Arkansas Deputy Solicitor General Noah Watson Resigned
The former deputy solicitor general departed the office to establish a private legal practice in Searcy.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Deputy Solicitor General Noah Watson has resigned from the Arkansas Attorney General's Office to enter private practice. He recently filed a motion to withdraw as counsel for the state in active litigation involving the Arkansas Board of Corrections and Governor Sarah Sanders.
Why it matters
Watson's departure removes a key member of Attorney General Tim Griffin's legal team from high-profile state litigation. His move to private practice follows a multi-year tenure serving on the state's solicitor general staff.
Official business records filed with the Arkansas Secretary of State confirmed the formation of Watson & Watson LLP on August 25, 2026. The office has initiated legal proceedings to withdraw counsel in ongoing state litigation as of September 2026.
The players
Noah Watson
He is the former deputy solicitor general who served in the Arkansas Attorney General's Office.
Tim Griffin
He is the Arkansas Attorney General who appointed the deputy solicitor general in 2025.
Sarah Sanders
She is the Governor of Arkansas who is currently involved in litigation against the Board of Corrections.
Arkansas Board of Corrections
This is the state entity currently engaged in active litigation where Watson was previously serving as counsel.
The details
Noah Watson joined the staff of the Arkansas Attorney General's Office in January 2023 before being appointed as deputy solicitor general in May 2025 by Tim Griffin. Following the registration of his new firm in Searcy, he moved to remove himself from legal challenges involving the state government.
Timeline
Noah Watson joined the attorney general staff in January 2023.
Tim Griffin appointed Watson as deputy solicitor general in May 2025.
The new law firm Watson & Watson LLP was registered on August 25, 2026.
Watson filed a motion to withdraw as state counsel in September 2026.
Legal Context
The move reflects a common trajectory where state-level legal officials transition into private practice firms after tenure in the public sector. This shift follows the patterns seen in Arkansas' broader legal landscape where attorneys move between state agencies and private litigation.
The withdrawal of counsel in litigation involving the Governor and the Board of Corrections may result in procedural delays for the ongoing state cases. Residents should expect temporary shifts in representation as the Attorney General's Office appoints a successor.
The takeaway
Transitions within high-level government offices often involve significant shifts in legal strategy for active state cases. Professionals moving into the private sector must adhere to strict filing requirements when withdrawing from public-facing litigation.
Further reading
For additional insights into the state's legal environment, visit Criminal Justice.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arkansas Times.
