Katt William J

For businesses, insurers, and individuals in Wisconsin facing serious civil litigation, particularly in highly specialized and complex areas like aviation and product liability, securing the right legal defense is paramount. These types of cases often involve intricate technical details, high stakes, and require an attorney with extensive trial experience and a national reputation for excellence. In Milwaukee, William J. Katt stands as a distinguished legal professional, recognized for his exceptional track record in defending clients in civil litigation across the country, particularly within the aviation community and in product liability matters. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of his practice, convenient location, and why he is an outstanding choice for local entities and individuals seeking robust and experienced defense counsel in Wisconsin.

William J. Katt is a Senior Counsel and the Chair of Wilson Elser's Aviation & Aerospace Practice, a testament to his expertise and leadership in a highly specialized field of law. His practice is entirely focused on defending businesses, insurers, and individuals within the aviation community who are sued in civil litigation. This includes overseeing the defense of wrongful death and serious injury claims brought against major airlines, product manufacturers, charter operators, fixed-base operators, maintenance facilities, and a host of other aviation-related companies. Beyond aviation, Bill also has significant experience defending numerous product liability lawsuits against manufacturers of various products.

What sets Mr. Katt apart is his national scope of practice; he is routinely hired to represent clients in complex litigation on a prodigious array of matters throughout the country. He has served as lead counsel for major airlines, the largest defense contractor, and one of the largest helicopter operators in the United States. With experience as lead counsel in more than 100 jury trials to verdict, and having defended thousands of civil litigation matters in state and federal courts, his litigation prowess is undeniable. He is known for his ability to quickly analyze complex situations and produce decisive strategies. His esteemed position as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers further solidifies his standing as one of the best trial attorneys in the United States. For Wisconsin-based companies or individuals needing high-level defense, his presence in Milwaukee offers direct access to this caliber of legal talent.

William J. Katt is based at 740 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA, which is the office location for Wilson Elser. This address places his office in a highly accessible and central part of downtown Milwaukee. For businesses and insurers across Wisconsin and beyond who require his specialized defense services, this location offers significant convenience. Downtown Milwaukee is well-served by public transportation, including various bus routes, making it a straightforward journey for those who rely on transit. For individuals and teams traveling by car, there are numerous parking garages and metered street parking options available in the immediate vicinity, although it is always advisable to plan for potential demand during peak business hours. The accessibility of this central Milwaukee office ensures that top-tier legal defense is readily available to clients, whether they are based directly in the metropolitan area or are seeking his expertise from other parts of Wisconsin or even across the nation for their local legal needs.

William J. Katt's legal services are highly specialized, focusing primarily on defense litigation for complex civil matters, particularly within the aviation and product liability sectors. His expertise is sought after by major corporations and insurers nationwide. While a general list of services might not fully capture the depth of his niche, his practice areas include:

• Aviation & Aerospace Litigation Defense: Overseeing the defense of wrongful death and serious injury claims brought against major airlines, aircraft product manufacturers, charter operators, fixed-base operators, maintenance facilities, and other aviation-related companies. This is his primary area of focus.
• Product Liability Defense: Defending manufacturers of various products against liability lawsuits, including complex cases involving allegations of design defects, manufacturing flaws, or inadequate warnings.
• National Trial Team Leadership: Serving as lead counsel in complex, high-stakes civil litigation matters across state and federal courts throughout the United States.
• Serious Injury and Wrongful Death Defense: Providing defense counsel for claims involving catastrophic injuries and fatalities, often in the context of aviation accidents or product failures.
• Commercial Litigation: Handling complex commercial disputes for businesses and insurers, leveraging his extensive trial experience.
• Insurance Defense: Representing insurers and their insureds in various civil litigation matters, ensuring robust defense strategies.
• Appellate Experience: Possessing extensive experience in appellate matters, providing comprehensive legal support beyond trial court proceedings.
• Arbitration Experience: Engaging in arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method, demonstrating versatility in legal strategy.

William J. Katt's career is marked by numerous impressive features and highlights that underscore his exceptional capabilities and reputation, making him a formidable choice for clients in Wisconsin:

• Chair of Aviation & Aerospace Practice: His leadership role at Wilson Elser, a prominent national firm, highlights his standing as a leading expert in aviation law.
• Extensive Trial Record: With over 100 jury trials to verdict, Bill Katt possesses a rare depth of hands-on courtroom experience, making him a seasoned and effective trial attorney. This level of experience is invaluable in high-stakes litigation.
• National Scope of Practice: While based in Milwaukee, his practice is national, routinely representing clients in complex litigation across the country. This brings a broad perspective and a high level of strategic thinking to cases handled locally in Wisconsin.
• Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers: This prestigious honor, extended to only the top 1% of trial lawyers in the U.S. and Canada, speaks volumes about his legal skill, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Highly Esteemed by Peers: Recognized in prestigious lists such as The Best Lawyers in America® (2023-2025) and Wisconsin Super Lawyers® (2005-2022), and holding an AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, he is consistently acknowledged by his legal peers for his outstanding work.
• Strategic and Decisive: He is known for his ability to quickly analyze complex situations and develop decisive strategies to resolve disputes effectively.
• Representation of Major Entities: His client roster includes the three largest airlines in the U.S., the largest defense contractor, and one of the largest helicopter operators, indicating the trust and confidence placed in his abilities by major industry players.

Given William J. Katt's role as a highly specialized defense attorney at a prominent national law firm, typical "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer sense are generally not applicable. His services are typically sought by corporations, major insurers, and large entities facing complex litigation, where legal fees are structured based on the intricate nature of the defense required. However, like many reputable law firms, Wilson Elser, where Mr. Katt practices, would undoubtedly engage in an initial consultation process. This allows prospective clients, whether a corporation or an insurer, to discuss the specifics of their defense needs with Mr. Katt and his team. During such consultations, the firm would outline their strategic approach, experience relevant to the case, and discuss fee arrangements, ensuring transparency and alignment of expectations. For entities in Wisconsin requiring this level of specialized defense, contacting his office directly to schedule an initial discussion is the appropriate first step.

To connect with William J. Katt at Wilson Elser and discuss defense counsel for complex aviation or product liability matters, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: 740 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA (Note: Public information indicates his firm's specific office suite is often Suite 600, within this building)
• Phone: (414) 276-8816 (Note: Another publicly listed number for William Katt at Wilson Elser is (414) 292-3018, both are relevant)
• Mobile Phone: +1 414-276-8816

Reaching out directly is the most effective way to engage with his team and initiate a discussion about your defense needs.

For locals in Wisconsin, particularly businesses, insurers, or entities facing high-stakes civil litigation in specialized areas like aviation or product liability, William J. Katt offers an unparalleled level of expertise and trial experience right here in Milwaukee. His leadership of Wilson Elser's Aviation & Aerospace Practice and his national reputation as a "go-to trial counsel" provide Wisconsin clients with access to legal defense typically sought on a national scale. His proven track record, extensive trial experience, and recognition by elite legal organizations underscore his ability to handle the most challenging cases. For any Wisconsin-based entity requiring sophisticated, seasoned defense counsel for complex litigation, William J. Katt represents a strategic and highly effective choice, offering the peace of mind that comes from having one of the nation's leading defense attorneys in your corner.