Watson Spence LLP proudly announces the promotion of two exceptional attorneys, Summer Cotten and Maggie Cropp, to the position of Partner. Their dedication to excellence and their significant contributions to the firm’s success have earned them this distinguished recognition.

Summer Cotten specializes in real estate law with an emphasis on commercial real estate development, agricultural real estate sales and acquisitions, and residential real estate closings. Since joining Watson Spence in 2021, Summer has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her clients and a mastery of complex real estate matters.

A graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, Summer finished in the top five percent of her class. She also earned two Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Economics and Finance from Valdosta State University, graduating summa cum laude with an Honors College Certificate. Her diverse experience includes serving as a Senior Articles Editor for The Florida Law Review, completing a summer internship and Semester in Practice within the legal department of Flowers Foods, and completing a summer clerkship at Jones Day's Atlanta office.

Summer is deeply invested in the Albany community, serving on the Board of Trustees of the Albany Museum of Art, as a member of the Church Council at First Methodist Church of Albany, and on the Board of Directors for both the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and the ARC of Southwest Georgia. She is also a member of the Junior League of Albany and a graduate of Leadership Albany’s Class of 2024. Outside of her legal practice, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Bradford, on their family farm.

Maggie Cropp focuses her practice on family law, including divorce and post-divorce modifications, as well as complex commercial litigation involving monetary and equitable relief. Since joining Watson Spence in 2019, Maggie has become a trusted advocate for her clients, navigating intricate legal challenges with skill and compassion.

Maggie graduated magna cum laude from Mercer University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate. While in law school, she was a member of the law review, an editor for the Journal of Southern Legal History, and a recipient of multiple CALI awards for academic excellence. Before attending law school, Maggie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mercer University, where she competed as a Division I soccer player, excelling as the goalkeeper for the Mercer Bears Women’s Soccer team.  At the conclusion of her collegiate soccer career, she ranked 18th in the nation in Division 1 active career leaders in total saves.  As the result, in 2021 Maggie was inducted into the Mercer University Athletic Hall of Fame

Committed to making a positive impact, Maggie approaches her work with a dedication to both her clients and the community she serves. Maggie is also a member of the Junior League of Albany. Outside of her legal practice, Maggie enjoys spending time working out and watching sports.