Business, Tax & Estate Planning Lawyer Jonathan C. Watts
Jonathan C. Watts is founder and owner of Jonathan C. Watts, Attorney at Law.
Jonathan assists clients with Tax, Business and Estates. His clients include Business owners and individuals from around the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Jonathan has lived and practiced in the East Bay since 2004 and is privileged to work with his wife Deanne, who manages his law practice.
Jonathan understands the need for integrated legal solutions that emphasize tax efficiencies. His tax expertise is a common thread that runs throughout his practice bolstered by his LL.M. in Taxation Law that he received in 2011. Jonathan is Certified by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. In 2011, Jonathan launched out on his own and quickly became recognized for his masterfully argued and well-documented tax appeals which proved instrumental in abating penalties and interest, removing a civil fraud penalty, securing Innocent Spouse Relief, successfully choreographing Offers in Compromise and the discharging of erroneous debt that the taxing authorities had charged his clients in error.
Clients who hire a Certified Taxation Law Specialist know that they are hiring an expert in taxation law matters. Because many attorneys practice in multiple areas of the legal field, simply calling yourself a taxation lawyer does not mean that you are well-versed, experienced and savvy in the intricacies of taxation law.However, attaining the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, distinction of a Certified Specialist in Taxation Law means a number of critical things for you as a client. It means that your taxation law attorney has demonstrated that he is knowledgeable about taxation law, has passed a rigorous 6-hour examination, has successfully completed a set curriculum that covers key aspects of taxation law, has demonstrated to an objective third party that he meets the high standards of knowledge, experience, and competence and that he continues to satisfy a set of continuing education curriculum that directly matches the taxation specialty that Jonathan practices. The result is that your taxation lawyer, Jonathan C. Watts, has stayed on the cutting edge of his taxation profession, and has improved and strengthened his competence—thus setting a higher standard of competence and providing higher quality taxation legal services to you, the client.
Although there are approximately 190,000 active lawyers in California, there are only about 333 Certified Specialists in Taxation Law in the entire state.
Justice Berger’s argument still remains true today, “[B]eyond any particular system … is the fundamental fact that how lawyers are trained—during and after law school—will determine their skills as advocates and ultimately the quality of our justice.”
Most importantly, what are his client’s saying? – Their opinion, more than anything else, is what truly reflects the type of person and the type of lawyer Jonathan Watts is. Following you’ll find some comments from clients, just like you, and their experience with Jonathan. We think you’ll find their opinions revealing, impressive and reassuring.
M.M., Client and Web Designer and Developer“Jonathan’s professionalism and eloquence are reflected in his work. With proficiency and skillfulness, he tailored all documents to our specific needs. He secured our peace of mind so that we could confidently pursue our business endeavors and he made the whole process feel easy and uncomplicated. Without any hesitancy, we will certainly acquire his services for any future work.”
Jonathan is an excellent, results driven attorney. I have worked with him on several matters and found him to be expertly knowledgeable, detailed and responsive. I have also referred many clients to him and received very positive feedback from all who used his services.”
K.E., Client and Realtor“Jonathan provided carefully researched legal advice and shows a pragmatic approach to problem solving. He is also a pleasure to work with”
“Jonathan has worked with us in a variety of ways and has helped guide us in the process of bringing a new product to market. He is, above all, trustworthy and easy to work with. He does what he says and says what he does. His work product gives us the confidence and security that we are heading in the right direction. I have since recommended Jonathan to others who are equally happy with him. I will continue to enthusiastically recommend Jonathan to anyone who has a need for an attorney.”
Find Jonathan on Social & Professional Media
You can find Jonathan on social media and professional sites:
Jonathan provides one-on-one legal assistance and legal advice – to a diverse mix of professionals and business owners from the San Francisco Bay to the East Bay and beyond.
If You Insist — “The Tedious Long-Form Resume”
Jonathan C. Watts – Long Form:
For Jonathan’s standard long form resume please see below – We’re of the opinion that reading a stuffy resume is probably not the best method for getting a good feel for whom Jonathan C. Watts is, what his legal practice encompasses and what his interests are. Better yet, call him up and ask the myriad of questions you may have that haven’t been covered in this brief overview. He’d enjoy answering your questions, getting to know you and your Tax challenges and the expectations and plans you have for your personal as well as Business future.
PRACTICE AREAS
TAX LAW
- Tax Law: Draft, review and negotiate a variety of contracts with attention to tax implications and advantages. Counsel and represent clients on state and federal tax issues.
BUSINESS LAW
- Business Transactions: Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including the following: transactions involving UCC Articles 2, 9, and 10; secure transactions; licensing and transfer of intellectual property; website terms of use, privacy policies, and click-wrap agreements (with analysis of relevant Digital Millennium Copyright Act issues); vendor agreements; equipment purchase and lease agreements; commercial real estate acquisition; commercial construction; settlement, indemnity, and hold-harmless agreements; and contract templates.
- Corporate Governance: Represented corporations, nonprofit organizations, limited liability companies, professional entities, and partnerships in formation, corporate governance, ownership transition, and dissolution
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated letters of intent, acquisition agreements, and ancillary agreements; performing due diligence; and overseeing close of transaction.
ESTATE PLANNING
- Estate Planning and Trust Administration: Draft Wills and Trusts, assist clients with Probate and Trust Administration issues.
PAST EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS
East Bay Business & Tax Attorney, San Ramon, CA – Private Practice, 2011 – Current.. Practice caters to Individuals, Entrepreneurs, Professions and Business Owners who desire an experienced, personable, hands-on lawyer. Practice emphasis is on Tax Law, Business Law and Estate Planning.
Frankel & Goldware, LLP, San Ramon, CA – Transactional Attorney, June 2004 – Dec. 2010. Practiced corporate law and general business transactions:
- Business Transactions: Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated a variety of contracts, including the following: transactions involving UCC Articles 2, 9, and 10; secured transactions; licensing and transfer of intellectual property; website terms of use, privacy policies, and click-wrap agreements (with analysis of relevant Digital Millennium Copyright Act issues); vendor agreements; equipment purchase and lease agreements; commercial real estate acquisition; commercial construction; settlement, indemnity, and hold-harmless agreements; and contract templates.
- Corporate Governance: Represented corporations, nonprofit organizations, limited liability companies, professional entities, and partnerships in formation, corporate governance, ownership transition, and dissolution.
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated letters of intent, acquisition agreements, and ancillary agreements; performing due diligence; and overseeing close of transaction.
- Also managed estate planning and trust administration practice.
- Promoted to non-equity partner March 2010.
The Partners, Riverside, CA – Transactional Associate, Nov. 2002 – May 2004. Practice emphasis in entity formation, estate planning, probate, and trust administration.
Downey Brand, Sacramento, CA – Litigation Associate, Sep. 2000 – Nov. 2002. Practice emphasis in commercial lease enforcement, debt collection, and general business litigation.
EDUCATION
- Certified Specialist in Taxation Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, October, 2016.
- University of Alabama School of Law, Tuscaloosa, AL. LL.M. in Taxation, Magna Cum Laude, Aug. 2011. Focus on interplay between tax, corporate and partnership law, and business transactions.
- U.C. Davis School of Law, Davis, CA. J.D., Order of the Coif, Jun. 2000
- Pacific Union College, Angwin, CA. B.A.in History, Summa Cum Laude, Jun. 1996
JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE
- California, 2000
- Federal Court of California
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Tax Court
PROFESSIONAL & BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS
- Danville Area Chamber of Commerce:
- Board Chair -, 2012
- Member – of the Board of Directors, 2007-Present
- Vice Chair – of Membership, 2009 – 2010
- Vice Chair – of Economic Development, 2008
- Member – of the San Ramon Valley Rotary Club
- Selected – “Rising Star” by Northern California Super Lawyers, 2010
- Member – Contra Costa County Bar Association, Tax Section, 2009-Present
PUBLICATIONS
- “Help! I Think My Spouse Is Cheating (On His Taxes)” Contra Costa Lawyer, June 2011
- “Respect Your Elders: How California’s Elder Abuse Law May Undermine Contracts With Seniors” www.business-law-attorney.net, May, 2010
- “When Do Buy-Sell Provisions Among Business Owners Apply To Marital Divorces?” www.business-law-attorney.net, March, 2010
- “Watch Where You Step! Common Pitfalls In Expense-Sharing Agreements A Popular Option For Many Solo Attorneys…But One Fraught With Peril!” Contra Costa Lawyer, April 2009
- “CALIFORNIA SIMPLIFIES THE RULES FOR SHAREHOLDER DISTRIBUTIONS”, www.eastbaybusinesslawyer.com, 1.31.2012
- “FOR ONLINE, RETAILERS BATTLE OVER SALES TAX CONTINUES”, www.eastbaybusinesslawyer.com, 1.11.2012
- “YOU HAVE A NEW CORPORATION, WHAT NOW?”, www.eastbaybusinesslawyer.com, 11.9.2011
- “HELP! MY SPOUSE IS CHEATING, (ON HIS TAXES)!!!, www.eastbaybusinesslawyer.com, 10.21.2011
