Practice areas: Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury; view more
Licensed in Georgia since: 2009
Education: Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law
Call today:
478-415-1876
The Mayo Firm
577 Mulberry StreetSuite 1400
Macon, GA 31201 Visit website
In Macon, Georgia, Michael E. Mayo stands as a dedicated advocate for individuals impacted by the negligence of others. At The Mayo Firm, he focuses his practice on complex cases involving medical malpractice, business litigation and real estate. His extensive experience includes handling catastrophic cases against hospitals, commercial trucking companies, financial institutions, insurance companies and medical groups.
Mr. Mayo is known for his hands-on approach, personally managing cases through all levels of the court system. His track record includes significant victories at the trial court level, as well as successful appeals in the Court of Appeals of Georgia and the Supreme Court of Georgia. He has secured millions of dollars in compensation for his clients, achieving seven-figure verdicts and settlements and has adeptly defended these outcomes on appeal.
Beyond litigation, Mr. Mayo is skilled in mediation and arbitration, providing clients with comprehensive advice on the benefits and risks of pursuing legal action. He has represented families who have lost loved ones due to negligence, obtaining substantial confidential settlements on their behalf. In high-stakes cases, he serves as lead litigation counsel for various corporations and businesses across Georgia, orchestrating deals nearing $1 billion.
Mr. Mayo's commitment to his clients extends beyond financial recovery. He is deeply invested in building enduring relationships, offering guidance and support during challenging times. His community and professional network regard him as a leader and a reliable source of counsel. His legal journey began in criminal defense and business litigation, where he honed his courtroom skills.
Transitioning to civil practice, Mr. Mayo joined one of Georgia's oldest large firms, representing insurance companies in injury cases. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the strategies used by insurers to minimize payouts, knowledge he now leverages to benefit his clients. His mentors played a crucial role in shaping his career, and he attributes much of his success to their guidance and example. His career is marked by a steadfast dedication to justice, a profound understanding of the legal system, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for those he represents.
Practice areas
Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - General: PlaintiffFocus areas
Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury - Plaintiff
- 50% Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff
- 50% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 2009, Georgia
Professional Webpage: https://mayofirm.law/michael-e-mayo-esq/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Successful Oral Argument at Supreme Court of Georgia, 2024
- Daily Report, On the Rise (2021), Top 20 attorney under age 40 in Georgia according to Atlanta- based periodical, 2021
- Board of Trustees - Woodfield - 5+ years serving local school dedicated to children with learning differences or difficulties, engaging other board members and staff with implementation of "nature smart" curriculum designed to assist target students with adjustment to learning environment, assist with renovation of current school premises, and taking steps to make Woodfield an exemplar for others schools seeking to make a similar impact., 2021
- President, William Augustus Bootle Inn of Court - The largest of all the American Inns of Court, which inspire the legal community to advance the rule of law by achieving the highest level of professionalism through example, education, and mentoring. The vision is to create a legal profession and judiciary dedicated to professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence., 2020
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
- Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
- Vice President, William Augustus Bootle Inn of Court - The largest of all the American Inns of Court, which inspire the legal community to advance the rule of law by achieving the highest level of professionalism through example, education, and mentoring. The vision is to create a legal profession and judiciary dedicated to professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence., 2019
- Georgia Court of Appeals
- Supreme Court of Georgia
- Chairman, Macon Bar Association Annual Golf Tournament - Develop, plan, and coordinate large golf tournament and activities day for the Macon Bar Association, which has been well attended for several years. As Chairman since 2017, Mr. Mayo has explored ways to increase sponsorship and engagement from the community and successfully leading to increased turnout and enjoyment., 2019
- Adjunct Professor - Mercer University - Introduction to American Government, since 2018 serving alma mater following invitation from department head, classes held after close of law firm business., 2019
- Woodruff Scholar - Walter F. George School of Law - Return each year to participate in activities surrounding selection and recognition of Mercer Law's top incoming scholar. Received honor while attending in 2006-2009., 2019
- Continuing Legal Education Presenter: Pro Se Litigants in the Civil Arena (Gate City Bar Association), 2018
- Volunteerism - Walter F. George School of Law - Consistently engaged in local law school community, serves on Woodruff Scholarship (Top Scholar) selection committee, frequent guest speaker for recruitment, judges first year mock trial finals, and many other activities., 2019
- Volunteerism - Macon Bar Association - Heavily involved in opportunities to give back to the community to include Mock Trial jury/judge service, guest speaking, attending Macon Bar Association Executive Committee meetings, etc., 2019
- Pupilage Group Leader, William Augustus Bootle Inn of Court, 2016
- Barrister, William Augustus Bootle Inn of Court, 2013
- Member, State Bar of Georgia, 2009
- Member, Macon Bar Association, 2009
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- $1,350,00 Motor Vehicle Collision, 2026
- Successful Argument at Supreme Court of Georgia, 2024
- $200,000 - Motor Vehicle Collision, 2025
- Large Confidential Settlement - Medical Malpractice, 2025
- $1,000,000 partial settlement of medical malpractice claim, 2023
- $9.6 Million - Whistleblower Judgment, 2022
- Successful resolved multi-million dollar business dissolution involving various business tort claims., 2022
- $200,000 - Motor Vehicle Collision, 2022
- Successfully defeated County's Motion to Dismiss Zoning Appeal for project valued over $300 Million. Separately received award of attorney's fees against County for putting forth defenses lacking substantial justification pursuant to Section 9-15-14, 2021
- Successfully defeated $16,000,000 claim in medical billing case, earned settlement award of $100,000 on counterclaim, 2021
- $100,000 - Motor vehicle collision, 2021
- $1,000,000 - Settlement negligent security, 2020
- $50,000 - Partial Settlement of motor vehicle collision injury, additional work on Uninsured Motorist coverage continues, 2020
- $330,000 - Settlement of motor vehicle collision involving broken ribs, 2020
- $1,600,000 Trial verdict protected through appellate process. 100% recovery involving breach of trust and tort claims. Phillips v. Phillips, Civil Action No 2013V-0349Superior Court of Bleckley County (2015); confirmed by Georgia Court of Appeals in Appeal No. A15D0448 (2015). Judgment satisfied through complex set of garnishment actions against brokerage firms and retirement accounts., 2015
- $500,000 - Settlement in medical malpractice case involving negligence and failure to diagnose, 2020
- $1,487,000 - Combined settlement and judgment of commercial dispute requiring complex litigation strategies, depositions, and alternative dispute resolution. SPP Investments, LLC v. Kimco Facilities Svcs, et al, Civil Action No. 17-CV-67432, Superior Court of Bibb County., 2018
- $1,250,000 - Settlement of policy limits in fatal vehicle collision, Scott v. Schmitz, Civil Action No 87362, State Court of Bibb County (2018), 2018
- $500,000 - Medical Malpractice settlement related to improper management of patient's airway; Collier v. Phoebe Putney Memorial Hosp., Civil Action NO SU-18-CV-3142, Superior Court of Muscogee County, 2019
- $300,000 Settlement of serious injuries in trucking case. Kelsay v. Chappell, LCJ Trucking, Gregory Johnson; Case settled in pursuit mediation., 2016
- $238,000 Jury Verdict for breach of fiduciary duty. Jury awarded all damages, plus attorney's fees/expenses. George v. Wagner, Civil Case No 14103225, Superior Court of Cobb County, 2016
- $200,000 - Settlement of Medicare fraud allegations between medical providers, Sai Rehab, Inc. v. Beacon Health Management, LLC, Civil Action No 87839, State Court of Bibb County, 2019
- Defense Verdict (Jury): Lawyer represented insured defendant in case stemming from motor vehicle collision. Facts of case included rear-end collision. Jury found Plaintiff's injuries unrelated to motor vehicle collision in question. Gunnell v. Rawlings, Civil Court of Bibb County, 2016
- Summary Judgment Case affirmed by Court of Appeals. Case involved defense of company in multi-million dollar action. Extremely document intensive. TNT Pawn, LLC v. Ga Asphalt, Inc., Civil Action No. 79589 State Court of Bibb County; affirmed by Court of Appeals in Appeal No. A15A0810, 2015
Videos
- Video shows Court of Appeals oral argument on behalf of Appellant regarding lawsuit for intentional torts derived from constitutional violations and deprivation of rights under application for special use permit., Oral Argument, Court of Appeals, 2019
Pro bono / Community Service
- Board of Trustees - Woodfield, 2023
- Co-founder, The Barre - Michael and his wife founded The Barre Dance Studios, which prepares performing artists for college auditions and professional careers in various dance genres. The Barre was recently recognized as Middle Georgia’s Best Dance Studio after receiving the highest honor from the “Best of the Best” annual rating. , 2026
- Co-Founder, The Barre - Michael and his wife founded The Barre Dance Studios, which prepares performing artists for college auditions and professional careers in various dance genres. The Barre was recently recognized as Middle Georgia’s Best Dance Studio after receiving the highest honor from the “Best of the Best” annual rating. , 2025
- Chairman Board of Trustees, Woodfield Academy, 2026
- Chairman Board of Trustees, Woodfield Academy, 2025
- Chairman, Board of Trustees - Woodfield, 2024
- Presenter for Mercer University School of Law "Life of Lawyering" as mentor to first-year students., 2023
- Board of Trustees - Woodfield Academy, 2022
- Continued assistance with Middle Georgia Access to Justice, 2022
- Board of Trustees - Woodfield Academy, 2021
- Volunteer as Mock Trial judge for finals of Mercer Law First Year competition., 2019
- Served as a member of the Justice Brigade for Middle Georgia Justice - Pro Bono service to assist clients in need of legal representation but without sufficient resources, 2020
- Board of Trustees - Woodfield - 4+ years serving local school dedicated to children with learning differences or difficulties, engaging other board members and staff with implementation of "nature smart" curriculum designed to assist target students with adjustment to learning environment, assist with renovation of current school premises, and taking steps to make Woodfield an exemplar for others schools seeking to make a similar impact., 2020
Honors
- Invited to evaluate the applicants for the Georgia Legal Award's "On the Rise" category. Selected winners based on application process., Attorney Judge for Daily Report's On the Rise Category, Everett Catts, Editor of the Daily Report, 2022
- Macon Telegraph Best of the Best (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025): Voted Best Law Firm in Macon
- Daily Report, On the Rise (2021)
- Super Lawyers (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
- Invited to evaluate applicants for the Georgia Legal Awards "On the Rise" category. Select winners based on application process., Attorney Judge for Daily Report's On the Rise Category, Everett Catts, Editor of the Daily Report, 2023
- Top 40 Under 40 National Trial Lawyers, https://thenationaltriallawyers.org/profile-view/Michael/Mayo/18629/, 2022
- On the Rise - Under 40, https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2021/07/12/georgia-legal-awards-honorees-including-attorney-of-the-year-finalists-announced/?kw=Georgia%20Legal%20Awards%20Honorees%26mdash%3BIncluding%20Attorney%20of%20the%20Year%20Finalists%26mdash%3BAnnounced&, 2021
- 2018-2022 The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40 is a professional organization comprised of America’s top young trial attorneys. Membership into The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40 is by invitation only, and is extended exclusively to those individuals who meet stringent qualifications and specialize in the legal practice of criminal defense or civil plaintiff., Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers, https://www.thenationaltriallawyers.org/profile-view/Michael/Mayo/18629/, 2019
- Recognized on home page of Mid Georgia Access to Justice and at annual banquet as premier leader of the Justice Brigade, receiving Silver Star designation., Recognized Member of the Justice Brigade for Mid Georgia Access to Justice, https://www.facebook.com/mgajustice/posts/821967188244229, 2020
- Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. This selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations, Super Lawyers - Rising Star, Medical Malpractice, https://www.thenationaltriallawyers.org/profile-view/Michael/Mayo/18629/, 2019
- 2019-2020The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40 is a professional organization comprised of America’s top young trial attorneys. Membership into The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40 is by invitation only, and is extended exclusively to those individuals who meet stringent qualifications and specialize in the legal practice of criminal defense or civil plaintiff., National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, https://www.thenationaltriallawyers.org/profile-view/Michael/Mayo/18629/, 2020
- Top scholarship offered for incoming students at Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law. Scholarship based on prior academic performance, writing submission, and extensive interview process. Honor carried forward with demonstration of academic excellence. Past scholars continue work with present and future scholars as part of mentor program., Woodruff Scholar, Mercer University, 2006
Educational Background
- Mercer University (B.A., magna cum laude, 2006)
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Returned by invitation to Alma Mater, Mercer University, to teach Introduction to American Government during semesters where schedule allows., Adjunct Professor, Introduction to American Government, 2019
- During the Pandemic, hosted a series of lectures and interviews with prominent attorneys and judges to help the legal community adapt to the changing circumstances and judicial state of emergency brought on by the Pandemic., Presenter, The Times They are A-Changin, YouTube - Bootle Inn Macon, Law, 2021
- Invited to speak at Walter F. George School of Law regarding the maturation and evolution of a lawyer from beginning studies, through the large firm, and into self-employment., Guest Speaker, The Evolution of a Lawyer, 2018
- Invited to speak before the Gate City Bar Association for Continuing Legal Education., Lecturer, Pro Se Litigants in the Civil Arena, 2017
- Invited to speak to Mercer University students regarding the daily life and trials of the modern day attorney., Guest Speaker, Life of a Lawyer, 2016
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2024 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2020 - 2023