More Than Two Decades of Progressive Leadership with a Premier International Law Firm

Before founding The Watts Group, Daron practiced for more than 23 years (15 as partner) at global AmLaw 100 law firm Sidley Austin. He began practicing in Los Angeles, focusing on commercial litigation and disputes. After expanding his practice to include government/FDA regulation and policy, Daron split time between the firm’s L.A. and Washington, D.C. offices for 10 years before relocating to Washington, D.C. in 2010 to found and co-lead the firm’s Government Strategies practice. 

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General Counsel for Corporate Clients and Trade Associations

Daron developed his unique versatility and judgement through his experience as outside General Counsel for corporate and trade association clients where he helped his clients succeed in all three branches of government. This experience helps him to better understand how clients’ business units and their Boards view their challenges and opportunities, enhances his ability to connect with their business team, and to tailor his advice to their big-picture view.

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Strategies Across Branches and Levels of Government

Daron’s broad experience as a strategic counselor enables him to develop, coordinate or execute a client’s strategy on or across multiple “fronts” (legislative, regulatory, litigation) – leveraging a rare combination of skills, experience and judgment to understand clients’ priorities and add valuable perspective about how to create solutions and how various institutions interrelate to impact law and policy.​

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• Litigation. As a prominent trial and appellate attorney, he amassed scores of victories without ever losing a motion in court.

• Regulatory, enforcement and compliance. As his litigation practice expanded to include the health and nutrition industries, Daron counseled clients on regulatory compliance, enforcement, research and development, marketing, production and product distribution. He has achieved success working with executive departments and agencies, including the White House, HHS, FDA, CMS, CDC, FTC, DOJ, DEA, USDA, DOC and OMB on regulatory and enforcement issues.

• Legislative. Through his pro bono support of a coalition of foundations affiliated with the Congressional Black, Hispanic and Asian Caucuses on health disparities, Daron rounded out his experience to all three branches of government.