About J. Michael
J. Michael Hayes has run his own practice in New York since 1994. He opened the Law Offices of J. Michael Hayes and has kept a steady presence in the courtroom and in local legal circles for more than three decades. His practice grew out of an early decision to handle civil trials and related litigation primarily through a solo practice structure.
Hayes's career is built on trial work. He became board certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocates in 1995, a credential he has maintained for years. That recognition came after a period of hands-on litigation that established him as a lawyer who handles contested cases from filing to verdict. He has balanced courtroom appearances with the routine demands of running a small firm—managing clients, supervising support staff and overseeing case strategy.
He has played an active role in professional organizations. In 2009 he took on leadership at a local chapter of the Inns of Court and remains listed as president. That role has involved mentoring younger lawyers, organizing educational programs and facilitating exchanges between bench and bar. His long-standing board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocates has kept him engaged with a national network of trial lawyers and current developments in trial advocacy.
Hayes's litigation practice covers the kinds of civil disputes that go to trial. He handles contested hearings, jury trials and bench trials, and he has experience in pretrial motion practice, discovery disputes and settlement negotiations. Colleagues describe him as resolute in court and methodical in preparation. He tends to prefer direct management of cases rather than delegating core trial tasks, an approach that suits the scale of his firm.
Outside the courtroom he has been visible in continuing legal education and local legal institutions. His presidency of the Inns of Court chapter has been a platform for legal education and professional ethics discussion. He still takes cases personally and oversees client work at his firm. As of 2026 he continues to operate the Law Offices of J. Michael Hayes in New York, concentrating his practice on civil trial litigation and related dispute resolution matters.
