We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Robert Watts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon Robert, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I hope to be remembered as the number one criminal defense attorney in America, but more importantly, as someone whose passion for uplifting Black voices in the criminal justice system was at the heart of everything I did. My journey has always been about more than just legal victories; it’s about giving a voice to those who have been silenced and ensuring that justice is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all. I want my legacy to reflect my dedication to reforming a system that has disproportionately targeted Black communities, and I want to inspire future generations of Black lawyers to continue fighting for equality and fairness in every courtroom.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of The People’s Justice Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to criminal justice reform. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to engaging directly with the communities we serve. We focus on parole advocacy, making sure that people who deserve a second chance have a fair opportunity to return to society. We also provide youth mentoring, helping young people—especially those at risk—avoid the pitfalls of the criminal justice system by offering guidance, support, and education. One of the things I’m most proud of is our ‘Know Your Rights’ training, where we empower individuals in the community to understand their legal rights and navigate encounters with law enforcement.

Getting to this point has not been easy. The road to building The People’s Justice Collective has been filled with challenges, from securing funding to gaining trust in the community. But overcoming these hurdles has taught me perseverance. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is that change doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a gradual process that requires consistency and a genuine connection with the people you’re trying to help.

What I want the world to know about me and The People’s Justice Collective is that we are here to make a lasting impact. We’re not just talking about reform; we’re actively working to ensure that marginalized voices—especially in Black communities—are heard and protected. I believe in justice that goes beyond the courtroom and into the streets, and that’s what drives me every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is an incredible city with so much to offer, especially when it comes to supporting Black-owned businesses and cultural experiences. For food, I have to shout out Slutty Vegan—it’s one of my favorite spots for a great, plant-based burger that’s got everyone talking. Another great place is Busy Bee Café, which has been a staple in Atlanta for decades and serves up some of the best soul food in the city.

When it comes to things to do, I always recommend visiting the Auburn Avenue area—the heart of Black history and culture in Atlanta. You can’t miss the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and, of course, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. It’s a powerful experience that really connects you to the history and the progress that has been made, while also highlighting the work that still needs to be done. Atlanta is rich with culture, and these Black-owned spots are perfect examples of the spirit and resilience that make the city so special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a huge shoutout to my parents, especially my mom, who raised me in a single-parent household and believed in me no matter what, and my dad, who has shown me the power of resilience by overcoming his own challenges. Their love and support have been the foundation of everything I do. I also want to recognize trailblazing criminal defense attorneys like Johnnie Cochran, who helped free O.J. Simpson. I remember watching that trial on YouTube as a kid and thinking to myself, ‘I want to be just like that person one day.’ That moment lit a fire in me to pursue criminal defense and fight for justice. Lastly, I have to give recognition to Howard University School of Law, which has paved the path for me and truly showed me what it means to be a social engineer—using the law as a tool to uplift my community and bring about meaningful change.

Instagram: @brandonrobertwatts

Linkedin: https://LinkedIn.com/brandonrobertwatts

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.