History
Since he was young, Kurt Watkins has been a tinkerer, an explorer, a thoughtful listener, and a creative thinker. Torn between his love of the sciences and computer programing and his passion for the liberal arts, Kurt became a lawyer hoping to bridge the gap at the critical intersection of these twin achievements of human understanding.
Kurt started in humble beginnings at a local law firm to working his way up to a national law firm in New York City.
Realizing that the constraints of big law firms made it difficult to effectively serve start-ups and midsize companies, Kurt went out on his own in April 2018 to better serve entrepreneurs and companies, wanting the security of a competent, accessible, and well-rounded attorney without having to hire several specialists, each with a billable rate in excess of $450/hr.
In 2020, in the middle of the COVID pandemic and without taking time off, Kurt took and passed the California bar exam, becoming a California attorney along with his previous licenses in New Jersey and New York.
Ethos
Watkins Legal is a law firm working for growing businesses and entrepreneurs. By combining rigor, creativity, and strategy, we strive to be transparent, efficient, and effective.
We approach each matter thoughtfully and boldly. Our industry expertise, entrepreneurial determination, and passion to understand your business forges a better lawyer-client relationship that anticipates your needs and functions as a trusted advisor.
Get in touch
We at Watkins Legal know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a difficult choice, not least of which is because there is no objective metric to determine which attorney is right for you.
That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
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Attorneys
Founder
Kurt Watkins
Kurt Watkins specializes in corporate governance and transactional contracts. His expertise is in providing tools and insights needed to generate revenue, attract talent, and create success.
Because companies’ legal needs, circumstances, and resources are rarely the same, Kurt works closely with each client in order to best align the interests of outside legal with those of the company – both in the short and long term. This holistic approach and flexibility allows owners to trust that their attorney is working in their best interests.
Kurt is deeply passionate about technological innovation particularly blockchain and artificial intelligence. Throughout his practice, Kurt has grappled with the novel and nuanced legal issues created by innovation.
Education
Seton Hall School of Law
Juris Doctor with a concentration in intellectual property, 2014
Distinguished Scholar and Fellow at the Center for Policy and Research
Fordham University
Bachelor of Arts, triple majoring in Classics, Philosophy, and Political Science. Magna Cum Laude, 2011
Activities & Affiliations
• National Aphasia Association, Board Member and General Counsel
• Sandbox Technologies, Inc., General Counsel
Bar Admissions
• New York, New Jersey, California
Of Counsel
Kali Trahanas
Kali is Of Counsel to Watkins Legal and runs her own law firm, Trahanas Law. She serves as a valuable member of the team for matters approaching litigation and relationship management. While Kurt focuses on business growth and success, Kali ensures that the individuals behind those businesses are protected and their wealth secured for future generations.
Kali handles matters involving trusts, estates, guardianship applications, elder law, and real estate transactions.
Education
Seton Hall School of Law
Juris Doctor 2014
Mock Trial, Journal Editor, and Dispute Resolution
University of Delaware
Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in Sociology and Philosophy
Activities & Affiliations
• Young Lawyers Division of the Bergen County Bar Association, Vice President
• Fluent in Greek and proficient in Spanish
Bar Admissions
• New Jersey, New York