Michael R. Walker
While his defense strategies may vary on a case by case basis, Michael applies one basic tenet to every case he handles: A prepared lawyer is a successful one. Michael joined the firm as an associate in 2008 after having been associated with another preeminent regional defense firm upon graduating law school. He was named partner in 2014 and focuses his practice primarily on the defense of cases arising from product liability, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction accidents and transportation related accidents. Michael prides himself on being an aggressive, prepared and cost-conscious litigator with a track record of obtaining favorable results on behalf of his clients. He understands that the ability to successfully try a case is critical to operating as a local defense counsel, but that sometimes the best legal advice that can be given to a client is to seek a reasonable settlement in the early, pre-trial stages of a case.
Michael attributes a large portion of his success in the industry to his involvement in Defense Research Institute (DRI), a preeminent organization of civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel. As a member of the steering committee for DRI’s Product Liability Committee, he contributes to the planning of DRI’s annual Product Liability Conference. In volunteering his time to DRI, Michael has worked closely with in-house counsel and national coordinating counsel from all over the country. These interactions have provided him with valuable insight into and a deeper understanding of the expectations and concerns of insurers and self-insured’s in today’s ever changing legal climate. Of course, this unique knowledge and insight of the bigger picture enables him to excel as a local defense counsel for his clients. Michael has held multiple positions on the Product Liability Steering Committee, most notably including Chair and Vice-Chair of the Manufacturer’s Risk Specialized Litigation Group. Additionally, Michael is also a member of DRI’s Construction Law, Retail and Hospitality, Scaffolding, Crane and Aerial Devices, Medical Liability and Health Care Law, Drug and Medical Devices, Agricultural, Construction and Mining, Manufacturer’s Risk Prevention, Insurance Law and Commercial Litigation committees.
Michael resides in Garden City, New York with his wife and three children. He is active in the Garden City Youth Athletic Association where he coaches football, lacrosse, baseball, basketball and soccer. An avid New York sports fan, in his spare time he enjoys following the Jets, Yankees and Islanders.
Central Islip, New York
Juris Doctor, May 2004
B.A. Communication Minor: Psychology, English, May 2001
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Defense Research Institute, Chairman, Product Liability Philanthropic Subcommittee
Defense Research Institute, Immediate Past Chairman, Manufacturer’s Risk Specialized Litigation Group, 2013-2015
Defense Research Institute, Vice-Chair, Manufacturer’s Risk Specialized Litigation Group, 2011-2013
Defense Research Institute, Chairman, Product Liability Subcommittee Blog, 2009-2011
New York State Bar Association
Nassau Suffolk Trial Lawyers Association
Nassau County Bar Association