J. Calhoun Watson, Managing Member of Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC, has been appointed to the board of directors of Meritas, a global alliance of independent law firms that serves the legal needs of companies across every major jurisdiction and global market.
Cal has been elected from among the 8,400 attorneys in the Meritas Global Alliance of Law Firms network, and he will serve a three-year term. Meritas is an invitation-only alliance of business law firms that connects clients to high-quality, affiliate lawyers throughout the U.S. and worldwide.
“Cal has been helping companies enter and expand in other markets and industries, leveraging their on-the-ground peers across the globe for the benefit of their clients,” said Sona Pancholy, president of Meritas. “As a member of the Meritas board of directors, Cal will drive the continued growth and innovation of our network – in talent, technology, and many more global initiatives.”
Cal has practiced for over 35 years, representing individuals, local and national businesses, partnerships, insurance companies, and financial institutions in a wide variety of complex business and insurance disputes. During this time, Cal has received many local and national recognitions for his skills and practice. He has been honored by Best Lawyers in America many times, including being named a Lawyer of the Year in 2016, 2022, and 2024. He has been similarly recognized repeatedly by South Carolina “Super Lawyers.” He has been honored multiple years by Chambers U.S.A. on its America’s Leading Lawyers for Business directory.
Cal is a past president of the South Carolina Bar, the South Carolina Bar Foundation, and the John Belton O’Neall Inn of Court. He has been a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel since 2005.
“It is a true honor to help lead Meritas forward in its service to attorneys and clients around the world,” he said. “Robinson Gray has greatly appreciated its involvement with Meritas since the beginning.”