Driven to Deliver
Steven A. Waterkotte is the founder and principal of Combs Waterkotte. Prior to the formation of Combs Waterkotte, Mr. Waterkotte was the managing partner of his own criminal defense firm for over 13 years before joining forces with Mr. Combs.
Mr. Waterkotte focuses his practice almost exclusively on criminal defense. He defends the rights of the accused in felony and misdemeanor criminal cases. Mr. Waterkotte has a reputation as a passionate and relentless fighter for his clients. Mr. Waterkotte has jury-tried many cases in courtrooms across Missouri. He has obtained not guilty verdicts on cases ranging from murder to rape to misdemeanors. Mr. Waterkotte has been widely recognized in the criminal defense industry by his peers as demonstrated by a number of awards such as Best of the Best – Top 10, Lawyers of Distinction, National Trial Lawyer – Top 100, and Missouri Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney.
In addition to his criminal defense practice, Mr. Waterkotte has successfully defended hundreds of clients in order of protection cases. He is known as one of the leading advocates in Missouri for respondents in order of protection cases. Many attorneys throughout the state consult and hire Mr. Waterkotte to represent their clients who have been served with an order of protection. Mr. Waterkotte also has successfully appealed numerous order of protection cases to appellate courts in Missouri. Mr. Waterkotte was even chosen to sit on a committee in St. Louis County to advise judges on ways to improve the order of protection process.
Mr. Waterkotte also represents college students facing disciplinary action. He has achieved favorable results for many students throughout the Missouri area facing disciplinary action by his or her university or college.
A lifelong St. Louisan, Mr. Waterkotte graduated from Vianney High School in Kirkwood, Missouri and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in both English and Education from Webster University. While attending Webster University, Mr. Waterkotte excelled as a NCAA student-athlete as a member of the men’s basketball team for four years. Mr. Waterkotte obtained his law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law. While in law school, Mr. Waterkotte interned at the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office.
In the Community
Mr. Waterkotte is very involved in the St. Louis community. He is an active volunteer in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization and also a member of Attorneys for Amachi Missouri, which is a program that addresses the needs of children with at least one parent in prison. In his free time, Mr. Waterkotte enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He is an avid fan of Mizzou football and basketball.
