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You could say he is well-rounded: Herman was born in Macon, Georgia, where etiquette and manners make an impression. However, he grew up in Montana, settling scores with a friendly punch in the face. As for schooling, the third-generation criminal defense attorney went to preparatory school outside Boston, where he learned well how to read and write, but attended college in Portland, Oregon, where he avoided doing either, choosing instead to invest in the burgeoning beer market; Herman has worked in and managed several bars across the globe.
After year-long sojourns in Oxford, England, and Holland, where he studied international criminal law, Herman returned to San Francisco, where he finished law school at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and took up his true passion: fighting the government (a.k.a. criminal defense). Herman studied under a Blum Scholarship and graduated cum laude, also receiving an esteemed Excellence for the Future Award.
Since then, Herman has trained under the legendary Tony Serra at Pier 5 Law Offices, old-guard attorney from the Barbary Coast and long-time defender of civil rights, as well as the zealous marijuana guru, Kali S. Grech at Green Street Law Group. Herman has also specialized in narcotics defense, marijuana law, and DUI/DWI, and is licensed in both Montana and California. He has graduated from the Trial Practice Institute at the National Criminal Defense College at Mercer Law School and been certified in DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (the same course certification received by police officers trained in DUI investigation).
When Herman is out of the courtroom, he is either traveling or climbing the many rocks and mountains of Southwest Montana. Crowning achievements to date, Herman climbed the Grand Teton when he was 9, meeting Alex Lowe along the way, and once shot a perfect game of pool. More recently, Herman won the Iditarod Trail Invitational, tracing the historic Iditarod Trail, in Alaska.
Bone up on your constitutional rights, and learn more about our criminal practice, by reading Not Guilty, Always: A Blog by Herman.
Herman is licensed to practice in California and Montana, as well as several federal courts.
3
Practice Areas
12 years | 25 cases
12 years | 5 cases
12 years | 20 cases
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Chat withState: Montana
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
State: California
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
101 E Main St, Suite C, Bozeman, MT, 59715
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Mark | August 29, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
Mr. Watson was available when we needed someone to answer difficult legal questions concerning a family member. A great listener, who asked straightforward questions to guide our thinking towards understanding the legal processes surrounding our situation. With or without his services we always felt...
Posted by anonymous | November 5, 2023 | Hired Attorney
After a real poor night out, I awoke in the slammer with groggy recollection of events and a couple of heinous charges. I vaguely remembered Herman's name from friends who have had run-ins with Johnny law and came out fine (with his help), but I felt doomed. Like you read the penalties and picture yo...
Enjoyed reading this, anon. Stay safe out there!
Posted by anonymous | August 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney
The Watson Law Firm was a saving grace for our family to mitigate a very complex family legal issue that required sensitive attention and multiple legal representations recommended through the law firm. The entire staff was very understanding helping our family get through very challenging times. I h...
Posted by Matthew | June 4, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Amazing and extraordinary at his craft, Herman is the best Defense that money can buy! I can't recommend enough!
Posted by anonymous | July 9, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Herman was more than we could have asked for in a lawyer and as a human being. He went above and beyond for my husband and I in helping us navigate the case while showing kindness and compassion in doing so. He Was able to mitigating what could have been pretty severe charges and sentence. Can’t say...
Your husband deserved this consideration. I'm glad I could secure it for him. Thanks for the review and good luck!
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Working under Herman Watson for the past 2.5 years, I have seen his dedication and talent in resolving all types of criminal cases with the best possible results for his clients."
"Herman is a diligent and creative advocate who doesn't limit himself to one-size-fits all solutions. His in depth knowledge of the law, combined with his real world experience and practical approach give his clients an edge whenever the government has accused them of wrongdoing. I recommend him without reservation."
"Herman is an intelligent, creative, and effective advocate who gets good results for his clients. A bright mind. I have consulted with Herman on legal issues and I endorse him without reservation."
"Herman sees all sides of a problem. His work is genuinely interested and highly effective. I would highly recommend his services, which have contributed greatly to my success as an employer and fellow lawyer in the community."
"I firmly endorse Herman Watson. He is a great attorney, and well respected in the legal community."
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2023
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Top Ten Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2018
Client's Choice, Avvo
2012
Excellence for the Future Award, CALI
2012
Finalist - Oxford University, Fulbright
2011
Blum Scholarship, UC Hastings, College of the Law
2010
Blum Scholarship, UC Hastings, College of the Law
2009
Blum Scholarship, UC Hastings, College of the Law
2015 - Present
Attorney, Watson Law
2013 - 2015
Attorney, Green Street Law Group
2023 - Present
Gallatin County Bar AssociationFormer President
2017 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLife Member
2015 - Present
Montana Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2021 - 2022
Gallatin County Bar AssociationPresident
2019 - 2021
Gallatin County Bar AssociationSecretary
2013 - 2015
Bar Association of San FranciscoEthics Committee
2013 - 2015
Alameda County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2015
American Bar AssociationMember
2009 - 2012
Phi Alpha DeltaChairperson
Deferred Prosecution
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Deferred Prosecution
Dismissed
Dismissed
Acquitted
2016
Trial Practice Institute
2015
DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
2012
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
2023
2022
2019
2018
2018
2015
Know Your Rights
2015
Know Your Rights
2015
Know Your Rights
2013
Know Your Rights
2013
English
Spanish
Legal Answers
23 Year Old dating a 16 year old Montana
13 Nov 2015
I broke my foot and now could lose my job due to this.I am being called dumb. what are some laws on this?
03 Nov 2015