Michael Williams is a partner with Hall Booth Smith in its professional liability, long-term care / aging services, and general liability practices. Michael concentrates his practice on a wide variety of matters involving high exposure catastrophic damage claims. Having handled numerous cases involving unique medical issues, he has demonstrated an ability to distill complex technical facts into simple concepts that are easily understood by juries.
Michael regularly defends health care providers in professional malpractice claims. In addition, he defends long-term care and group home facilities in negligence actions. He advises clients on risk management matters and assists with government or internal investigations related to alleged health care fraud and abuse.
With a legal career that spans over three decades, Michael also has extensive experience in handling premises liability, construction defect, and transportation liability cases. Michael is a former City Attorney, and, in that role, he gained considerable experience in municipal government matters. Michael has tried numerous cases to verdict in both federal and state courts and has argued before the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals. Due to his ability to formulate compelling defenses in very difficult cases, he has successfully resolved numerous high-exposure cases at mediation.
Michael is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He earned his Juris Doctor from Georgia State University and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia. Michael is a native of Smyrna, Georgia, and currently lives there with his wife and two children.
Experience
Construction
Michael has represented general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in numerous construction defect matters. From catastrophic failures involving numerous parties to simple water intrusion cases, he has earned a representation for quickly identifying contractual risk transfer issues and working to expeditiously resolve claims early in litigation process.
General Liability
Michael has experience in handling a variety of general litigation claims. His practice has included products liability cases involving numerous industries and products, including construction materials and consumer electronic equipment. For over 20 years, he has defended apartment complexes and retail businesses in premises liability claims ranging from negligent security cases to the defense of slip and fall accidents.
Governmental Liability
As a former city attorney and municipal court solicitor, Michael has handled a variety of government liability matters at both the trial and appellate levels. He has shared his government liability experience in various presentations to public officials and the Georgia Municipal Association. Michael has represented municipal police and fire departments in civil rights cases and employment matters.
In addition, Michael has represented local governments in annexation disputes and condemnation matters. As a City Attorney, he was frequently called upon to draft city ordinances and has assisted in negotiating and drafting comprehensive franchise agreements with communications companies.
Medical Malpractice
Michael represents physicians, hospitals, and other health care workers in medical malpractice lawsuits. He leverages his contacts in the health care industry to identify the most qualified experts to assist in the defense of medical malpractice cases. Michael has successfully represented numerous health care providers in a variety of disciplines.
Recognition
•AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Publications
•BIM Technology: Assessing Your Legal Risks
The Georgia Contractor, May/June 2010
•Taking the LEED in Litigation: Predictions and Protections
The Georgia Contractor, March/April 2011
•New Considerations for Joint Venture Agreements
The Georgia Contractor, May/June 2011
•Contract Negotiations: An Indemnity Tug-of-War
The Georgia Contractor, September/October 2011
In the Press
HBS Announces New Members of the Firm’s Partnership
January 12, 2015
Atlanta, GA. - Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS) announces the election of new partners, Duane Cochenour and Michael Williams, effective January 1, 2015. Duane Cochenour is a Partner in the Atlanta office of HBS. Duane is a litigator specializing in the representation of medical professionals and is the leader of the firm’s Insurance Coverage Practice Group.
