Michael Graves | Hernando Business Litigation Lawyer

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About Michael

Mr. Graves is the Managing Member of Graves Smith Attorneys. As an AV-Preeminent rated lawyer, he has accumulated over twenty years of experience in commercial and general civil litigation in both state and federal courts in Mississippi.  Mr. Graves’ experience includes: commercial litigation; civil litigation; collections; creditors’ rights; lender liability; zoning and land use; real estate; landlord/tenant; homeowners associations; dram shop litigation; premises liability; products liability; estates and will contests; medical malpractice; breach of contract; non-compete; and defamation.  He is also experienced in the formation, operation, and maintenance of business entities in Mississippi.  Mr. Graves is a certified mediator with the Mississippi Supreme Court, and he has served as both a mediator and arbitrator in many commercial and civil matters.  

Mr. Graves has made continuing education presentations on topics including zoning, land use and development, landlord/tenant, and insurance.  Mr. Graves has authored numerous articles on law-related topics in both legal and non-legal publications.  Mr. Graves is a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America, a member of the American Society of Legal Advocates, a member of the William C. Keady Inns of Court, a member of The Trial Law Institute, and a member of the Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit, the Mississippi Bar, and the Desoto County Bar Association.  

Mr. Graves has also been included in the “Top Lawyers In Mississippi” for 2013 by The Legal Network. He is a graduate of the Mississippi College School of Law (with Special Distinction) and has served as President of the MC Law Alumni Association.  Mr. Graves is actively involved in many local civic organizations and is a past board member of the DeSoto Economic Council. Mr. Graves currently serves as the Board attorney for the Town of Roxie, Mississippi. Mr. Graves previously served in both the Mississippi Army National Guard and Air National Guard.

Please contact me to learn about my fee structure.

Experience

Managing Member

Graves, Smith, Palmertree, & Shaw, PLLC

2013-Present

Member

Walker, Brown, Brown, & Graves, P.A.

2008-2009

Member

Myers Graves, PLLC

2001 - 2008

Member

Waring Cox, PLC

1999-2001

Member

Holcomb Dunbar, LLP

1995-1999

Associate

Brunini Grantham Grower & Hewes

1992-1995

Admission

Verified Mississippi

1992

Education

University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelor of Arts

1989

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • Member | Mississippi Bar
  • Member | American Academy of Trial Attorneys
  • Member | Fifth Circuit Bar Association
  • Member | DeSoto County Bar Association
Honors / Awards
  • Member of the Mississippi State Bar since .
    1992

Notable Work

Cases

MENDROP V. SHELTER MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

A couple filed suit against Shelter Mutual Insurance Company (hereafter "Shelter") in the Circuit Court of Desoto County, Mississippi on December 10, 2004. Their Complaint alleges a right of recovery predicated on bad faith breach of an insurance contract and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

Publications

CLICK Magazine Business Plan Pitfall: You Want To Do What? Where?

2013


BLINK Magazine How's My Driving? Employers' Liability For Negligence of Employee Drivers

2010


BLINK Magazine Mississippi Business Law Development: More Change Is On The Way

2010


BLINK Magazine Get A Fresh Start ON Bad Debt

2009


BLINK Magazine Be Informed Before You Fire

2009

Graves, Smith, Palmertree, & Shaw, PLLC Highlights

Litigation, Family Law, Real Estate, Business

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