C. Edward “Eddie” Watson II
C. Edward “Eddie” Watson II is a Wichita-based Foulston Siefkin partner with more than 30 years’ experience. Eddie’s practice presently focuses on real estate leasing, owners associations, and clients either doing business with or seeking legal representation before governmental entities.
Eddie’s leasing practice includes advising landlords, tenants, and developers on commercial leases. He reviews, negotiates and revises commercial lease agreements, extensions and amendments; letters of intent; subordination and non-disturbance agreements; and estoppel certificates for retail, office, and industrial spaces. Additionally, he represents homeowners’ and business associations in managing developments; dealing with covenants, conditions, and restrictions for properties; transfers and control of ownership; and establishing boundaries.
Governmental affairs and public policy law also comprise a large part of Eddie’s practice. He has built and maintained relationships with key individuals – including lobbyists, elected and appointed officials, and staff members – that prove valuable in advancing clients’ interests and issues. Drawing on his experience as a regional governmental affairs attorney for AT&T in Chicago, he helps clients navigate the maze of federal policies and agencies, advises on how processes work in Washington, and provides introductions to those who can help them accomplish their goals.
Eddie often represents clients in matters before state regulatory commissions, courts, and local governmental bodies. His representation of a natural gas company before the Kansas Corporation Commission allowed it to obtain a Certificate of Service Authority in Kansas, and he continues to assist the company in filing its annual compliance dockets and rate matters. On behalf of a wireless broadband company, Eddie negotiated multiple franchise agreements with municipalities, allowing it to operate and develop business in Kansas. This representation increased the value of the company, which later sold to a national wireless infrastructure developer for a significant premium. Earlier in his career, Eddie’s negotiation and settlement of a client’s claim with a municipal entity allowed the company to avoid bankruptcy.
Eddie represents religious institutions in their real property disputes stemming from intra-ecclesiastical conflicts. A Kansas appellate decision stemming from one of these cases has since been cited in matters across the country. Eddie also spent a substantial part of his career advising both employers and employees in complex litigation cases involving employment discrimination.
Eddie and his wife are the parents of three children. Outside of his law practice, he enjoys honing his cooking skills, is an ordained elder in the Church of God in Christ, and serves on the board of directors of the Kansas African American Museum.
Education
Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 1990)
University of Kansas (BA in Political Science, 1987)
Admissions
U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas (2007)
U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado (2011)
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (1990)
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (2004)
Illinois (1990)
Kansas (2007)