Robert Gibbs Watt

Bob was a great inspiration for me and a pleasure to work with on many assignments over decades. Peace to Bob and Family.

I cannot overstate how fortunate I was to have worked for Bob early in my career. I clerked for two summers at his firm, and when I came on after law school, he started handing me files to work on. Bob was a fantastic lawyer, and only now–after a 30+ year career–do I realize what an impact he had on my work life. I have so many fond memories of working with Bob, and am so proud that he trusted me on his matters. On my first business trip out of law school, I accompanied Bob to Boston for a significant claim negotiation. In the cab ride to Dulles, he noticed I was looking at one of my first paychecks, and when he looked over at my paystub, he was mortified that I had invested some of my 401k money in a fixed income fund–I will never forget him bellowing, “DJ, you are young, let it ride!” I quickly changed my portfolio to the stock funds. Late that evening in Boston, Bob called my hotel room and asked of I had a calculator, which luckily, I did. (This was before the internet and laptops). He asked if I could bring the calculator to his room, which I did. This was about 11 pm at night, and we had to be at the meeting outside of town by 8 am. Bob was doing some work on the claim numbers. When he answered the door, he was still in his suit. He took the calculator and said, “see you for breakfast”. I realized that this man did not stop working–he was preparing for the meeting late into the night. The next morning, we went to the facility of the entity that we were about to sue for about $40 million in today’s dollars. When we arrived, there were about 20 people in a conference room waiting for us–lawyers and business people from the other side. Two v 20, no problem for Bob. They had a bunch of baked goods that the office secretaries had made and put on the conference room table. Bob introduced us, and listened to their introductions–I swear he memorized every name at the table. Then, he dove into the baked goods, complimenting them for how wonderful they tasted and thanking them for the hospitality–and it was no gimmick, he was sincere. We met into the afternoon, Bob negotiated an incredible settlement (asking me me from time to time to verify a fact, number, etc.–probably to keep me engaged or teach me to be on my toes, because it was clear that he knew the claim inside and out). When we left, they all shook his hand and thanked him for coming. I think a few of them even hugged him–and they had just agreed to pay him millions of dollars for something they steadfastly asserted they owed nothing (often with raised voices). They loved him! From time to time, I think about that 24 hours that I spent with Bob one-on-one so early in my career and realize how much I learned from him in such little time–thinking ahead, hard work, knowing your audience, knowing your facts, being genuine, etc. I am so glad my path crossed with yours, RGW!

Bob
I am happy that you are at peace after your long bout with Parkinson’s. It was a privilege to have known you for all these years as a friend and law partner. You were one of the greatest leaders I have ever been around. May you rest in Peace.

Bob Watt was my boss and mentor for over a decade – at a time that seems a life time ago. A single word repeatedly comes to mind when thinking of him: “relentless”. He was a commanding keyman at the firm – his drive, zeal and competitiveness were relentless. He was a loyal mentor and friend – and his loyalty and support felt relentless. He could be an exhausting and utterly infuriating boss – his exacting standards and intensity were relentless. Mostly, he was an inspirational leader to those privileged to know and work with him – his commitment to his family, firm and practice seemed relentless. To say that he was a force of nature, while trite, was true. Bob Watt’s energy and steadfast direction kept the world at the firm on its axis. His persona among my peers was iconic. Warning signals of his approach caused young attorneys to blanch until signaled that Elvis had left the building. Attorneys and clients alike sensed a heightened gravity of import upon Bob Watt’s presence in a negotiation room and I personally felt both smug and relieved for the advantage. Bystanders who never met the man wondered aloud why his associates mimicked Jack Nicholson’s voice whenever referring to him by name – and always by full name – “Bob Watt” – regardless of rapport. After daring to found a law firm with his peers as a young attorney and ambitiously expanding the firm’s offices nationally and practice internationally, one appreciated that he exhibited the same optimistic vision and fervor in so many other aspects of his life as well. Nearly equal to his determination, he had a fun-loving and humorous side that was endearing – whether good-naturedly competing in firm softball games; badly dancing with abandon at each celebration; or hosting Christmas parties for co-workers and reunions for family and friends. It was especially poignant and grounding to glimpse this lion of a man in the office transform into a proud, protective and devoted father whenever his children were present. While it has been a life time since I was so fortunate to work with this man, to this day he has generated in me an aspiration to do my very best no matter the task, to face obstacles and adversity fully prepared and with determination, and to cherish my family as my axis. You have long been entitled to rest Bob Watt. I trust and pray that you are now resting well in peace.

What a legend. Will miss him

Bob was an amazing man and an even more talented attorney and mentor. Bob was so full of energy and talent and Bob had an ability to set a course for any construction or surety litigation matter . My professional time working with Bob and all at WTK&H was an experience that will never escape my memory. Bob was one of a kind and a man to be respected . His magnetism was also another character that drew you to Bob . He cared for the people at the Firm and made you proud to be part of WTK&H. Every time I hear the song “Celebration” , I immediately see Bob on the dance floor with a big smile on his face surrounded by happy people committed to his Team. Bob was one of a kind.

I worked at WTHF for over 6 years before my retirement. My desk was situated not far from Bob’s office. I remember him as a lovely gentleman who always had a smile and a kind word for all as walked around the firm, from senior partners to the secretaries. Rest In Peace, Bob, and my condolences to your family & former colleagues & friends.