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Leila Hirayama Watson
also known as Leila Watson
Virtual Consultation Available
About Leila
Biography
Leila Watson has practiced with Ernie Cory, co-founder of Cory Watson Attorneys, for 32 years. She has worked on precedent-setting cases with state and national implications. Leila represented Jett Williams and proved that Jett is the natural daughter of famous singer and songwriter, Hank Williams, Sr., and in the process updated Alabama law so no other heir would have to shoulder the burden of finding their inheritance on their own. Leila also obtained the first double-digit million-dollar wrongful death verdict in Alabama–$15,000,000.
Not only has Leila worked on big cases, she is also well-known for taking time to negotiate car accident cases, probate issues, municipal cases, and talking to people about whatever is disrupting their daily lives and finding solutions for them.
Ernie Cory convinced her as a young lawyer to handle cases on subjects she knew nothing about: “it’s not what you don’t know, it’s all about what you can learn.” So, she learned things like how to drive a tractor-trailer truck, set up a fuse box, maintain a hospital record, sell life insurance, and a host of other skills to present her cases at trial.
Leila’s legal skills and passion for studying the law are recognized by her colleagues. She was appointed by the Alabama Supreme Court to the Alabama Pattern Jury Instructions Committee–Civil in 1998. This Committee is rewriting the civil jury instructions in plain language to make the instructions understandable to lay persons. She has been appointed the chair of the Alabama Association for Justice Amicus Curiae Brief Committee for years, responsible for steering the committee that selects and writes appellate briefs on issues of importance to ALAJ members. In 2015, Leila was elected President-Elect of the Birmingham Bar Association.
While Leila is a passionate and dedicated lawyer, she is also a family-oriented woman who loves to volunteer. She and her family are very involved in the Birmingham community, supporting local charities that focus on children’s education and health and making Birmingham a great place to raise a family. Leila loves to cook and is always looking forward to her weekly Sunday night dinner with friends and family.
Leila approaches her life at home and at the office with this simple quote:
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -Dr. Seuss
Practice Areas
10
Practice Areas
Appeals
11%
Class Action
11%
Construction and Development
11%
42 years
Consumer Protection
11%
Fees and Rates
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 2 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 2024
No misconduct found
Licensed in Alabama for 41 years
State: Alabama
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 39 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Location
Cory Watson Attorneys
(205) 324-7896
Fax
2131 Magnolia Ave S, Birmingham, AL, 35205
corywatson.com/about-us/meet-our-attorneys/leila-h-watson/Online Presence
Other places you can find Leila online.
Leila Hirayama Watson's Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 client review from Avvo
Posted by Pamella Nnamdi-Paul | March 6, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Professional
Attorney Watson promptly responded to my email and phone call. We are communicating about my legal concerns and I will continue to consult with her on this matter,....very professional and efficient.
Leila Hirayama Watson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ms. Watson is an outstanding attorney. I strongly endorse her."
"Leila exudes the highest ethical standards in the legal profession."
Glenn Mazer
Securities and investment fraud lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Best Lawyers in America, Product Liab. Litigation (2015-2018), Best Lawyers in America
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Top Women Attorneys (2015-2018), B-Metro Magazine
2018
Best Lawyers in America, Personal Injury (2015-2018), Best Lawyers in America
2018
Best Lawyers in America, Mass Tort Lit/Class Action (2011-2018), Best Lawyers in America
2018
Super Lawyer (2008-2018), SuperLawyers
2018
Personal Injury Litigation "Lawyer of the Year" in Birmingham, Best Lawyers
2018
Best Lawyer (2008-2018), Best Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Mass Tort Lit/Class Action "Lawyer of the Year" in Birmingham, Best Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Champions of Justice, Alabama Association For Justice
N/A
Top 25 Women Attorneys in Alabama, SuperLawyers
N/A
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
N/A
Top Birmingham Women, Birmingham Business Journal
N/A
Top 50 Alabama Attorneys, SuperLawyers
N/A
Top Women Attorneys, Avvo
Work Experience
1900 - Present
Principal, Cory Watson Attorneys
1983 - 1984
Law Clerk to Associate Justice Janie L. Shores, Supreme Court Of Alabama
Associations
2012 - Present
Alabama School of Readiness Alliance Pre-K Task ForceMember
2011 - Present
Studio by the TracksMember
Birmingham Bar Association
Member
American Association for Justice, Railroad Law Section
Member
American Board of Trial Advocates
Member
American Association for Justice
Member
Susan G. Komen North Central Alabama
Of Counsel
2017 - 2018
Birmingham Bar AssociationPresident
2016 - 2017
Leadership Birmingham
2010 - 2016
Alabama Association for JusticeExecutive Committee (Chair of Amicus Brief Committee, 2010-2016)
2007 - 2012
Childcare ResourcesMember
Education
1983
University of Maryland School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1979
University of Wisconsin
BSW
N/A
University of Wisconsin
BS - Bachelor of Science
Languages
English