Dorsett Recalls Sir Gerald Watt as Fearless Advocate, Demanding Mentor and Builder of Legal Legacy
Attorney David Dorsett delivered a deeply personal tribute Wednesday to Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt, portraying the late senior counsel as a relentless advocate for justice, a demanding but compassionate mentor, and a lawyer who built a legal legacy grounded in principle rather than convenience.
Speaking during the official funeral service at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Dorsett reflected on more than 20 years working alongside Sir Gerald in legal practice, describing him as a “giant of a man” whose presence, discipline and standards shaped not only a law firm, but generations of attorneys.
Dorsett structured his tribute around Psalm 90, noting that Sir Gerald lived for 31,771 days — nearly 87 years — and used those days with purpose. He said Sir Gerald understood that life was bounded and brief, but believed deeply in using that time to build institutions that would endure.
“He built something that he intended was to last,” Dorsett said, referring to the law firm Sir Gerald founded and carefully architected. He said those who followed him were left with “big shoes to fill,” but also a clear blueprint for professional conduct.
Dorsett described Sir Gerald as a lawyer who rejected easy money and was often drawn to hard cases others avoided. He said Sir Gerald viewed the law as a tool to help people in trouble, not to profit from their distress, and was driven by a desire to see justice prevail wherever possible.
“He taught me very early that conceding under pressure is an ill-advised course,” Dorsett said, adding that Sir Gerald believed concession must always be based on principle, not pragmatism.
The tribute detailed Sir Gerald’s exacting standards in practice, including his insistence on rigorous preparation, precise drafting and respect for procedure. Dorsett said Sir Gerald did not want to be on the losing side of a legal argument and was selective about the battles he chose, guided by both strategy and principle.
Dorsett recalled first meeting Sir Gerald in 2004 after completing bar school in England, saying he deliberately sought to work under him because of his reputation for appearing before the Privy Council and his standing as a courtroom advocate. Sir Gerald led him in one High Court trial before placing full confidence in him to stand on his own.
He described Sir Gerald as firm and, at times, harsh, but said the tough conversations were always aimed at professional growth. Dorsett said Sir Gerald treated younger lawyers as sons and daughters, holding them to high standards while remaining personally invested in their success.
Beyond the courtroom, Dorsett spoke of Sir Gerald’s hands-on leadership style and sense of responsibility toward those around him. He recalled Sir Gerald ensuring members of his firm were vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic and personally accompanying colleagues to medical appointments, describing him as deeply attentive to the welfare of others.
Dorsett also highlighted Sir Gerald’s seriousness about public office, noting his careful study of parliamentary procedure during his tenure as Speaker of the House and his refusal to be a scapegoat for matters beyond his control while serving as chairman of the Electoral Commission.
Despite health challenges later in life, Dorsett said Sir Gerald never lost his passion for the law, remaining meticulous, informed and forward-looking, with clear plans for the future of his firm and the profession.
“He cared deeply about honor,” Dorsett said, adding that those left behind would seek to honor Sir Gerald’s memory by being honorable “in word, thought and deed.”
Sir Gerald Watt died on Dec. 13, 2025, six days before his 87th birthday. He served Antigua and Barbuda as attorney general, parliamentarian, Speaker of the House and senior advocate, and was widely regarded as one of the country’s most formidable courtroom lawyers.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
