PRIMARY PRACTICE AREAS:
- Premises and Products Liability Defense
- Civil Litigation & Subrogation
- Insurance Contracts & Coverage
- Workers' Compensation
- Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation

CONTACT:
michael.wilkes@jhhdefense.com

ASSISTANT:
Karen Burns

Mr. Wilkes is a partner at Jones, Hurley & Hand, P.A. He contributes a wealth of experience, dealing both with state workers' compensation claims and Federal claims under Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and Defense Base Act. He also handles a myriad of other general liability matters. He has also litigated appeals before the Florida First District Court of Appeals, the Benefits Review Board (Longshore) and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition to his vast experience as an attorney, he is a very well respected mediator, handling all kinds of complex litigated matters. 

Mr. Wilkes was raised in New Jersey.  Mr. Wilkes attended Lycoming College where he received his Bachelors' Degree in Political Science and Philosophy. He later attended Temple University School of Law in Philadelphia where he received his law degree in 1983. He passed the Florida Bar that same year. 

While not at work, Mr. Wilkes enjoys endurance running, reading and participating in his daughter's various activities including competition soccer.

EDUCATION
Lycoming College (B.A. Political Science and Philosophy-Magna Cum Laude, 1980) 
Temple University School of Law (J.D. 1983)

AREAS OF PRACTICE
Premises and Produce Liability Defense
Civil Litigation & Subrogation
Insurance Contracts & Coverage
Workers' Compensation
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation

BAR ADMISSIONS
Florida Bar (admitted 1983)
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida (1984)
U.S. Eleventh Circuit of Appeals (2008)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Workers' Compensation Section of the Florida Bar
Brevard County Bar Association

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
Lycoming College Iruska Honor Society (academic achievement and service to the college)
Phi Sigma Tau (International Honor Society in Philosophy)
Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political Science Honor Society)  
Pi Gamma Mu (International Honor Society in  Social Sciences)
Accredited Veteran's Affairs Attorney

PRIOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Florida Department of Financial Services Licensed CEU Instructor