Harry Philo Award
Mike Haggard has devoted himself to seeking justice for victims and ensuring that what happened to them does not happen to anyone else.
Specializing in pool drowning, negligent security, wrongful death, unsafe premises and products liability, Mike has won unprecedented verdicts in the courtroom, and he has pushed for permanent solutions and change through local, state, and federal legislation.
For example, faulty pool drains were trapping children, and Mike fought to get legislation passed that fixed the problem. The number of these incidences dropped dramatically.
When you talk about the role of the trial lawyer in making the world a safer place, Mike is a shining example. For him, achieving justice for his clients and saving future lives drives everything he does.
About the Award
The Harry Philo Award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the civil justice system and whose work has advanced the safety and protection of American consumers.
Past Recipients
2024: Michael A. Haggard
2023: Gerson Smoger
2022: Mark Kitrick
2021: Laura V. Yaeger
2020: Danielle Mason
2018: Stephen J. Herman
2017: Christine Spagnoli
2016: Thomas W. Malone
2015: Mary Alice McLarty
2014: Gary Paul
2013: Les Weisbrod
2012: Wayne Hogan
2011: Anthony Tarricone
2010: Peter G. Angelos
2010: Russell W. Budd
2010: John Eddie Williams Jr.
2009: Sol Weiss
2008: Jim Kitchens
2007: Kenneth Suggs
2006: Thomas Hale Boggs
2005: David Casey
2004: Leo Boyle
2003: Mark Mandell
2002: Richard Bieder
2000: Howard Twiggs
1998: Ron Motley
Harry M. Philo
Harry Philo was a exemplary trial lawyer, but his legacy extends well beyond the courtroom. His philosophy was simple--the law is never settled until it is right, it is never right until it is just, and it is never just until it serves society to the fullest. He challenged trial lawyers to forge a safer society by exposing corporate greed and dangerous products and reminded trial lawyers that they are the ones on the side of people—not banks, insurance companies, or Fortune 500 companies. AAJ is honored to regularly recognize an outstanding trial lawyer who share Harry's beliefs and shows a commitment, through his or her dedication to their clients and society as a whole, to the principles Harry lived by.
