Michael D. Jones, P.C.
Overview
Before his retirement in 2024, Michael Jones had a national trial practice that ranged from New York to Hawaii. A Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, Michael tried high profile cases that were the focus of national media attention. For a number of years he taught trial advocacy at Georgetown University Law Center. Copies of his opening statements have been used as a teaching aid in a number of law schools.
In 1991, Michael became Kirkland’s first African American partner. From 2009 to 2020, he led the Firm’s longest, most historic pro bono case on behalf of the four Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Maryland challenging the state’s discriminatory treatment of HBCUs. Michael led two trials in the federal district court, an appeal to the 4th Circuit and hearings before the Maryland legislature. The case resulted in a settlement of $577 million dollars and a restructuring of Maryland’s academic program approval, paving the way for the HBCUs to receive high-demand, cutting-edge academic programs.
Michael has received a number of awards and recognition for his work on the case including, Legal Times Champion of Justice, Reuters Legal News Pro Bono Hero, American Lawyer Lawyer of The Year Finalist, Lawyers of Color Lawyer of the Year and HBCU Pre-law Hall of Fame. The case was also featured in Kirkland’s 2020 American Lawyer Litigation Department of the Year Award.
Michael’s work on behalf of commercial clients has been featured in a number of media outlets, including The National Law Journal’s Defense Verdicts of the Year, The American Lawyer’s Big Suits section and Lawyers Weekly USA. His winning record with dispositive motions has been noted by Corporate Counsel magazine, and his experience in defending against punitive damages has been noted by The National Law Journal. In 37 years, he never lost a punitive damages case.
He has regularly been listed as one of the nation’s leading litigators, including by the National Law Journal, the Legal Times and other publications.