Gabriel Watson

Attorney and Founder

Personal Background

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Gabriel attended Alameda Elementary, Beaumont Middle School, and Grant High School, following in the footsteps of two generations before him. His father was a salesman, and his mother ran a daycare out of their home—instilling in him the values of hard work, patience, and persistence. During high school, he played competitive hockey, spending most weekends traveling across the West Coast and Canada for games. The experience taught him discipline, teamwork, and the importance of preparation—lessons that continue to inform his approach as an advocate today.

After studying political science and business at the University of Oregon, he earned a degree in Emergency Medical Services and became a paramedic, ultimately joining the City of Eugene Fire Department. In 2006, he moved back home to Portland, where he continued his work in emergency response. In 2011, after losing his mother to cancer, Gabriel made the decision to pursue law, seeking a different way to advocate for people in difficult circumstances. He put himself through law school while continuing to work, graduating from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2019 and passing the Oregon State Bar that same year.

Gabriel is married and the father of twin toddlers. Family has taught him patience, resilience, and the value of persistence and adaptability—skills that shape both his personal and professional life. At home, his two herding dogs, Fido and Lucy, keep him in line.

Gabriel enjoys spending time with his family and friends at his family's cabin on the Deschutes River, where they raft, hike, and take in the night sky. He values the peace and beauty of nature, finding it a place to reset and recharge. Whether sitting by the river or watching the stars, it's where he can step away from the noise and focus on what matters most. He also enjoys live music and photography.

Since 2019 then, I’ve represented a variety of clients, ranging from start-up’s to small businesses, developers to investors, and individuals in need of legal representation.

Professional Experience

Gabriel graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2019. While in law school, he worked full-time as a firefighter and paramedic, balancing a demanding career with rigorous legal studies. During his 2L year, he won the school’s mock trial competition and gained valuable courtroom experience as a certified law student, participating in several trials under the guidance of seasoned trial attorneys.

Before founding Watson Law Office, Gabriel built a strong foundation in diverse areas of the law, representing clients in land use, criminal defense, employment disputes, business and contractual matters, debtor representation, and family law. This broad legal experience exposed him to the nuances of different legal fields, strengthening his ability to navigate complex cases with precision and insight.

Since joining the bar in 2019, Gabriel has served as lead counsel on more than fifty cases, appearing in state and federal courts, as well as the Oregon Court of Appeals and county planning departments. He has worked on cases that were successfully tried to the Land Use Board of Appeals and has personally argued cases across multiple practice areas. In every matter, he approaches litigation with the mindset that he and his clients must be fully prepared to go to trial if necessary.

In the summer of 2024, Gabriel began collaborating with Trial Lawyers for Justice, working on large and complex cases. This partnership provides valuable resources, strategic depth, and the opportunity to work and learn alongside some of the most accomplished trial attorneys in the country. Gabriel’s willingness to bring in top legal minds when needed ensures that his clients receive the strongest representation possible.

Gabriel’s approach to the law is shaped by his diverse background, his passion for advocacy, and his willingness to take on the difficult and sometimes daunting challenges necessary to achieve the best outcome for his clients. There are many ways to practice law, and Gabriel blends his unique experiences to develop a style that is both strategic and deeply client-focused. As a solo practitioner, he has had to learn fast and adapt quickly to be effective.

He is passionate about fighting for individuals who have been wronged by powerful entities and refuses to back down, no matter how tough the case. 

Gabriel believes that strong advocacy is built on knowledge, persistence, and the courage to take on challenges others shy away from. That commitment to his clients is the foundation of Watson Law Office.