Atty. Michael G. Watters

Atty. Michael G. Watters

Arbitrator, Sonoma, Marin and Napa County Superior Courts. Superior Court Judge (Pro Tem).

Santa Rosa Santa Rosa 52 yrs experience 52 year
Call (707) 581-8372 Email Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Michael G. Watters at a glance

Michael G. Watters is a Managing Partner based in Santa Rosa, California, practicing at O'Brien Watters & Davis, LLP. They have 52+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1974. Their practice focuses on family law, employment, ip, litigation, and insurance. Admitted to practice in California (1974), U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (1974), and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1975). Educated at University of California, Hastings College of Law (J.D., 1974) and University of California at Berkeley (B.S. University, 1967). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Sonoma County, Napa County, Marin County and American Bar Associations State Bar of California. Serands clients in Santa Rosa, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • 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

Practice Areas Explained

Michael G. Watters's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael G. Watters handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Michael G. Watters is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Michael G. Watters is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in California →

Intellectual Property

IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.

Michael G. Watters is one of 106,079 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in California →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Michael G. Watters is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →

Insurance Law

Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.

Michael G. Watters is one of 121,912 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Santa Rosa are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Santa Rosa or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael G. Watters

Where is Michael G. Watters's law office located?
Michael G. Watters's law practice is located in Santa Rosa, California. The firm is O'Brien Watters & Davis, LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael G. Watters handle?
Michael G. Watters focuses on family law, employment, ip, litigation, insurance. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Michael G. Watters practiced law?
Michael G. Watters has 52+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1974.
Where did Michael G. Watters go to law school?
Michael G. Watters earned their education at (J.D., 1974); (B.S. University, 1967).
How can I contact Michael G. Watters for a consultation?
You can contact Michael G. Watters directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael G. Watters received?
Michael G. Watters's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of California, Hastings College of Law
- 1974
B.S. University
University of California at Berkeley
- 1967

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1974
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Admitted: 1974
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Admitted: 1975

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