Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel: Company Profile

Background

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel is a national plaintiffs' law firm specializing in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. Established in 1999, the firm is dedicated to representing individuals affected by asbestos exposure, toxic chemical contamination, defective medical devices, and other hazardous substances. With offices in Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles, California; and Moline, Illinois, the firm has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements for its clients.

Key Strategic Focus

The firm's strategic focus encompasses several core areas:

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Litigation: Representing clients exposed to asbestos, leading to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Toxic Chemical Exposure: Handling cases involving exposure to harmful substances such as benzene, pesticides, and other industrial chemicals.

Defective Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals: Addressing injuries caused by unsafe medical products and drugs.

Qui Tam (Whistleblower) Actions: Pursuing cases under the False Claims Act to expose fraud against the government.

Sexual Abuse Litigation: Holding institutions accountable for failing to protect individuals from sexual abuse.

The firm's mission is to fight for justice on behalf of individuals and families affected by corporate negligence and misconduct.

Financials and Funding

As a law firm, Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning they assume the financial risk of litigation and are compensated only upon securing favorable outcomes for their clients. This model aligns the firm's interests with those of their clients, ensuring dedicated and aggressive representation. Specific financial details, such as total funds raised or recent funding rounds, are not publicly disclosed.

Pipeline Development

The firm does not develop products or services in the traditional sense; instead, it focuses on ongoing litigation and case development. Key areas of active litigation include:

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Cases: Representing individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.

Toxic Chemical Exposure Cases: Litigating on behalf of clients exposed to harmful chemicals in various environments.

Defective Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals: Pursuing claims against manufacturers of unsafe medical products.

Qui Tam Actions: Exposing fraudulent activities against the government.

Sexual Abuse Cases: Seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse.

The firm's litigation efforts are ongoing, with no specific timelines for case resolutions provided.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel leverages advanced legal research tools, case management software, and data analytics to enhance litigation strategies and case outcomes. While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, the firm's commitment to innovation is evident in its use of technology to support complex litigation.

Leadership Team

The firm's leadership comprises experienced attorneys dedicated to client advocacy:

Peter A. Kraus: Founding and managing partner, specializing in toxic torts, False Claims Act whistleblower cases, wildfire litigation, and pharmaceutical injury litigation.

Charles Siegel: Partner heading the appellate and qui tam practices, with extensive experience in federal and state appellate courts.

Leslie C. MacLean: Partner with a focus on asbestos litigation, recognized for her contributions to the field.

Michael L. Armitage: Partner specializing in complex civil litigation, including asbestos and toxic tort cases.

Patrick J. Wigle: Partner with expertise in mass tort litigation and class actions, serving clients nationwide.

Leadership Changes

In January 2009, the firm's West Coast offices were renamed Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel to honor partner Gary M. Paul for his exceptional service and contributions to the firm.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The legal services market, particularly in personal injury and mass tort litigation, is competitive, with numerous firms vying for cases involving asbestos exposure, toxic torts, and defective products. Firms like Simmons Hanly Conroy and Motley Rice are notable competitors in this space.

Competitor Analysis

Simmons Hanly Conroy: Specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos-related cases, with a large team and significant resources dedicated to these areas.

Motley Rice: Focuses on complex litigation, including asbestos, securities fraud, and consumer protection cases.

These firms, along with Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel, are recognized for their commitment to holding corporations accountable and securing justice for individuals affected by corporate negligence.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The firm collaborates with various legal organizations and participates in steering committees for asbestos multidistrict litigation, enhancing its capacity to handle complex cases effectively.

Operational Insights

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel differentiates itself through a high partner-to-associate ratio, ensuring that experienced litigators handle cases directly. This structure allows for personalized attention and a deep understanding of each client's unique circumstances.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The firm continues to expand its reach by opening new offices, such as the San Francisco location in 2009, to better serve clients and develop its class action practice. Future directions include further expansion into additional practice areas and jurisdictions to enhance its ability to represent clients nationwide.