Michael Jacobellis, Attorney

Mike Jacobellis is board certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Before practicing law, Mr. Jacobellis earned his undergraduate degree at Cornell University, College of Arts & Science, Ithaca, New York. He graduated from St. John's University School of Law, Jamaica, New York in 1980, where he was an editor of the law review and a St. Thomas More Scholar.

From August 1980 to May, 1982, Mr. Jacobellis served as a law clerk to Joe J. Fisher, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. He was involved in numerous toxic tort trials and assisted the Court in the preparation of precedent setting opinions in products liability, labor and employment, and maritime law.

In June 1982, Mr. Jacobellis entered the practice of law with the legendary Joe Tonahill, of Jasper Texas, in the firm of Tonahill, Hile & Leister. Although the firm had its roots in Jasper, Mr. Jacobellis opened a Beaumont office He became a member of the firm, Tonahill, Hile, Leister & Jacobellis, and practiced personal injury, workers' compensation, products liability, toxic tort and maritime law. He was one of the founding members of the Southeast Texas Trial Lawyers Association. He was awarded an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, which means very high to preeminent legal ability and very high ethical standards.

In 2000, Mr. Jacobellis became an associate with the firm of Clay Dugas & Associates where his practice concentrates on medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and medical devices cases. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas.

Mr. Jacobellis is recognized for his expertise in Workers' Compensation practice, and together with John Kilpatrick, helped prepare the Lexis-Nexis Texas Workers' Compensation Handbook which has just been released.

Mr. Jacobellis has been married to Amy Jacobellis for 29 years and they have six children. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobellis have been active in state politics. Mr. Jacobellis ran for statewide office in 2001, and Mrs. Jacobellis has been a candidate for state senator and county commissioner.