The Hon. Beth Watkins

Biography

Justice Beth Watkins (J.D. ’02) served on the Fourth Court of Appeals from 2019 to 2024. During her time on the bench, she developed critical insight into the judicial decision-making process and the factors that give a jurist confidence in a ruling. She was proud of her ability to work with her colleagues to reach the right result for the right reasons. As a result of Watkins’ persuasive and collaborative leadership style — combined with her keen understanding of public policy and procedural and substantive law — she never had to author a dissenting opinion in her six years on the bench, and her reversal rate was among the lowest on the court.

In 2025, Watkins joined forces with respected colleagues in Houston and Dallas to form Kelly Watkins McPheeters LLP, a statewide appellate firm of former justices, board-certified appellate specialists and experienced litigators. In private practice, she has represented clients in more than 200 appeals to state and federal appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and most intermediate appellate courts in Texas. She has been Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law since 2008.

Watkins is a committed community servant. She is a Past President of the San Antonio Bar Association, San Antonio Bar Foundation, Community Justice Foundation, and the San Antonio Bar Association Appellate Practice Section. She also served on the State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee and the St. Mary’s Law Alumni Association. She currently serves on the State Bar of Texas Pattern Jury Charge Committee for Malpractice, Premises, and Products, the Amicus Committee of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, as an elected Director of the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association, and as an elected Council Member of the State Bar of Texas Appellate Section. She is a Life Fellow of both the San Antonio Bar Foundation and Texas Bar Foundation.

In addition, Watkins has held several teaching positions at her alma mater, St. Mary’s University School of Law. She currently teaches courses in state pretrial practice and police liability. She has also taught constitutional law and legal research and writing, in addition to holding small administrative roles.

Watkins was born and raised in San Antonio. She enjoys her hometown’s vibrant arts, culture and restaurant scene. In her free time, she loves to visit far-flung locales and experience new and different cultures.

• Super Lawyer-Appellate Law-Texas Monthly, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
• Rising Star-Appellate Law-Texas Monthly, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
• Best Lawyers in San Antonio-Appellate Law-Scene in SA Monthly, 2007-2019
• Outstanding Young Lawyer of San Antonio-San Antonio Young Lawyers Association, 2007