Michael Walker is an experienced litigator who has handled a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters arising out of a number of industries. Much of his current practice involves the defense of product liability and toxic tort claims against businesses that design and make things or operate industrial facilities. He handles product liability litigation for a Fortune 300 manufacturer throughout the Southeast and for a foreign-based, global market leading manufacturer throughout the United States. Michael is honored to be a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) and recognized by The Best Lawyers in America^®. He has also been selected to serve on the Steering Committee of Defense Research Institute’s Product Liability Committee.

In his product liability practice, Michael has defended the design and manufacture of all manner of products. Examples include medical devices such as hip and knee replacement devices, cosmetic facial implants, and femoral plates; mineral spirits; ambulance gurney systems; electronic vaping devices; clothes dryers; respirators; tires; and smoke detectors. He has managed and resolved disputes at all stages, from pre-suit through appeal. For matters that cannot be disposed of at an early stage, he has significant experience in working with and challenging expert witnesses and in formulating and executing e-discovery plans. 

In addition to handling litigation, Michael counsels manufacturers regarding various applicable regulatory regimes, including that of the CPSC, FTC, and other agencies. He has also advised manufacturers on their product warranties, warnings, instructions, packaging, and similar materials.

Outside of the product liability arena, Michael has represented businesses in commercial litigation in disputes in a wide range of areas, from intellectual property to financial fraud, and from disputes over software programs and mobile apps to real estate litigation. Other representative matters include the defense of a coal plant operator in a long-running series of class action and mass action lawsuits brought by different groups of nearby property owners, as well as his representation of national manufacturers in arbitrated disputes with their regional distributors. He has tried cases to verdict in court and arbitrated matters to decision before panels of both the American Arbitration Association and JAMS. 

In addition, working with several local federal judges, Michael re-drafted the Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, leading to the issuance of a substantially revised version of those rules. He thereafter chaired the Birmingham Bar Association’s Federal Practice Section. In the community, he served for many years in leadership roles for Childcare Resources, a Central Alabama United Way affiliate, including as chair of that agency’s Board of Directors in 2021.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama, 2004

• United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
• United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama
• United States District Court, Middle District of Alabama
• United States District Court, Southern District of Alabama

Education

• Washington & Lee University School of Law, J.D., 2004, Washington & Lee Law Review, Lead Articles Editor
• University of Virginia, B.A., 2001