Michael S. Ayers

Michael S. Ayers is a Senior Counsel in the Long Beach office of Ford, Walker, Haggerty & Behar.  His practice focuses on the defense of personal injury claims involving motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, premises liability and product liability.  Mr. Ayers handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims from inception through trial and appeal.  He is also adept in the areas of insurance coverage and carrier representation, and handles construction defect claims.  Mr. Ayers represents clients on a statewide basis in all of his current areas of practice, and he has argued matters before the Courts of Appeal from San Diego to San Francisco.  Mr. Ayers has practiced as a civil litigation trial attorney for 30 years, obtaining favorable results for his clients at trial and arbitration since 1989.

Prior to joining FWHB, Mr. Ayers was a partner in the Los Angeles office of a nationwide civil litigation defense firm.  In addition to his current practice areas, Mr. Ayers also has significant experience in the areas of professional liability (legal and medical malpractice), governmental entity and business dispute cases.  Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Ayers served as staff counsel for a major insurance company, handling a diverse case load of automobile liability and personal injury matters from inception through resolution.

Mr. Ayers received his Juris Doctor from Western State College of Law in 1989, and his Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Fullerton in 1984.  As a former teacher and experienced litigator, Mr. Ayers is a sought after speaker in his representative client industries. He often gives instructional seminars to insurance and private clients.

Mr. Ayers is licensed to practice law throughout the State of California and is a member of California State Bar.  He is bilingual (Spanish), which allows him to communicate quickly and efficiently with clients and witnesses alike.