Zara Watkins

About

I am attorney with more than 10 years of experience assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs with enforcing their contractual rights in federal, state and bankruptcy courts. I take a dynamic problem solving approach toward my practice to help my clients avoid lengthy and costly litigation by engaging in thorough discovery, creative motion practice, and realistic settlement negotiations or, when the context merits litigation, advocate zealously on behalf of my client. I also assist clients in navigating the complex bankruptcy process as a debtor or creditor. I handle every aspect of my client’s commercial or bankruptcy litigation – from case assessment to post judgment appeals – so my clients are taken care of from the beginning of the dispute to final resolution.

I believe that commercial and bankruptcy litigation involves more than courtroom advocacy. When advising clients I consider options both in and out of court in helping my clients achieve the results they seek. Prior to commencing a lawsuit, I will consult with a client regarding the strength of their claims, and advise on ways they can resolve the issue that are more effective than litigation.  Once a lawsuit is filed, I work with the client to create the argument that will best assert their claim or defense – and then I use my honed skills as a legal writer to persuade their adversary and the court to accept my client’s position.  In bankruptcy matters, I primarily lead clients through the process of asserting, defending and collecting on their claims as a creditor.  I also assist sole proprietors and small businesses prepare for and file bankruptcy petitions under Chapters 7 (liquidation) and 11 (reorganization) of the Bankruptcy Code.

In addition to representing my own clients, I provide consulting services to other litigation attorneys across the country to assist them with research and persuasive writing.

Previous Experience

• The Law Office of Zara Watkins, Esq., Principal
• Torys LLP, Associate

Education

• JD, Georgetown University Law Center
• BA, Tulane University (cum laude)
• Bilingual in Spanish/Español