About Us

 Kristen A. Friedel graduated magna cum laude from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2015. Following graduation, she began her  legal career as an Assistant District Attorney with the Bristol County  District Attorney’s Office, where she served for four years. During her tenure, she prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases and developed  extensive trial experience. Her strong advocacy and leadership skills led to her promotion to Deputy Supervisor in the Taunton District Court, where she oversaw fellow prosecutors and managed high-volume trial dockets.
After her time in prosecution, Kristen joined the Massachusetts  Department of Correction’s Sexually Dangerous Person (SDP) Unit, where she handled complex litigation involving civil commitment and public safety issues.
Building on her broad courtroom experience, Kristen transitioned to private practice, where she spent approximately five years representing individuals in Massachusetts Superior and District Courts, as well as before the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Her practice included both criminal defense and appellate advocacy.
In addition to her criminal and appellate work, Kristen represents clients in immigration matters, including removal proceedings before the Immigration Court and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Her dedication to justice and her clients is reflected in her commitment to providing compassionate, thorough, and effective  representation in every case. 

 Judson S. Watt was born and raised in Rhode Island and has dedicated over 15 years to the practice of Immigration Law. His career has been guided by a deep commitment to justice and compassion for individuals and families navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
Judson is a graduate of School One in Providence, Rhode Island — a  progressive high school that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and community engagement. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island, where he studied History and Political  Science. Judson later obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Massachusetts School of Law, the Commonwealth’s only public law school, known for its mission of preparing lawyers to pursue justice and serve the public good.
Throughout his career, Judson has worked with clients from diverse  countries and cultural backgrounds. He has extensive experience working with the National Visa Center (NVC), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and represents clients in removal proceedings before  the Immigration Court. His practice is marked by a strong commitment to protecting his clients’ rights and helping them achieve stability and  opportunity in the United States. 

 Natalie Rivas is a Paralegal at Watt, Sylvia & Friedel, where she has been a dedicated member of the team for nearly ten years. Throughout her career with Watt, Sylvia & Friedel, she has advanced through several roles within the firm, demonstrating exceptional  professionalism, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to client  service.
A bilingual professional, Natalie effectively bridges communication  between attorneys and clients, ensuring that every client feels informed and supported throughout the legal process. She graduated from high school in 2018, where she was recognized for her academic excellence as a member of the National Honor Society. In 2020, she earned her  Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a  second Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies to further strengthen her legal expertise.
 

Coming from an immigrant family, Natalie understands firsthand the  challenges faced by those navigating the immigration system. Her background has inspired a deep passion for helping immigrant communities and contributing to the firm’s mission of providing accessible,  compassionate, and effective legal representation. 

  Ashley Latz is the Secretary at Watt, Sylvia & Friedel, where she provides essential administrative and client support to the firm’s immigration practice. She has over four years of experience in the  immigration field and plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation  of the firm’s daily activities.
A 2018 high school graduate, Ashley began her professional career in  customer service, where she developed exceptional organizational and  communication skills that continue to enhance her work in a legal setting. Of Guatemalan heritage and the daughter of immigrant parents, she possesses a strong appreciation for the challenges faced by immigrant families and is deeply committed to assisting clients as they  navigate complex immigration processes.
 

During her high school years, Ashley competed in two SkillsUSA competitions, demonstrating her dedication to professional excellence and continuous growth. She brings that same level of diligence and  professionalism to her work at Watt, Sylvia & Friedel, contributing  to the firm’s mission of providing high-quality legal services with integrity and compassion.