Joe Watkins

Joe Watkins has more than 40 years of experience as a civil trial lawyer. He spent the first 20 years of his career with a defense firm, where he handled and tried a wide variety of complex cases, including products liability, medical, dental, and chiropractic malpractice, legal malpractice, automobile and trucking cases with catastrophic injuries, premises liability, and insurance coverage disputes. Along with partners from his defense firm, Joe formed a new firm that represented severely injured individuals and their families in personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Georgia and, occasionally, in adjacent states.

Joe sustained a spinal cord injury in a freak accident in 2017 but continued to practice until he retired from active law practice in 2021. He has held leadership positions in law firms and in both the defense and plaintiff's bars, so he understands the challenges faced by lawyers on both sides, by claims representatives and risk managers, and by individuals who have been severely injured. He spends at least two days a week at the Shepherd Center, which has been an important part of his life since his injury.

Joe began a part-time mediation practice in 2005. That view from both sides of the courtroom, together with a patient, unhurried approach, helps parties talk candidly and move toward resolution.

Joe joined Henning Mediation's Panel of Neutrals in 2017 and is available for mediations and arbitrations. Sessions may be conducted in-person at Henning's Atlanta office or via secure video conferencing.