoying the beautiful scenery and peacefulness at his property on the Deschutes river