Watson Spence announces that Faison Middleton is stepping down from his role as Managing Partner after 15 years, with Chris Foreman assuming the position. Middleton will continue serving the firm as a partner and practicing attorney and will remain actively engaged in client work and firm leadership.

Middleton was first elected Managing Partner in December 2009 during a pivotal period of transition for the firm. Over the past decade and a half, he has guided Watson Spence through generational leadership changes, attorney transitions into the judiciary and corporate roles, strategic growth, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic—all while maintaining a robust litigation practice.

“I am incredibly thankful for all that I learned, my personal growth, and for the trust placed in me to shepherd Watson Spence for 15 years,” said Middleton. “We have adapted and grown, while remaining focused on our culture, dedication to clients, and commitment to our community and the State. The firm transcends any one group of leaders, and I am confident it is well-positioned to serve our clients for decades to come.”

Reflecting on his decision, Middleton emphasized the importance of leadership evolution. “Organizations thrive with leaders who have longer time horizons. It was simply time. I look forward to supporting younger leadership, fresh ideas, and continuing to contribute as a partner.”

Middleton also expressed strong confidence in the firm’s next leader. “Chris has earned the trust of our partners, staff, and leadership team through his service, insight, and commitment to the firm. He is thoughtful, perceptive, and selfless in his approach. I am confident he will lead Watson Spence with integrity while guiding us into our next chapter.”

Foreman joined Watson Spence in 2014 and has built a practice focused on civil litigation, including complex matters such as construction defect, premises liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases.  For the last year and a half Foreman has headed the employment law practice at the firm. He has represented clients at both the trial and appellate levels and continues to work across a broad range of litigation matters.

An active member of the legal community, Foreman has served with the Albany Young Lawyers Division and the Dougherty Circuit Bar Association. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Georgia Rising Star from 2020 through 2023 and was named “One of the Best” attorneys in the Albany Herald’s 2019 Reader’s Choice Awards for the Tifton, Sylvester, and Moultrie areas. 

A native of Albany, Foreman is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and the University of Georgia School of Law. He is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia, as well as the Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.

“I am honored to step into the role of Managing Partner and continue building on the strong foundation established by Faison and those who came before him. They’ve set a standard of excellence here, and I’m cognizant of a learning curve,” said Foreman. “We’re two years away from our 80th year anniversary, and Watson Spence clearly has a long-standing commitment to its clients, its people, and this community. I want to continue that commitment, and I look forward to working alongside our team as we continue to grow, develop talent, serve our clients, and thoughtfully navigate the opportunities ahead.”

This transition reflects Watson Spence’s ongoing commitment to developing leadership from within while ensuring continuity for its clients and community.