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.

Gerson Smoger exemplifies the spirit of this award. He has dedicated his life to protecting civil justice and is a person who works tirelessly without ever asking for recognition. AAJ’s amicus curiae program is a critical part of what AAJ does, and Gerson (for years) has written briefs pro bono for AAJ. As the best leaders do, he leads by example and his work has surely advanced the safety of American consumers.

His firm has had many significant cases, including the U.S Supreme Court’s reversal of the 1984 Agent Orange settlement; “light” cigarette class actions; and mass tort cases involving corporate misconduct, including groundwater and lead exposure.