Paul J. Gatto

Paul J. Gatto

Shareholder

Paul is a major shareholder of Swor and Gatto, P.A. and co-founded the firm with Michael Swor in 1981.  At that time Mike and Paul chose to limit their practice to Personal Injury and focus their attention on the representation of injured victims.

Experience

Paul has practiced exclusively in the area of Personal Injury since 1981.  Prior to 1981 Paul gained extensive trial experience as a Criminal Defense Lawyer and as a Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.  He has tried numerous cases to both Civil and Criminal Juries.  Additionally, Paul has litigated over 1000 cases which were successfully resolved prior to Jury Trial.

Noteworthy Cases

Paul has handled many significant cases and has obtained very favorable settlements and awards for his clients.  Some examples are:

*A 1 Million Dollar settlement for the wrongful death of a 4 year old child;

*A 1 Million Dollar settlement for an eighteen year old man who suffered a traumatic brain injury (who currently is a fully employed college graduate);

*A 3.6 Million Dollar award for the wrongful death of a retired 60 year old woman;

*A 1.3 Million Dollar award for the death of an 88 year old woman

*A 450 Thousand Dollar settlement for a 50 year old woman who suffered a fractured leg in a snowmobile crash;

Paul has been named a Super Lawyer and also enjoys the highest ratings from Martindale- Hubble, but points out that Swor and Gatto neither seeks or formally accepts awards from any organization.  “Our mission is to personally serve the needs of our clients.  Our clients’ trust and satisfaction is the only recognition with which we are concerned.”

Additional Work Experience

Prior to practicing law Paul gained valuable experience as an employee of a nationally recognized insurance company.  He carefully studied and learned the policies, procedures and the business structure of the insurance industry.  This experience has proved to be extraordinarily valuable in negotiations with insurance company representatives and lawyers who represent insurance companies. 

Community Involvement

Paul and his wife, Cathie are deeply committed to Children’s’ Issues and actively support Children’s Hospital, Ascension School (an inner city school devoted to educating under privileged children), and Casa Jacinta y Francisco Orphanage.  They also have endowed a scholarship at the Hamline University School of Law for Law Students committed to Children’s Issues. Paul often provides free legal representation to those who are unable to afford legal assistance.

Education and Memberships

Paul received his B.A. degree from the University of St. Thomas.  He received his law degree with honors from Hamline University School of Law and is a member of the Silver Gavel Honor Society.  Paul is committed to legal education and serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Dean of the Hamline University School of Law.  Paul is a Sustaining Member of the American Association for Justice (formerly the ATLA) and also is a Member of the Minnesota Association for Justice.  “These two organizations are truly committed to the protection of the common man’s rights.”

Special Interests

Paul is interested in Aviation, Motorcycling, Hunting, Boating, and a wide variety of outdoor sports.  He is a licensed pilot and flew his own aerobatic aircraft for several years.  He enjoys motorcycling and has ridden his Harley Davidson motorcycle extensively throughout the Western and Southwestern United States.  He is a gun owner and has hunted in Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota.  He also has piloted his own cruiser for many years on the St. Croix River.  Paul and his wife Cathie also enjoy World Travel and have extensively visited and toured Asia and Europe.

Court Admissions

Minnesota Supreme Court

United States District Court for the District of Minnesota

United States Supreme Court