The Haggard Law Firm

06/02/2026

At the Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section’s Advanced Advocacy Seminar last week, our Michael Haggard spoke about the unique power trial lawyers have to secure justice clients and create meaningful change through advocacy.

As part of his presentation, Michael reflected on his landmark $104 million jury verdict in 2003 on behalf of Lorenzo Peterson, who lost his life due to a pool suction entrapment incident.

But the pursuit of justice did not end with the verdict. Recognizing the ongoing danger posed by defective pool drain systems, Michael continued advocating for stronger safety protections.

That work continued through his representation of the family of 7-year-old Virginia Graeme Baker, another child whose life was cut short by suction entrapment. Advocacy alongside Fmr. Secretary of State Jim
Baker, Virginia’s grandfather, ultimately helped lead to the passage of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, a federal law designed to prevent drowning and entrapment incidents in pools and spas nationwide.

Sharing the story behind this life-saving legislation served as a powerful reminder that trial lawyers can do more than win cases, they can help save lives, improve public safety, and drive lasting change
far beyond the courtroom.

06/01/2026

Congratulations to Adam Finkel on being officially sworn in as President-Elect of the
at the organization’s 110th Installation Gala.

This honor reflects Adam’s outstanding leadership, dedication to the legal profession, and unwavering commitment to serving the South Florida community. We are proud to see him take on this important
role and look forward to the impact he will make.

06/01/2026

At the 2026 Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association Scholarship & Installation Gala Saturday, our Michael Haggard and Todd Michaels announced and presented the HT Smith Life is Good Scholarship. The Haggard Law Firm is proud to endow this scholarship for generations to come.

The scholarship supports a young attorney or law student who views the law as a tool for making the world a better place and embodies the spirit, integrity, and commitment to justice that have defined H.T. Smith’s remarkable career.

As a firm, we believe that at a time when many hard-fought rights are facing new challenges, there is no organization more important than the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association Foundation, which continues to champion civil rights, advance equality, and showcase Black excellence within Miami’s legal community. No one embodies that mission more than H.T. Smith—a trailblazer who has dedicated his life to making opportunities more equal and justice more accessible for others.

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipient, Amanda Harris, and to everyone committed to using the law as a force for positive change.

05/29/2026

Civil litigation can be a powerful path toward accountability, answers, and financial recovery for survivors and families.

Our Managing Partner Michael Haggard will join the National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Crime Victim Bar Association for a FREE webinar focused on how the civil justice system can help crime victims and their loved ones seek justice.

CLICK THIS LINK TO REGISTER:
https://victimsofcrime.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FPtGJ_jtSh-6P0vGc0_u5Q #/registration

05/28/2026

See you next week at the Florida Justice Association's National Conference!

Our Michael Haggard and Todd Michaels will take the stage at the Florida Justice Association’s Annual Convention on Wednesday, June 3 at 4 PM as part of the Advanced Trial Skills Seminar.

Their presentation, “Dangerous Premises and Catastrophic Consequences: Trying Negligent Security and Drowning Cases in Florida,” will examine the complex litigation strategies behind high-stakes premises liability cases and the devastating impact these tragedies have on victims and families.

REGISTER: https://www.myfja.org/events/2026convention/

05/28/2026

The family of a 2-year-old who drowned in a pond and their attorney urged apartments and property owners to recognize their role in water safety. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by family

05/28/2026

Action News Jax covered an important conversation on child drowning prevention and water safety during National Water Safety Month.

Our Adam Finkel stood with the family of 2-year-old Melani Ava Mixson, who fatally drowned in a Jacksonville apartment complex retention pond, as they called for stronger safety measures to help prevent future tragedies.

As summer begins and children spend more time outdoors, the family urged apartment complexes, hotels, and property owners to secure retention ponds and other dangerous bodies of water. National Drowning Prevention Alliance

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05/27/2026

Preventing future drownings was the focus of Tuesday's news conference as we wrap up National Water Safety Month.

Adam Finkel stood alongside the family of 2-year-old Melani Ava Mixson, who fatally drowned in a Jacksonville apartment complex retention pond, as they called for stronger safety measures around dangerous bodies of water.

With summer beginning and children spending more time outdoors, the family urged apartment complexes and property owners to secure retention ponds and prioritize water safety before another tragedy occurs. National Drowning Prevention Alliance

We are grateful to First Coast News for helping amplify this important message and this family’s courageous advocacy.