Our Attorneys

Michael Andrew Haggard

Managing Partner Michael Andrew Haggard, a Coral Gables, Florida native, is considered one of the most highly regarded personal injury attorneys in the United States. Compassionate, empathetic and a fervent advocate for victims of crime, Michael not only dedicates his career to the pursuit of justice on behalf of his clients in the courtroom, but has also secured unprecedented awards and continuous to serve as an activist who lobbies for permanent solutions and change through local, statewide and federal legislation. Specializing in pool drowning, negligent security, wrongful death, unsafe premises and products liability, he has established himself as a powerful force in the South Florida legal community.

After attaining a record number of favorable verdicts, Michael gained a significant amount of national exposure. In 2003, he won two back-to-back $100 million verdicts in pool accident cases involving children. Michael also obtained the first verdict in the nation dealing with the issue of cell phone distraction, when he and his father, Wm. Andrew Haggard, won a $21 million verdict for Alicia Bustos. Considered to be the largest jury verdict awarded in history for negligent security cases, he obtained his third $100 million verdict in November of 2007. 

Prior to joining The Haggard Law Firm, Michael distinguished himself in 25 trials as an assistant public defender. He also worked for one year with another leading personal injury firm in Miami.

Numerous awards have been presented to Michael for his time and dedication. He has been honored to receive the “Advocate of Justice Award” from the National Crime Victims Bar Association, named a “Most Effective Lawyer” by the Daily Business Review twice, annually recognized as Florida Trend magazine’s “Legal Elite Lawyer” and is listed as a “Florida Top 100 Super Lawyer” and one of the “Best Lawyers in America.” 

Professional achievements aside, Michael is also fiercely dedicated to a myriad of worthy causes. Believing that as an attorney he has an obligation to give back to the community, he serves on the advisory council for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and sits on the board of directors for the National Crime Victim Bar Association, where his knowledge and background are put to good use. Additionally, Michael is a current member of the MADD Barristers Council and supports the National Center for Victims of Crime as its audit and finance committee chairperson. Closest to his heart, however, he sits on the National Board of the Polycystic Kidney Foundation. Passed genetically, this disease has affected many members of his family, as well as Michael himself.

Outside the office, Michael is not only a philanthropist, but also a devoted husband and father. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Bekki, and two children, Maddison Grace and Carson Andrew. Every year, Michael looks forward to coaching his son’s football team and attending his daughter’s cross country meets.

In 1995, Michael Haggard attained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law, where he also received a book award for “Advanced Litigation Skills.” Michael graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University.

ADMISSIONS

  • State Bar of Florida (1996)
  • United States District Court, Southern District of Florida (1997)

PRACTICE

  • Partner, The Haggard Law Firm (2001-Present)
  • Assistant Public Defender, Dade County Public Defender’s Office, Domestic Violence, DUI and Crimes Division (1995-1996)

EDUCATION AND HONORS

  • Florida State University, Bachelor of Science (1992) 

- Dean’s List Scholar

- Interfraternity Council, President (1991-1992)

- Greek Man of the Year (1992)

- Order of the Omega and Omicron Delta Kappa

  •  University of Miami School of Law (J.D. 1995)

  - Book Award, “Advanced Litigation Skills”

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • American Bar Association, Member
  • American Association for Justice, Member (Inadequate Security Section)
  • American Board of Trial Advocates, Member
  • ASIS, Member
  • “Best Lawyers in America”  (Listed)
  • Coalition for Family Safety, Member
  • Coral Gables Bar Association, Member
  • Daily Business Review  - “Most Effective Lawyer” (Named: 2005 & 2008)
  • Florida International University (FIU) President’s Council, Member
  • Florida Justice Association, Member

  President (2009-2010)

Secretary (2006-2007)

Board of Directors and Executive Committee (1999-2005)

Shoe Leather Award, Recipient

Golden Eagle Award, Recipient

Silver Eagle Award, Recipient

  • Florida Lawyers Action Group, Trustee
  • Florida Monthly Magazine’s “Top Lawyers in Florida” (Named)
  • Florida Supreme Court Historical Society, Trustee
  • Florida “Super Lawyers” Top 100 Lawyer (Listed)
  • Florida Trend Magazine – “Legal Elite” and “Legal Elite Hall of Fame” (Listed)
  • Guardian Ad Litem, Member
  • LawDragon - “Top 500 in the Nation” (Named)
  • Lawyer Pilots Bar Association, Member
  • MADD Barristers Council, Member
  • Martindale-Hubbell “AV Preeminent” Rated Attorney (Listed)
  • Miami-Dade Candidate Task Force, Chair  (2001-2004)
  • Miami-Dade County Bar Association, Member
  • Miami-Dade Justice Association, Member

President (2002)

President-Elect (2001)

Treasurer (2000)

Secretary (1999)

Director (1997-1999)

  • Million-Dollar Advocates Forum, Member
  • National Center for Victims of Crime, Board Member
  • National Crime Victim Bar Association, Member

Board of Directors (2009 to present)

Distinguished Service Award, Recipient

Advocate of Justice Award, Recipient

  • National Drowning Prevention Alliance, Board Member
  • National Law Journal - Top “40 Under 40” (Named: 2005)
  • Southern Trial Lawyers Association, Member
  • The American Trial Lawyers Association, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Member
  • The Florida Bar, Member (Trial Lawyers Section)

CIVIC MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS

  • Community Partnership for the Homeless, Volunteer
  • Florida State University (FSU) Alumni Association, Member
  • Florida State University (FSU) College of Communication & Information Leadership Board, Member
  • Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, Trustee
  • Seminole Boosters Board Directors, Member