About Our Firm
WATTERS LAW OFFICE
AVIATION CRASH LITIGATION
PERSONAL INJURY & WRONGFUL DEATHM
AVIATION CRASH LITIGATION
WRONGFUL DEATH
PERSONAL INJURIES, BURNS, BRAIN INJURY
AUTO/TRUCK/BIKE ACCIDENTS
PRODUCT LIABILITY
SNOWMOBILE, BOAT
DEFECTIVE HOME AND COMMERCIAL
PROPERTY
PREMIES/DRAM SHOP
Stephen Watters of Watters Law Office has over 28 years of experience in
handling aviation crash cases and other complex wrongful death and serious
injury cases. He spent almost 20 years at the Rider Bennett law firm and was
the Chair of the Plaintiff's Practice Group and the Aviation Practice Group. In
2007 he founded Watters Law Office to continue to represent clients in
aviation and other areas of the law. He has handled over 100 claims arising
from aircraft and helicopter crashes. During this time, he has tried and
litigated cases in state and federal courts throughout the country.
Stephen Watters has tried complex aviation cases involving commercial
aircraft, general aviation, and military aircraft. He also has tried Federal Tort
Claims cases involving the FAA and air traffic controllers. Given Steve's
experience in aviation law and regulations, he represents aircraft owners,
operators, pilots, charter companies, fixed base operators, in all aspects of
their business including FAA matters.
Stephen's trial practice has included many areas of civil litigation including
auto crashes, semi truck crashes, railroads, snowmobiles, boats, dram
shop, premises, and product liability claims. He also has tried a number of
cases involving issues of defective homes and commercial properties
representing owners, builders, inspectors, subcontractors, and
manufacturers.
EDUCATION
WILLIAM MITCHEL COLLEGE OF LAW
J.D., 1980, with Honors
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
B.S., Business Administration, with Honors, 1975
LAW CLERK, JUDGE GERALD W. HEANEY, 1978-1980
United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
BAR ADMISSIONS:
Minnesota State and Federal Court; Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals; Pro hac
Vice admissions: Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, Tennessee,
California, Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, and other states.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
"Super Lawyer" Minnesota Law & Politics, Repeat Award
"Outstanding Lawyer in America"
Law & Leader Attorneys
Martindale Hubbel "AV" Rating
RECENT PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
The Impact of September 11th on Tort Law & Insurance, Stephen P. Watters,
Joseph S. Lawder, 29 William Mitchell Law Review 809 (2003)
The Permanent Impact of September 11th, Bench & Bar, Sept. 23, 2002
"Weather-Related Aviation Accidents, Plaintiff's View," CLE Presentation, 15th
Annual Aviation Law & Insurance Symposium, Embry-Riddle, Daytona Beach,
Florida, 2002
Contributor, ATLA Aviation Law Section, Newsletter
"After the Crash". TRIAL (ATLA May 2000)
Minnesota CLE 'Trains, Planes & Automobiles-Expert Witnesses", 2002