Christopher Watford
ASSOCIATE
Christopher Watford is an emerging leader in appellate law and civil litigation, with a growing reputation for handling complex legal issues in state and appellate courts. A lifelong resident of Davidson County, Chris combines a deep connection to his community with a dedication to delivering precise and effective legal representation. His practice spans appellate litigation, guardianship, wills, trusts, estates, and land use matters.
Chris earned his J.D. from Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in 2008 and began his career as an assistant county attorney. In this role, he developed significant courtroom experience handling family and property matters, which laid the foundation for his appellate practice. He joined Robinson & Lawing, LLP in 2018, where he continues to focus on high-stakes appellate and civil litigation cases.
Recognized for his appellate work, Chris was selected to the 2024 Business North Carolina Legal Elite in Appellate Law. His dedication to the law is reflected in his extensive list of published cases, which address significant legal issues in juvenile law, zoning, and administrative appeals.
Chris is also an active contributor to his community. He serves on the Yadkin River Park Committee, where he leads efforts to preserve cultural and historic resources, and commonly writes and speaks on local history topics.
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CREDENTIALS
EDUCATION:
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, Buies Creek, North Carolina
- J.D. – 2008
- Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
- BS. – 2000
- Major: History
- Major: Secondary Education
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION:
- Business North Carolina Legal Elite,
- Appellate Law Section, 2024
ADMISSIONS:
- North Carolina State Bar, 2008
- United States District Court Middle District of North Carolina, 2016
MEMBERSHIPS & ASSOCIATIONS:
- North Carolina State Bar, Member
- Davidson County Bar Association, Member
- 33rd Judicial District Bar, Member
SELECT PUBLISHED OPINIONS & VERDICTS:
- Fitzgerald v. Fortner, et als., ___ N.C. App. ____, 907 S.E.2d 102 (2024); motion to publish granted November 20, 2024 (vacating custody order for lack of subject matter jurisdiction due to trial court’s failure to follow G.S.§ 7B-911 in transferring case from juvenile court).
- In re Q.J.P. ____ N.C. App. ___, 907 S.E.2d 442 (2024) (interpreting G.S. 7B-906.2 and vacating and remanding orders for court to apply appropriate standard in assessing reasonable reunification efforts).
- In re K.B., 386 N.C. 68 (2024)(discussing interplay between relative placement priority following appeal of right based on dissent filed by Chief Judge Stroud discussing significance of DSS violations of the Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC).
- In re Estate of Seamon, 291 N.C. App. 547 (2023)(affirming Superior Court’s denial of attorney fees to the former attorney of an estate who engaged in a conflict of interest while representing the Estate).
- In re Eric R. Inhaber, 290 N.C. App 170 (2023)(vacating District Court order suspending attorney from practicing law in District 22A for one year).
- In re K.B., A.M.H., M.S.H, 290 N.C. App. 61 (2023)(vacating order for electronic visitation and remanding to trial court for proper findings).
- Boulware v. University of North Carolina Board of Governors, ex rel Winston-Salem State University Board of Trustees, 289 N.C. App. 465 (2023) (discussing termination of employee for alleged violations of Clery Act)
- Pope vs. Davidson County, 288 N.C. App. 35 (2023) (addressing Board of Adjustment procedure in denial of special use permit to develop Motocross facility in RA-3 district).
- In re J.R. and J.C., 279 N.C. App. 352,866 S.E.2d 1(2021)(affirming in part and vacating and remanding in part order for guardianship and visitation).
- In re R. P. and X.P., 276 N.C. App. 195, 856 S.E.2d 858 (2021)(vacating and remanding a juvenile adjudication and disposition order for a new hearing)
- In re Q.M., Jr., 275 N.C. App. 34, 852 S.E.2d 687 (2020)(vacating and remanding a juvenile adjudication and disposition order for a new hearing)
- In re J.M., 271 N.C. App. 186, 843 S.E.2d 668 (2020) (affirming in part and vacating and remanding in part when trial court failed to make required statutory findings).
- In re D.L.A.D, 375 N.C. 565, 849 S.E.2d 811(2020)(affirming TPR for appellee upon basis of neglect).