Tucker Ellis LLP is proud to announce that partner Sanford E. Watson has been named among the “2015 Most Influential Black Lawyers” by Savoy Magazine. The list comprises the “best of the best” of Black lawyers who are partners within leading national law firms, and also incorporates counsel from Fortune 1000 corporations.

“It’s gratifying to see Sanford recognized on this prestigious list,” said Tucker Ellis Managing Partner Joe Morford. “His contributions—not only to our firm, but to our entire legal community—make him truly deserving of this honor.”

“Savoy is proud to congratulate those recognized within the 2015 Most Influential Black Lawyers listing,” said L.P. Green II, Savoy publisher. “We salute their achievement and leadership working at the highest levels within firms of influence and global corporations. This is the definitive and most comprehensive list of Black lawyers compiled within the last five years and we’re proud to share their impact with our readers.”

A trial lawyer, Mr. Watson practices in the areas of business litigation, medical products liability, and public law, and has extensive jury trial experience in both the private and public sectors. He began his career as a prosecutor, and formerly served as Chief Prosecutor for the city of Cleveland, as well as the city’s Director of Public Safety.

Mr. Watson is committed to the quality of the legal profession and diversity within it. By appointment, he serves on the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Board of Professional Conduct. A life member of the Judicial Conference of the Ohio Eighth District, he actively engages in conferences designed to improve the state’s legal profession. He received the 2014 Inclusion Innovation Award from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (CMBA), and works to improve law firm diversity through bar association activities, publications, and community speaking engagements. Mr. Watson is a member of the CMBA Diversity & Inclusion Committee and chairs the Tucker Ellis Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Mr. Watson received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College.