Michael S. Waddington
Of Counsel, Coto & Waddington
Michael S. Waddington is a veteran trial lawyer and published author who supports Coto & Waddington as Of Counsel on high stakes business negotiations and litigation strategy. He brings a courtroom tested approach to disputes where credibility, leverage, and decision making under pressure matter, including contract conflicts, partnership and ownership disputes, fraud and misrepresentation claims, and business breakups.
He is also an adjunct professor at Florida International University College of Law and is widely known for teaching trial skills that translate directly to business litigation: witness preparation, cross examination method, persuasion psychology, and evidence driven storytelling.
Verified professional profile and credentials:
FIU College of Law Faculty Profile
|
Florida Bar Member Profile
How he helps business clients
Business disputes are rarely just about the law. They are about leverage, credibility, timing, and the ability to prove your version of events with documents and witnesses. Mr. Waddington is brought in when clients need a litigator’s discipline at the front end of a case, before positions harden and costs explode.
- Dispute posture and leverage analysis to identify what actually moves the other side
- Negotiation support designed to produce durable agreements, not temporary ceasefires
- Witness and executive preparation for depositions, hearings, and high pressure meetings
- Case theory and evidence strategy that turns facts into proof and proof into outcomes
- Trial ready thinking that improves settlement outcomes because the file is built to win
Trial background and public service
Mr. Waddington’s foundation was built in contested proceedings as both a military prosecutor and military defense counsel before moving into private practice. That background shaped the style clients hire him for today: direct assessment, disciplined preparation, and an insistence on proof.
He is also the co founder of Gonzalez & Waddington, where his practice has included complex litigation and high visibility matters across multiple jurisdictions.
For a detailed attorney profile:
Attorney Profile
Author on persuasion, cross examination, and trial craft
Mr. Waddington is the author of trial advocacy books that focus on practical courtroom communication and persuasion. Business clients benefit from the same skill set: isolating the real issues, exposing weak narratives, and presenting a clear, credible story supported by documents and testimony.
Notable title:
Kick-Ass Closings: A Guide to Giving the Best Closing Argument of Your Life
Teaching and professional leadership
As an adjunct professor, Mr. Waddington teaches advocacy focused content that trains lawyers to think clearly under pressure and communicate persuasively. His teaching emphasizes the psychology of decision making, credibility assessment, and the mechanics of effective questioning.
What to expect
Clients who work with Mr. Waddington can expect frank risk analysis, a plan that matches business goals, and high accountability preparation. The objective is simple: resolve disputes on favorable terms when possible, and stay fully prepared to litigate if the other side forces it.
Disclaimer
This biography is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past matters and experience are not a guarantee of any specific outcome.
