Atty. Stephen Watrel

Atty. Stephen Watrel

With an unwavering commitment to justice, Steve Watrel has dedicated his legal career to fighting for the rights of those who have suffered abuse and neglect in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. For the past 25 years, Mr.

Jacksonville Jacksonville 34 yrs experience 34 year
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Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect & More Attorney · Serving Jacksonville, FL · 34+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Stephen Watrel at a Glance

Stephen Watrel is a Shareholder based in Jacksonville, Florida, practicing at Coker Law. They have 34+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1992. Their practice focuses on car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury, and business. Admitted to practice in Florida (1992), U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida (1993), and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit (1993). Educated at Syracuse University (J.D., 1992) and Tulane University (B.S.M., 1989). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Jacksonville, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Stephen Watrel

  • With an unwavering commitment to justice, Steve Watrel has dedicated his legal career to fighting for the rights of those who have suffered abuse and neglect in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
  • For the past 25 years, Mr. Watrel has been a tenacious and passionate lawyer serving the Jacksonville area, bringing his expertise and compassion to each case he handles
  • Mr. Watrel earned his J.D. from Syracuse University in 1992 and soon after became a member of the Florida Bar and U.S
  • District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • In 1993, he founded his own law firm, Steve Watrel, P.A., after gaining valuable experience in a prominent litigation firm for one year
  • Nursing home and assisted living abuse and neglect cases form the cornerstone of Mr. Watrel's practice
  • As a Martindale-Hubbell A.V. rated civil trial lawyer, he has achieved the esteemed "legal expert" designation, which attests to his unparalleled competence and expertise
  • Mr. Watrel's passion for helping victims and their families is evident in his tireless dedication to securing the best possible outcomes for them
  • Throughout his 25-year career, he has obtained numerous substantial results, including six- and seven-figure settlements, solidifying his reputation as a leading trial lawyer in this specialized field
  • Beyond his legal work, Mr. Watrel actively contributes to various professional, fraternal, and civic organizations, often assuming leadership roles
  • He is a long-standing EAGLE member of the Florida Justice Association, where he currently serves on the Board of Directors and chairs the Nursing Home Task Force
  • Additionally, he is a valued member of the Continuing Legal Education Committee
  • Mr. Watrel's contributions extend to the Jacksonville Justice Association, where he served as President and continues to be involved as a member of the Board of Directors
  • In addition to his legal and professional commitments, Mr. Watrel demonstrates his dedication to the community through his active involvement with charitable organizations
  • He generously donates his time and resources to support causes such as Home Instead Senior Care, Seniors on a Mission, and various senior advocate organizations
  • When he is not practicing law, Mr. Watrel enjoys quality time with his two daughters and French Bulldog puppy, Savannah
  • He also finds solace in hiking, exercising, and traveling
  • Steve Watrel's unwavering dedication to seeking justice for victims of abuse and neglect is matched by his deep commitment to the community he serves
  • With his compassionate approach, extensive experience, and proven track record, he stands as a steadfast advocate, ensuring that the rights of those in need are protected

Practice Areas Explained

Stephen Watrel's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Stephen Watrel handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Jacksonville.

Car Accidents in Jacksonville

Hurt in a car crash? Car accident lawyers fight insurance companies for fair compensation — free consult, no fee unless you win.

Stephen Watrel is one of 36,434 car accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse car accidents attorneys in Florida →

Medical Malpractice in Jacksonville

Medical malpractice lawyers represent patients harmed by negligent doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Free case review, no fee unless you win.

Stephen Watrel is one of 48,593 medical malpractice attorneys indexed nationally. Browse medical malpractice attorneys in Florida →

Wrongful Death in Jacksonville

Stephen Watrel is one of 30,932 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in Florida →

Personal Injury in Jacksonville

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Stephen Watrel is one of 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Florida →

Business & Corporate Law in Jacksonville

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Stephen Watrel is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Florida →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Jacksonville

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

Jacksonville Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Jacksonville-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Jacksonville or all attorneys in Florida.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Stephen Watrel

Where is Stephen Watrel's law office located?
Stephen Watrel's law practice is located in Jacksonville, Florida. The firm is Coker Law. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Stephen Watrel handle?
Stephen Watrel focuses on car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury, business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Florida.
How long has Stephen Watrel practiced law?
Stephen Watrel has 34+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1992.
Where did Stephen Watrel go to law school?
Stephen Watrel earned their education at (J.D., 1992); (B.S.M., 1989).
How can I contact Stephen Watrel for a consultation?
You can contact Stephen Watrel 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 Stephen Watrel received?
Stephen Watrel's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Jacksonville Choose Stephen Watrel

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Stephen Watrel's practice in the field of car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury, and business.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Stephen Watrel brings 34+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Florida, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, Stephen Watrel can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering car accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death, Stephen Watrel can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Jacksonville

A Jacksonville-based practice means Stephen Watrel attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Stephen Watrel Handles in Jacksonville

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Stephen Watrel has experience with under Florida law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Surgical error claims
Medical Malpractice
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis
Medical Malpractice
Birth injury lawsuits
Medical Malpractice
Hospital negligence
Medical Malpractice
Car accident injury claims
Personal Injury
Slip and fall cases
Personal Injury
Wrongful death suits
Personal Injury
Workers' compensation appeals
Personal Injury
Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Stephen Watrel directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Stephen Watrel Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Jacksonville commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Stephen Watrel.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Stephen Watrel directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
Syracuse University
- 1992
B.S.M.
Tulane University
- 1989

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Florida
Admitted: 1992
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
Admitted: 1993
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
Admitted: 1993

Client Reviews & Ratings — Stephen Watrel

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