Prior to his appointment, Judge Watson served on the Tenth District Court of Appeals in Franklin County, from May 1, 2003, until September 30, 2004. From January 1, 1996, until April 30, 2003, Judge Watson served on the Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

Before his appointment to the Common Pleas Court, Judge Watson served as Chief Counsel to Governor Voinovich throughout 1994 and 1995. From early 1991 through 1993, he served as Deputy Chief Counsel to the Governor and Chief Counsel for the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Judge Watson practiced law locally from 1988 to 1991.

Judge Watson is a veteran of the United States Air Force and the Ohio Air National Guard. Judge Watson received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University in 1983 and his Juris Doctor degree from Capital University Law School in 1987.

Judge Watson currently serves as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.