Atty. J. Calhoun "Cal" Watson
Cal is a litigator with experience in complex business and insurance disputes, class actions, and professional liability and ethics. During his 30 years of practice, Cal has represented numerous individuals, local and national businesses, partnerships, insurance companies, and financial institutions.
Profile Summary
About J. Calhoun "Cal" Watson at a glance
J. Calhoun "Cal" Watson is a business and litigation attorney based in Columbia, South Carolina, practicing at Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte LLC. Educated at The University of South Carolina School of Law (J.D., 1987). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants, Columbia (SC) (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Serves clients in Columbia, SC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
Cal is a litigator with experience in complex business and insurance disputes, class actions, and professional liability and ethics. During his 30 years of practice, Cal has represented numerous individuals, local and national businesses, partnerships, insurance companies, and financial institutions. Named by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly as 2015 Lawyer of the Year, Cal has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA. Active in the South Carolina Bar, Cal has served as President of the South Carolina Bar, President of the South Carolina Bar Foundation, and President of the John Belton O’Neall Inn of Court. Cal is the managing member of the firm.
ADMISSIONS
- South Carolina Bar
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina
EDUCATION
- University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., cum laude (1987) - Order of the Coif, Order of the Wig and Robe, Student Works Editor of the South Carolina Law Review, Legal Writing Instructor (1986-1987)
- Wofford College, B.A., summa cum laude (1984) - Phi Beta Kappa, President of the Student Body
JUDICIAL CLERKSHIPS
- The Honorable Robert F. Chapman, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1987-1988)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- American Bar Association
- Richland County Bar Association
- South Carolina Bar - President (2014-2015), Board of Governors (1998-2000, 2009-2016), House of Delegates (1997-present), Conventions Committee (2003-2008), Nominating Committee (2001-2004), Long Range Planning Committee (2000-2001), President, Young Lawyers Division (1997-1998), Member, Long Range Planning Committee, Young Lawyers Division (1995-1996)
- South Carolina Bar Foundation - President (2006-2007), Member, Board of Directors (2000-2008)
- International Association of Defense Counsel - Chair, Professional Liability Committee (2016-2018), Chair, Professional Liability Roundtable (2017-2019), Chair, Technology Committee (2010-2012), Chair, Website Task Force
- National Conference of Bar Presidents (2014-present) - Member, Communications Committee (2014)
- John Belton O'Neall Inn of Court - President (2010-2011)
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation (2014-present)
- Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (2014-present)
- South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys' Association (1996-present)
- Defense Research Institute (1996-present)
- Southern Conference of Bar Presidents (2014-present)
- Claims & Litigation Management Alliance
- Access to Justice Commission (2006-2012)
- South Carolina Lawyer Magazine - Member, Editorial Board (2000-2007)
- Supreme Court of South Carolina Certified Mediator
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
- Panelist, "Legal Ethics: 10 Hot Topics in Conflicts of Interest" webinar presented by Attorney Protective (July 25, 2018)
AWARDS
- South Carolina Lawyers Weekly Leadership in Law Awards Lawyer of the Year (2015)
- Best Lawyers in America - Bet-the-Company Litigation (2010-2020), Lawyer of the Year (2016), Commercial Litigation (2008-2020), Professional Malpractice Law, Defendants (2008-2020)
- South Carolina "Super Lawyer" - Professional Liability Defense (2010-2012), Business Litigation (2008-2018)
- Chambers U.S.A. America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (2009-2017)
- Litigation Special Report Top Rated Lawyer in Commercial Litigation (2012)
- Historic Columbia Innovative Leadership Award (2010)
- USC Law School Alumni Association Compleat Lawyer Award Silver Medallion (2001)
Practice Areas Explained
J. Calhoun "Cal" Watson's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases J. Calhoun "Cal" Watson handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
J. Calhoun "Cal" Watson is one of 452,854 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in South Carolina →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
J. Calhoun "Cal" Watson is one of 409,070 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in South Carolina →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in South Carolina
Practicing law in South Carolina. Legal matters in South Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Columbia are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate South Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in South Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in South Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional South Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Columbia or all attorneys in South Carolina.
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