I have practiced personal injury law in Durham since 1974, and in that time I have been recognized throughout the state for the successful outcomes I have achieved for my clients. I have been frequently listed on both the "The Best Lawyers in America” and the "Super Lawyers” lists.

After 35 years at Pulley, Watson, King & Lischer, PA, I went into solo practice as Richard Watson Attorney, PLLC in 2014. My firm focuses exclusively on personal injury law, with an emphasis on catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice, dental malpractice and wrongful death.

As a solo practitioner, I am able to carefully select the cases I take. That means each of my clients has my full attention, and the full force of my legal knowledge and experience. After evaluating your potential claim, I will give you my honest assessment of your case — I only take cases in which I believe strongly.

Although I have practiced law in Durham, North Carolina for more than 40 years, I grew up in the small Eastern North Carolina town of Red Springs. After graduating from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I spent three years in the U.S. Army, including a tour from 1969 to 1970 in Vietnam as a forward observer with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

In the Army, I received several honors, including:

Two Bronze Stars, awarded for meritorious service in a combat zone
Air Medal Award for airmobile assaults
An Army Commendation for Valor in combat

Outside of my legal practice, I am an active member of the Durham community. I am an ordained elder in the Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Stephen Ministry, and I enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends. For many years, I regularly competed in triathlons throughout North Carolina, and I now especially enjoy fly fishing, saltwater fishing, canoeing, sailing, and bike riding. I am a history buff, and enjoy both reading history and traveling to historical sites.