About Michael G. Watters

Arbitrator, Sonoma, Marin and Napa County Superior Courts. Superior Court Judge (Pro Tem). Mandatory Settlement Conference Panelist, Sonoma and Marin County Courts. Special Master and Discovery Referee, Sonoma County Superior Court. Mediator and Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association. Member, Association of Conflict Resolution. Member, Defense Research Institute, Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of United Way of Sonoma-Mendocino-Lake (1993) and General Campaign Chairman (1990). Member, local Salvation Army Advisory Board. Faculty of Empire School of Law (Professor of Law (Torts) 1990-1992). Selected to Super Lawyers of Northern California 2010.

 

Awards

Reviews for Michael G.

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Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 12 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
92%
4 stars
8%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
5.0
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
January 23, 2024
Hired Attorney

Michael and his team are skilled and experienced at navigating the complexities of family law. There is nothing they haven't seen before and they anticipate what is to come and what is needed for the well being of the children. I was totally lost and confused and had no idea how to proceed; Michael won fair financial equalization between our households so that I could become a better, more stable parent to my children.

 
Civil Litigation
Posted by anonymous
July 21, 2023
Hired Attorney

I have had the pleasure of seeing Mike in action as a discovery referee, legal malpractice expert, and attorney. He is a seasoned litigator and expert who knows what he's doing and easily earns the respect of those who experience his work. The work product from his office is excellent. His integrity is unmatched. Importantly, Mike is an even better human being, and his care is evident at all phases. Shout out to George and Tim from his office who are also incredible to work with.

 
Family Law
Posted by Christopher
June 06, 2023
Hired Attorney

Mr. Waters is not only an exceptionally knowledgable Divorce Lawyer but a highly experienced litigator which is critical should your divorce reach the courts. I believe he represented my interests very well and I had full confidence that he would have won my case had we ended up going to court. However (against his advice) I decided to settle just to be done with the process. I felt he was fair in his billing and I would hire him again if I needed his services.

 
Family Law
Posted by Elle
February 20, 2022
Hired Attorney

Michael Watters is an encyclopedia of knowledge spewing codes, sections, subsections -word for word. It is incredible. I have learned so much from him. He took the time to make sure I understood everything. We talked together extensively, working through different scenarios to pick our best path with each fork we encountered along the way. It was very similar to a chess game, it takes strategy and skill to come out on top. He is definitely the master. In Family Court, he understands that it takes finesse. He walked circles around the other attorneys and made them look silly- all the while being very respectful. He carried himself with such class and earned the respect of everyone in that courtroom. It was amazing to see him in action. If you are looking for the cream of the crop- you don’t need to search any further! As Mike once (or twice) ;) told me, “All it takes is a feather on the Scales of Justice…” So believe me, you want Mike on your side. He was my feather <3

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
September 03, 2020
Hired Attorney

Mr. Watters was recommended to me by a friend. I was going through a divorce, custody battle and eventually a fight against false accusations of abuse. Mr. Watters and his staff got me through the divorce, I won custody of my son and all accusations of abuse were dismissed. After all the accusations and ridiculous filings by my ex wife’s attorney, I came out with everything important. During the trial Mr. Watters experience and knowledge of not only family law, but criminal law was unmatched. Throughout the entire trial process I felt like I was in the best hands possible. I felt like I had the best chance to keep my son and provide for my family. (Two daughters in college) If your looking for the best lawyer to fight for everything you have, I highly recommend Mr.Watters. He is not only very experienced and very knowledgeable, but he was professional and ethical throughout the process, which I really appreciated. I am very thankful that I hired Mr. Watters.

 
Civil Litigation
Posted by anonymous
June 11, 2018
Hired Attorney

Mr Waters has decades of experience and success. the other attorneys and support staff at his office are effective and available.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
June 11, 2018
Hired Attorney

Mr. Watters helped me in gaining 50/50 custody for my three children. He consistently looked out for my best interests and helped to make decisions that would not only work for me, but suited my family as well. He was involved every step of the way, and went out of his way to ensure that I was comfortable and confident with every choice made. He helped me to achieve all my goals and I appreciate all the effort and hard work that Mr. Watters and his staff put into my case. I would highly recommen

 
Business Law
Posted by anonymous
March 16, 2016
Hired Attorney

Some years ago, I hired Mike Watters to represent me in a legal dispute involving another business. Mike and his colleagues were very clear and instructive during all aspects of the dispute. He counseled me on my alternatives, with both the pros and cons. Mike always maintained a positive, collaborative and upbeat attitude. During the deposition and the trial I felt like I was in good hands and was very happy to have Mike as my attorney. He was tough and aggressive with the opposition, whic

 
Real Estate
Posted by anonymous
March 14, 2016
Hired Attorney

We used Michael for a Real Estate Litigation matter that involved a large apartment complex and tenants rights of habitability. Michael and his team were on it from day one and laid out the perfect road map to litigate and win this case. We would use him again and again, and would highly recommend him for any and all Real Estate and litigation matters.

 
Personal Injury
Posted by anonymous
January 27, 2016
Hired Attorney

Michael Watters helped resolve a serious personal injury case for me with professionalism and great competence. The case was settled out-of-court quickly and with a favorable outcome, although I had complete confidence in his ability to provide top-notch representation if the case have gone to court. I would not hesitate to contact Michael Watters again should I have the need for legal representation.

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law
  • Other 4
    • Complex Civil Litigation
    • Insurance Law
    • Employment Litigation
    • Professional Licensing

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1974, California
    1974, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
    1975, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
    Memberships
    Sonoma County, Napa County, Marin County and American Bar Associations
    State Bar of California.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of California, Hastings College of Law
    Class of 1974
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of California at Berkeley
    Class of 1967
    B.S.

    University of California at Berkeley
    Class of 1968
    M.B.A.
  • Military Service
    1st Lt., USMC, 1969-1971
    Maj., USMC, Ret
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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Michael G. Watters was admitted in 1974 to the State of California.
  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Michael G. Watters is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Michael G. Watters has a 5.0 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Michael G. Watters attended University of California, Hastings College of Law.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    O'Brien Watters & Davis, LLP was established in 1982.