Justin Watkins
Throughout his legal career Justin has obtained substantial results for his clients, both in the Missouri State Public Defender System, and working with a corporate defense firm. At Langdon & Emison he represents clients in a wide array of personal injury litigation, including cases involving auto product defects, wrongful death, and dangerous consumer products.
At his previous firm, Justin managed all phases of litigation including discovery, motion and trial practice, alternative dispute resolution, and settlement negotiation. As an Assistant Public Defender, Justin provided legal representation to indigent citizens accused of crimes. In this role he managed cases from inception to conclusion, and he acted as counsel in the role of first or second chair in criminal jury trials.
Early in his career as a litigator Justin completed the Bar Leadership Academy and Ross T. Roberts Trial Academy, both from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers, and is involved with several bar associations, including the KCMBA.
During law school Justin earned several honors for his work on the law review and with the mock trial team, and also completed a clerkship with the Hon. Judge Jesse Reyes in Chicago. Upon graduation, Justin started his career as a litigator by joining the Missouri Public Defender’s Office.
Publications
Trial Journal, Winter 2023. “Collision Avoidance Technology and its Role as the Next Frontier in Motor Vehicle Products Liability.”
Education
- John Marshall Law School, Summa Cum Laude, 2007
- Valparaiso University, Magna Cum Laude, 2004
Bar Admissions