W. Watts Burks IV

Watts represents business clients in corporate and commercial real estate transactions, specializing in contract drafting and negotiation, corporate governance, land use, and real estate. Watts also has extensive experience advising local government entities and has represented numerous local public boards and authorities in their transactions and day-to-day affairs.

Originally from Bedford, Virginia, Watts graduated from Furman University with a B.A. in History. He received his law degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law. While there, Watts interned and clerked for the Hon. Charles L. Ricketts, III in the 25th Judicial Circuit of Virginia in Staunton and Waynesboro.

• Advised a real estate developer throughout all aspects of creating a planned residential/retail development including acquisition, local approvals, subdivisions, sales, and leasing.
• Lead associate on many multi-million dollar merger & acquisition transactions.
• Assisted a publicly traded client in a $400mm dollar refinancing.
• Obtained favorable land use results appearing before Zoning Appeals Boards in several Virginia localities.
• Advises on and handles all kinds of real estate transactions, including sales, acquisitions, approvals, and leases for a variety of commercial and local government clients.
• General Counsel to the Bedford Regional Water Authority.
• General Counsel to the Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority.

Recognition

Clerkships

Hon. Charles L. Ricketts III, 25th Judicial Circuit of Virginia in Staunton and Waynesboro

Education

Washington and Lee University School of Law, J.D.

Furman University, B.A.

Admissions

Virginia

U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia

• Local Government Attorneys of Virginia
• Roanoke Bar Association
• Sedalia Center, Board of Directors
• Ted Dalton American Inn of Court
• Virginia Bar Association