Zachary J. Watters

Zachary Watters helps companies in resolving business disputes through negotiation, trial or appeal.

For clients ranging from financial institutions and manufacturers to service providers and professional firms, Zach’s work spans contract disputes, professional negligence, commercial torts, intellectual property issues, product liability claims and class actions. He also manages breach of contract disputes, trademark infringement cases and commercial tort claims.

Having tried jury and bench trials, argued appeals in multiple state and federal courts and defended dozens of high-stakes class actions to dismissal or favorable resolution, Zach guides clients through the litigation lifecycle so they understand what to expect, how to prepare and how to manage the risks associated with complex lawsuits. Beyond litigation, he counsels clients on litigation risk management, especially regarding electronic discovery and remote depositions.

With extensive trial and appellate experience, Zach approaches each case by anticipating the final outcome. He collaborates closely with clients to align litigation strategies with their business goals, whether that means aggressively pursuing a trial win or settling quickly to minimize operational disruption. Known for simplifying complex litigation, Zach keeps an eye on costs, reputational risks and business impact, working to resolve disputes so clients can focus on growth and operations. 

Zach regularly writes and speaks on litigation topics, including class action defense, biometric privacy litigation and changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. By actively participating in the industry, Zach stays at the forefront of emerging issues and can share practical insights with his clients.

Experience

• Secured a trial win for a financial services client, including an injunction requiring a competitor to change its name, protecting the client’s brand and market position.
• Represented a financial institution in consumer fraud and fiduciary duty claims brought by a commercial loan borrower. Successfully argued that the claims were barred by the Illinois Credit Agreement Act, with the appellate court affirming judgment for the client.
• Served on a team that established legal precedent in one of the first appellate cases defining the scope of governmental immunity under Wisconsin law.
• Obtained a favorable judgment for a concrete manufacturer in a breach of warranty and defective product trial, mitigating significant financial exposure.
• Defended numerous companies in putative consumer class actions involving fraud, privacy, and product claims, achieving dismissals or cost-effective settlements in dozens of cases.
• Counseled clients on preparing for and defending remote depositions, ensuring effective witness performance and efficient handling of electronic discovery.