Joseph E. Walters

Joe Walters is a litigator whose practice is focused on the resolution of a broad range of disputes. Over the course of his career, he has developed significant expertise in products liability defense litigation, especially cases involving leading manufacturers of tractors and other machinery, as well as criminal defense and disputes concerning antitrust, securities and family law issues.  He also has expertise in public contracting with federal, state, county and municipal governments.

A portion of Joe’s practice is concentrated on advocating for clients in administrative law matters.  He has represented clients before a number of governmental bodies and regulatory agencies, including the Oklahoma Department of Central Services, ABLE Commission, Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission, Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Examiners, Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Commission, and Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. He has also served as an administrative law judge for the Oklahoma Department of Central Services.
 
Joe volunteers with the Oklahoma Bar Association's Oklahoma Lawyers for America's Heroes program, which provides pro bono assistance to members of the military, veterans and their families who can not afford a lawyer.

Joe’s achievements have earned him recognition in Oklahoma Super Lawyers (general litigation, government contracts, administrative law).

In 1999 and 2002, Joe presented a professional education seminar on “Oklahoma Construction Contracting for Public Entities” for Lorman Education Services.

• State v. Michael Young, 1999 OK CR 14.  Case dismissed against executive charged by an indictment issued by the Oklahoma multi-county grand jury with the felony of submitting false claims for payment of public funds.
  
• In re: Lockheed IMS Protest of Contract Award, DCS No. Y037707.  Obtained $32 million contract to convert food stamp and AFDC programs to electronic transfer for client after pursuing successful administrative protest.
  
• In re: Infant Formula Antitrust Litigation, No. MDL 878. Successful settlement for plaintiff of its claims in multi-district case concerning price fixing of infant formula.
  
• REN v. Case Corporation, U.S.D.C. Western Dist. OK (Case No. CIV-01-1262-R). Defense verdict and judgment on counterclaim for manufacturer in trial over contract to design and manufacture a test stand for hydraulic valves.
  
• Craig v. Ford Motor Company, U.S.D.C. Western Dist. OK (Case No. CIV-04-1222C). Defense verdict in wrongful death action involving tractor with inoperable neutral start switch.
  
• In re: Savings Investment Service Corp. Litigation, No. MDL 712. Representation of attorney accused of fraud in several real estate and securities transactions involving service corporation owned by Oklahoma savings and loans.
  
• Ahrens v. Ford Motor Co. 340 F.3d 1142 (10th Cir. 2003).  Summary judgment for defendant in manufacturers’ products liability action involving a death in a tractor rollover accident.
  
• Oklahoma Public Employees Association v. Oklahoma Department of Central Services, 2002 OK 71, 56P3 1072. Represented state agency and obtained Supreme Court decision allowing outsourcing of the operation of a mental health facility.
  
• Wicker v. Ford Motor Company, 393 F.Supp. 2d 1229 (W.D. Okla 2005). Summary judgment for defendant on all issues, including design defects and failure to warn in wrongful death claim involving rollover and fire on a Ford 8-N tractor.
• Sparks v. State of Oklahoma, et al, No. SD-96197.  Successful defense of qui tam action against client/supplier of medical supplies to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.
  
• Jerry Lee Oliver, Jr. v. CNH American LLC, et al, Case No. CJ-2009-30, District Court of Grant County, State of Oklahoma. Obtained summary judgment for defendant, a manufacturer of agricultural tractors, in a product liability and personal injury action. The plaintiff was run over while starting the tractor. The neutral start switch on the tractor had been bypassed with homemade wiring after it was first sold.