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Paul Howard Watkins, Employment Attorney in Palo Alto, California

Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, Environmental, and Real Estate

AttorneyatSimpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Palo Alto, CA

Practicing employment in Palo Alto since 1998.

28+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Paul Howard Watkins is an attorney based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, Environmental, and Real Estate. Paul has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Based in
Palo Alto, CA
Experience
over 28 years
Known for
Employment · Environmental · Real Estate
  • Handles Employment, Environmental, and Real Estate matters from Palo Alto, CA.
  • Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Paul Howard Watkins: Paul Howard Watkins is an attorney based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, Environmental, and Real Estate. Paul has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Paul Howard Watkins

Paul concentrates on employment, environmental, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Employment cases in Palo Alto, California

Paul takes employment matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.

Environmental cases in Palo Alto, California

Paul takes environmental matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Palo Alto, California

Paul takes real estate matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Paul Howard Watkins — Over 28 years of California employment experience

Paul Howard Watkins is an attorney based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, Environmental, and Real Estate. Paul has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Paul Howard Watkins is a lawyer practicing labor & employment, environmental law, real property law. Paul received a degree from Peninsula Univ Law Sch, and has been licensed for 28 years. Paul practices at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in Palo Alto, CA.

Paul's approach to employment cases

Paul Howard Watkins is a lawyer practicing labor & employment, environmental law, real property law. Paul received a degree from Peninsula Univ Law Sch, and has been licensed for 28 years. Paul practices at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in Palo Alto, CA.

Clients Paul works with

Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, environmental, and real estate matters in Palo Alto and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Paul Howard Watkins's legal education and bar admissions

  • Harvard University Law School

    JD · 2006

  • Peninsula Univ Law Sch Mountain View CA

Jurisdictions

Paul's state bar admissions

  • California

    1998 · ACTIVE

Paul studied at JD in Harvard University Law School and — in Peninsula Univ Law Sch Mountain View CA.

Law school and academic background

Paul completed JD in Harvard University Law School and — in Peninsula Univ Law Sch Mountain View CA. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Paul Howard Watkins's office in Palo Alto

Paul's primary office is at 2475 Hanover St., Palo Alto, CA, 94304-1155. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

2475 Hanover St.

Palo Alto, CA 94304-1155

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Paul Howard Watkins

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Hiring guide

How to hire Paul Howard Watkins — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a employment attorney in Palo Alto, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Paul

Paul discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Paul's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Paul Howard Watkins

  • How much does it cost to hire Paul for a employment case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Paul offer a free consultation?

    Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.

  • How long do employment cases in California typically take?

    Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Palo Alto?

    Paul is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Paul will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Paul?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Paul accepting new employment clients right now?

    Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Employment attorneys serving Palo Alto, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Paul handles employment matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Paul's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Palo Alto handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.