Thomas C. Watkins

Member

Tom Watkins’s practice focuses primarily on closely held businesses and investment vehicles. He has extensive experience in representing investors, borrowers and lenders in a broad range of complex transactions, including financings, mergers and acquisitions and restructurings. Mr. Watkins spends significant time representing private equity funds in the structuring, management and sale of their investments. His private equity clients have been involved in transactions throughout the United States and internationally.

Mr. Watkins represents clients in a broad range of industries. His clients, for example, include a large international furniture company and a local group of radio stations. He is regularly involved in structuring relationships among business owners and is often engaged in connection with limited liability company operating agreements and other stakeholder arrangements.

Mr. Watkins also practices in the area of New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC's). His representations include an NMTC allocatee that has participated in NMTC transactions on a national basis.

Mr. Watkins has spent significant time over the years with the North Carolina Bar Association and is currently a member of its Board of Governors.  He is a past chair of the Bar Association's Business Law Section and he has also served as fundraising chair for NC LEAP, the Bar Association’s flagship project that matches North Carolina business lawyers with pro bono opportunities to serve low wealth entrepreneurs.

Mr. Watkins serves as Schell Bray’s Managing Member.

Mr. Watkins is married and has three grown daughters and two grandchildren. He enjoys salt water activities and golf and is an avid fan of college sports.