Our Partners in Kansas Real Property Law
Two seasoned trial attorneys. Decades of combined courtroom experience. Direct partner access on every case we accept.
David E. Watson
David E. Watson is a named partner at Baker, Storey, & Watson, bringing more than 25 years of sophisticated trial litigation and appellate experience to the Topeka community. His practice focuses heavily on business law, civil litigation, and real estate matters.
A Foundation in Excellence
Mr. Watson launched his legal career with a prestigious appointment as an appellate law clerk to the late Judge Robert J. Lewis Jr. at the Kansas Court of Appeals. This early immersion in the judicial system provided him with deep insights into advanced legal analysis and judicial decision-making. It established the sharp research and writing foundations that define his advocacy style today.
Academic Distinction
Mr. Watson earned his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from the Washburn University School of Law in 1998. During his time at Washburn, he excelled academically and was a member of the Washburn Law Journal. He is a published legal author, having penned a definitive piece on constitutional mechanics and state ballot initiative structures ("Be it Enacted by the People of the State of Kansas..."). He also holds a Bachelor of Science, Computer Science from the University of Alabama at Huntsville (1991).
Dual Business Leadership
In addition to his active law practice, Mr. Watson is deeply embedded in the local business landscape. He concurrently serves as the President and CEO of Watson Real Estate Development Inc., where he oversees residential construction, property management, and strategic local development. This real-world corporate leadership gives him an invaluable, practical understanding of commercial transactions, contract demands, and regulatory hurdles—allowing him to advise business clients from a perspective of true firsthand experience.
Admissions & Affiliations
- Kansas State Bar, 1998
- Missouri State Bar, 1999 (Inactive)
Practice Focus
- Business Law
- Civil Litigation
- Real Estate Matters
- Appellate Advocacy
Outside the Office
When he is not in the courtroom or managing development projects, David is an avid sailing enthusiast, enjoying time spent navigating open waters.
Schedule a ConsultationElizabeth A. Baker
Elizabeth "Betsy" Baker is a founding and named partner at Baker, Storey, & Watson. With over a decade of dedicated legal practice in Topeka and the surrounding region, Ms. Baker provides comprehensive representation spanning civil litigation, commercial law, real estate, and probate. Known for her strategic approach and versatile courtroom skills, she guides both individuals and corporate entities through complex legal disputes.
Deep Academic and Analytical Roots
Ms. Baker is a double alumna of Washburn University, holding deep ties to Topeka's premier academic institutions. She completed her undergraduate studies at Washburn, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Economics and Finance, magna cum laude. This robust financial background provides her with a distinct advantage in the legal sector, allowing her to analyze complex corporate assets, evaluate economic damages, and dissect intricate financial records with a level of precision that few general litigators possess.
Legal Distinction
Following her undergraduate success, Ms. Baker earned her Juris Doctor from the Washburn University School of Law. During her law school tenure, she excelled in legal research and writing, earning a coveted position as a member of the Washburn Law Journal. Her time on the journal refined the sharp analytical skills and meticulous drafting style that she brings to high-stakes motions and appellate briefs today.
A Diverse and Proven Litigation Record
Ms. Baker has built a diverse practice capable of addressing multifaceted legal challenges. Her comprehensive trial and administrative experience includes representing clients in high-stakes commercial litigation, real estate transactions, and administrative appeals. She is highly regarded for her work in real property law and probate—giving her the unique ability to protect her clients' interests from multiple strategic angles.
Comprehensive Business and Real Estate Acumen
Prior to anchoring her practice at Baker, Storey, & Watson in 2017, Ms. Baker refined her litigation skills as an associate attorney with Engel Law, P.A. in Topeka. Her profound understanding of business law and regulatory compliance is further enhanced by her practical involvement in the local property market. As a Kansas licensed real estate salesperson, she brings a unique, real-world transactional perspective to the firm's corporate contracts, property management disputes, and real estate development portfolios.
Practice Focus
- Civil Litigation
- Commercial Law
- Real Estate
- Probate
Education
- J.D., Washburn University School of Law
- BBA Economics & Finance, magna cum laude
- Washburn Law Journal
- Kansas Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Work Directly With Our Partners
Every matter is led by David E. Watson or Elizabeth A. Baker personally. We do not pass your file down to junior associates or paralegals.
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