Stephen Watkins focuses his practice on complex commercial disputes, including class actions. He represents companies in high-stakes litigation and advises businesses on risk management, operational strategy, and key legal matters affecting their day-to-day operations.
- Defeated class certification in an action brought by investors alleging fraud and breach of fiduciary duty against a financial institution.
- Defeated class certification in an action alleging unfair competition claims against an insurance carrier.
- Defended national insurance companies in breach of contract and bad faith litigation.
- Defended insured businesses and individuals in personal-injury actions, managing litigation strategy, discovery, expert issues, and case resolution.
- Structured and drafted LLC operating agreements and related governance documents for a technology startup and joint venture pursuing venture capital investments.
- Defeated class certification in TCPA claims against a healthcare provider.
- Successfully compelled individual arbitration in class actions under federal consumer protection statutes.
- Obtained summary judgment in complex litigation matters, including employment and privacy-related claims.
- Prevailed on appeal before the Ninth Circuit on Article III standing in a consumer debt collection matter.
- Panelist, “ESG and Climate Litigation Trends for In-House Counsel”, Dentons, June 17, 2025
- Co-Presenter, “A.I. Cadabra: Uncovering Legal Risks from Artificial Intelligence”, Association of Corporate Counsel (Southern California), November 15, 2023
- Panelist, “How to Build a Reputation for ESG Without Greenwashing”, Western Growers Association, May 31, 2023
Admissions
- California
- U.S. District Court, Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California
Memberships
- Corporate Firm Network (CFN), Langston Bar Association, Chair
Education
- J.D., Yale University School of Law, 1999
- B.S., summa cum laude, Mathematics, Howard University, 1995