Partner
Kathryn Watson
Kathryn is an experienced civil litigator with a practical, creative style of advocacy and keen understanding of the law.
Partner
Kathryn Watson
Kathryn is an experienced civil litigator with a practical, creative style of advocacy and keen understanding of the law.
Which of your cases makes you proudest of the result?
My first trial stands out as being the most rewarding moment in my career. I had taken over the file from another lawyer only weeks before the trial, and I worked 18 hour days getting ready. I will never forget the moment when the jury verdict came back and I won. That moment validated all the hard lessons I had learned about crafting my theory of the case and presenting it to the jury in a way that underscored that theme.
What do you think the most important factor is in resolving a file?
Your reputation as counsel plays a key role in your ability to resolve cases, particularly at an early stage and without the presence of a mediator. Opposing counsel must know that you clearly understand both the risks and the strengths of the file and that you will take a fair and reasonable approach to resolution. Most importantly, they must respect and trust you.
What’s the most valuable lesson that your professional experience has taught you?
Prepare, prepare, prepare. The more you prepare, the better you will do. This applies to every stage of a lawsuit. At discovery and at trial, a well-prepared lawyer immediately signals to the witness that you know as much about their life as they do (possibly more, as many have not adequately reviewed their records). This enables you to cross-examine effectively and obtain the answers you are looking for. It also enables you to accurately assess the case for your client. In so many cases, key details and information are buried in reports or business records that would never have been uncovered without a thorough review of the file.
Kathryn is an experienced civil litigator, whose practical, creative style of advocacy, interpersonal skills and keen understanding of the law make her sought-out counsel. Kathryn’s understanding of her client’s needs and interests enables her to provide effective and timely legal advice.
Her practice is focused solely on insurance defence litigation, including complex tort and accident benefits claims, occupiers’ liability claims, priority disputes and loss transfer. She has appeared in the Ontario Superior Court, Divisional Court, and the Ontario Court of Appeal and has also appeared at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the License Appeals Tribunal and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
Kathryn has spoken at numerous continuing legal education programs on behalf of the Ontario Bar Association, The Advocates Society and to insurers. She has presented at both the Tricks of the Trade and the annual Oatley McLeish Guide to Motor Vehicle Litigation. Her paper, “Winning Strategies in Soft Tissue Cases”, was published in the Oatley McLeish Guide to Personal Injury Practice.
Contact
Kathryn Watson
416-868-7700 Ext. 260
Direct Line: 416-868-2326
kwatson@martawatson.com
Law Clerk
Heidi Brightman
416-868-7700 Ext. 250
Direct Line: 416-868-3983
hbrightman@
Legal Assistant
Elsa Rodrigues
416-868-7700 Ext. 216
Direct Line: 416-849-2583
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