Brian Watkins

Brian Watkins

Deputy District Attorney, Civil Rights Division

Brian launched his legal career in 1993 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. As a prosecutor trying both misdemeanor and felony cases, ranging from fraud to murder, Brian earned a reputation as a fierce and persuasive advocate for the people of Georgia. He was also known to have a penchant for fairness. That same fierce advocacy and fairness carried over to Brian’s civil practice. He represented criminal defendants, plaintiffs who suffered personal injuries caused by others, and victims of workplace harassment or discrimination in violation of Title VII, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (“A.D.A”). His practice also included representing private persons, government officials, and businesses involved in civil or administrative disputes. Notable cases include Williamson v. Dep't of Human Res., 258 Ga. App. 113 (2002), which overcame state sovereign immunity to make the A.D.A. applicable to employees of the State of Georgia; and Roberts v. Deal, 290 Ga. 705 (2012), which reversed the Governor’s order and reinstated elected members to a local board of education.

Brian’s return to the public sector with the office of the Fulton County District Attorney was motivated by his desire to do meaningful work in the criminal justice system whereby veracity is valued, the community is protected, justice is served, and fair treatment is provided to all stakeholders. Brian is a graduate of Howard University (B.A. 1990), and Tulane Law School (J.D. 1993). Brian is a native of Augusta, Georgia, and has made his home in metro Atlanta since 1999. It is where he lives with his wife and where they raised their two children. When he’s not working, you may find him running half marathon races or working out at his local gym.