Michael A. Haggard
Managing Partner
Compassionate, empathetic and a fervent advocate for victims of crime, Michael Haggard has dedicated his career to the pursuit of justice on behalf of his clients in the courtroom securing unprecedented awards and as an activist who continuously 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, Haggard has established himself as a powerful force in the legal community as the Managing Partner for The Haggard Law Firm.
After spending time as a Public Defender and working with a small personal injury firm before joining The Haggard Law Firm, Haggard was named a partner in 2001, secure in the belief that every case holds equal importance and could mean the opportunity to award a family resolution to a devastating incident.
He soon captured national headlines as the only plaintiff’s personal injury attorney to secure three separate $100 Million verdicts on behalf of individual clients. Haggard secured two consecutive $100 Million verdicts on behalf of children involved in pool accidents.
To learn more about Haggard’s extensive experience as a trial lawyer for drowning victims visit aquaticattorney.com.
Several years later, a third $100 Million verdict was awarded by a jury in a negligent security case, deemed the largest of its kind for that genre of case law.
Ultimately, Haggard hopes to give victims the tools and resources to help rebuild their lives. By convincing a judge or jury to hold those responsible accountable he gives victims and their families a sense of justice and comfort that another family won’t have to go through this same tragedy. Devoted to his clients, Haggard has received numerous awards for his time and dedication earning him recognition as one of the most highly regarded personal injury attorneys in the country. In 2017 he was awarded the Florida Justice Association’s highest honor, the Perry Nichols Award, and was named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers of America. He has also been honored to receive the Advocate of Justice Award from the National Crime Victims Bar Association received the Lifetime Achievement selection to America’s Top 100 Attorneys®, has been twice named a Most Effective Lawyer by the Daily Business Review, is a member of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and is annually recognized as a Florida Trend Legal Elite Lawyer, a Florida Top 100 Super Lawyer, and one of the Best Lawyers in America.
Professional achievements aside, Haggard 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 of representing victims of violent crimes, including sex crimes (more info here: abuseguardian.com/sexual-assault-lawyer/florida), is put to good use. Additionally, Haggard is a current member of the MADD Barristers Council, the National Center for Victims of Crime, and ASIS – the world’s largest organization for security professionals.
Closest to his heart, however, Haggard sits on the National Board of the Polycystic Kidney Foundation. Passed genetically, this disease has affected many members of his family, as well as Haggard himself.
Outside the office, Haggard is not only a philanthropist but also a dedicated father. He enjoys spending time with his wife Bekki, coaching his son’s football team and attending his daughter’s track meets.
Attorney Profile for Michael A. Haggard
Practice
- Managing Partner, The Haggard Law Firm (2001-Present)
- Associate, Haggard & Parks, P.A. (1997-2001)
- Associate, Don Russo, P.A. (1997)
- Assistant Public Defender, Dade County Public Defender’s Office, Domestic Violence,
- DUI and Crimes Division (1995-1996)
Admissions
- State Bar of Florida (1996)
- United States District Court
- Southern District of Florida (1997)
- Middle District of Florida (2007)
- Northern District of Florida (2021)
Civil and Social Memberships
- 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, Board of Trustees
- Seminole Boosters Board Directors, Member
Education
- 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 Memberships and Honors
- Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers of America (2018, 2024)
- Florida Legal Awards, Social Impact Award (2022)
- Florida Legal Awards, Best Mentor Award (2021)
- Lawyer of The Year, Best Lawyers of America (2018)
- Fellow, The International Society of Barristers
- Miami Superstar, Attorney at Law Magazine (2017)
- America’s Top 100 Attorneys®, Lifetime Achievement
- National Crime Victim Bar Association
- President (2018)
- Board of Directors (2009 to present)
- Recipient, Distinguished Service Award and Advocate of Justice Award
- Florida Justice Association, Member
- Recipient, Perry Nichols Lifetime Achievement Award, Eagle Centurion Award, Shoe Leather Award, Gold Eagle Award, Silver Eagle Award
- President (2009-2010)
- Secretary (2006-2007)
- Board of Directors and Executive Committee (1999-2005)
- American Bar Association, Member
- American Association for Justice, Member (Inadequate Security Section)
- American Board of Trial Advocates, Member
- ASIS, Member
- Listed, Best Lawyers in America
- Associate Member, Association for Swimming Pond and Natural Swimming Pools (ASPNSP)
- Coalition for Family Safety, Member
- Melissa Institute Against Violence, Board Member
- Justice For All Award, Recipient (National Crime Victims’ Rights Week- Coral Gables Police Dept.)
- Coral Gables Bar Association, Member
- Daily Business Review – “Most Effective Lawyer” (Named: 2005 & 2008)
- Florida International University (FIU) President’s Council, Member
- 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, Secretary (2024)
- National Drowning Prevention Alliance, Board Member
- National Law Journal – Top “40 Under 40” (Named: 2005)
Contact Michael A. Haggard
Haggard Law Firm Wrongful Death Case featured on Good Morning America - Rob Stewart
We are inspired by the strength of our clients, The Stewart Family, as they fight to continue to spread a message of environmental conservation on behalf of their son Rob Stewart. This story aired on Good Morning America
30 Years Fighting for Drowning Victims: Michael Haggard’s Expert Advice for Personal Injury Lawyers
In this powerful clip from his keynote address at the recent Broward County Trial Lawyers Association (BCTLA) meeting, renowned trial attorney Michael Haggard shares a vital strategy for illuminating the long-term tragedy of non-fatal drownings when presenting to a jury.
Drawing on 30 years of experience representing both survivors and families devastated by drowning incidents, Haggard emphasizes how trial lawyers can bring the unseen impacts of these life-altering events into sharp focus for jurors
Manuel and Patricia Oliver are joined by Haggard Law's Michael Haggard on Good Day New York
Manuel and Patricia Oliver’s son Joaquin was murdered in the Parkland Mass Shooting. The family has turned the tragedy into action by starting Change The Ref, an organization focused on ending gun violence by motivating voters, elected officials to make sensible gun laws a reality. On the one year mark since the mass shooting, our Michael Haggard joined the Olivers on Good Day New York to discuss the epidemic of mass shootings and gun violence in this country.
Michael Haggard Discusses Tyre Sampson Case on HLN
The Haggard Law Firm’s Michael Haggard was live on HLN (Headline News) to discuss the product liability wrongful death lawsuit filed in the Tyre Sampson case. Haggard Law represents Sampson’s mother Nekia Dodd. Haggard says the search for truth and change in thrill ride safety guidelines are the driving force behind the case.
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*prospective clients may not obtain similar results. Amounts stated within this website are before deductions for fees, cost of attorneys and third party providers such as medical providers.
Copyright © 2025 Haggard Law Firm
*prospective clients may not obtain similar results. Amounts stated within this website are before deductions for fees, cost of attorneys and third party providers such as medical providers.
Copyright © 2025 Haggard Law Firm