Insight

A Warrior for Clients

Michael P. Lyons stands up.

Lyons Roaring Through Complex Disputes
Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers

June 12, 2019 04:11 PM

Listeners of the wildly popular “Dr. Death”podcast may recognize the name of attorney Michael Lyons. Lyons represented one of the victims of former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch, who is currently serving life in prison after committing one of the largest medical mass torts in history. Lyons’ time on the podcast was small, but the impact he’s had on his client’s life has been quite significant.

“Injustice keeps me up at night,” Lyons said.“My clients’ problems are my problems. I knew we needed to right a terrible wrong.” Many attorneys would charitably characterize any case challenging Texas’s tort reform laws as a fool’s errand. Nevertheless, Lyons understood something had to be done, even if it meant standing up to then-Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. Once the dust had settled, his client was taken care of and Duntsch was behind bars.

Lyons literally views himself as a warrior for his client’s cause, and he takes his job seriously. He has spent his entire career representing people who have the deck stacked against them. For the public, most people cannot afford to hire the large white-shoe law firm to fight for them, but the big corporations can and do. “The running joke for years was that I couldn’t afford to hire myself. That's wrong, and the system is set up to keep private citizens from accessing the courthouse. I can’t live with that,” Lyons said.

“My mission is to provide representation on par or better than that of any billionaire or giant multinational corporation,” Lyons says. “Your economic status or what ill-fated misfortune you’re faced with should not determine your chance to win in the civil justice system. That’s un-American.” That’s not just lip service—he means it. Lyons has a private jet on standby 24/7 with access to resources to stand up to anyone, anytime, anywhere. “When we roll in, we want everyone to know we can go toe-to-toe with anyone.”

Lyons is confident for good reason. At age 45, he has developed a reputation for getting remarkable results on big, high-exposure cases all over the country. Over a 20-year career he’s represented clients from publicly traded companies in the most complex business disputes to individuals facing life-altering personal injuries in the fight of their lives. He has tried cases before judges, juries, and arbitrators and finds himself most at home with challenging, technically complex cases. His recent case list looks more like a career list than a three-year snapshot.

When we roll in, we want everyone to know we can go toe-to-toe with anyone.

A young girl is hit by a delivery truck while riding her bicycle, throwing her 25 feet and causing a traumatic brain injury. The driver is drunk, driving on the wrong side of the road and on his phone. When the defendants challenged the extent of her brain injury, Lyons brought in one of the world’s top neurologists and used cutting-edge imaging technology known as Diffusion Tensor Imaging to quantify and correlate his client’s brain injury. In another case, Lyons represented a young boy who sustained a severe brain injury when a tree limb over a playground snapped and struck him. He spent the money to scan the entire park and produce a 3D animation that captured exactly what happened. Lyons says a picture speaks a thousand words. “When you can show the jury a visual depiction of the injuries or the event that caused them in a way that speaks truth, it’s game, set, match for your client. Any juror that sees a child experience something so terrible will have a hard time forgetting it.”

Lyons has recently had a string of high-profile cases that have attracted media attention, but that isn’t what motivates him. He represents a 72-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s who was sexually assaulted by a cable technician in her home. Lyons says he wants to change the culture that allowed it to happen, “This isn’t an isolated occurrence. There’s a blind spot in how these companies hire and retain their workers. This has to get fixed.”

In January of 2018, five workers were killed when a gas well blow-out and rig fire occurred near Quinton, Oklahoma. It was the worst oilfield disaster since the Deepwater Horizon tragedy. Lyons was brought in to represent the family of one of the victims. “I was watching this unfold on CNN and the next day I got the call to get involved. It has been one of the most impactful cases of my career.” Lyons says before the case is finished, it’s his desire to change the way well control is managed and monitored. “I don’t want my client’s life to have been lost for nothing.”

The world needs more warriors for justice. For the past 20 years, Michael Lyons has been one of those people.

Related Articles

Catastrophic Personal Injury


by Best Lawyers

Trial legend Frank Branson finds success mixing technology and new skills with vast courtroom experience.

Catastrophic Personal Injury

IN PARTNERSHIP

Easton & Easton: Let Our Family Help Yours


by Justin Smulison

For more than 50 years, Easton & Easton have continued to be the go-to trial law firm for injury and wrongful death claims in Southern California in 2023.

Group of lawyers pose at table with globe in forefront

IN PARTNERSHIP

When the Result Means Everything


by Lyons & Simmons

Michael Lyons and Christopher Simmons, Texas-based trial attorneys and founders of the firm Lyons & Simmons, are dedicated to finding justice for their clients.

Two suited lawyers walk side by side while talking

We Are Women, We Are Fearless


by Deborah S. Chang and Justin Smulison

Athea Trial Lawyers is a female owned and operated law firm specializing in civil litigation, catastrophic energy, wrongful death and product liability.

Athea Trial Law Female Leadership and Success

Kelley|Uustal: A Firm Like No Other


by Kelley|Uustal

Florida firm Kelley|Uustal navigates the importance of client representation and the hard-fought personal injury battles that the firm has taken on over the years.

Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Firm

Big Case Warriors


by Best Lawyers

The co-founders of Lyons & Simmons, LLP discuss their relentless dedication to pursuing justice for clients while also invoking change.

Lyons & Simmons Best Lawyers 2020

A Cohesive Team


by Best Lawyers

How Bentley & More LLP Combined Forces

A Cohesive Team

Media Tips in a High-Profile Case


by Gregory G. Rizio

How an Attorney Can Successfully Work With the Press

Media Tips in a High-Profile Case

Unlocking an Auto Product Safety Mystery


by Best Lawyers

After a rear-end collision left their two young children with severe head injuries, the Reavis family had many questions and no one to turn to for help.

Frank L. Branson Toyota Payout

E-Scooters: Spontaneous Fun or Serious Danger?


by Linda J. Chalat

Reports of serious injury raise questions over the legality of electric scooters—even as ridership grows.

Are E-Scooters Legal in Colorado?

Maintaining a Legacy


by Best Lawyers

Ben Zimmerman and the SUGARMAN team carry on the tradition of excellence at the storied plaintiffs' law firm.

SUGARMAN Lawyers on Their Trial Strategy

Trial-Tested


by Sean Stonefield

Pribanic & Pribanic’s attorneys bring years of courtroom experience to advocating for the injured and disabled.

Pribanic & Pribanic Personal Injury History

In the News: Georgia


by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from Colorado lawyers and law firms.

In the News Georgia 2018

IN PARTNERSHIP

How to Deal with the Aftermath of a Car Accident


by Mark Roman

A crash can have physical, psychological and financial consequences. Here are five steps to take to effectively deal with the aftermath of a car accident.

Woman on phone surveys damage to vehicle

IN PARTNERSHIP

What Is Contributory Negligence and How Does It Affect My Alabama Injury Case?


by Keith Belt

Injured in a car accident in Alabama? Based on the theory of contributory negligence, your role in the accident can affect your ability to collect post-trial.

Worker on construction site steps on nail

IN PARTNERSHIP

How to Make Sure You Get the Maximum Compensation for a Personal Injury Claim


by John P. Ford

This article discusses the numerous factors that affect a personal injury settlement and tips for how to maximize compensation in a personal injury claim.

Stethoscope sitting on top of money and medical form

Trending Articles

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Discover The Best Lawyers in Spain 2025 Edition


by Jennifer Verta

Highlighting Spain’s leading legal professionals and rising talents.

Flags of Spain, representing Best Lawyers country

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

How to Increase Your Online Visibility With a Legal Directory Profile


by Jennifer Verta

Maximize your firm’s reach with a legal directory profile.

Image of a legal directory profile

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Paramount Hit With NY Class Action Lawsuit Over Mass Layoffs


by Gregory Sirico

Paramount Global faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly violating New York's WARN Act after laying off 300+ employees without proper notice in September.

Animated man in suit being erased with Paramount logo in background

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

The Future of Family Law: 3 Top Trends Driving the Field


by Gregory Sirico

How technology, mental health awareness and alternative dispute resolution are transforming family law to better support evolving family dynamics.

Animated child looking at staircase to beach scene

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipment

Introduction to Demand Generation for Law Firms


by Jennifer Verta

Learn the essentials of demand gen for law firms and how these strategies can drive client acquisition, retention, and long-term success.

Illustration of a hand holding a magnet, attracting icons representing individuals towards a central

The Litigation Finance Mass Tort Gold Rush


by Justin Smulison

Third-party litigation funding is transforming mass torts, propelling the high-risk area into a multi-billion-dollar industry

Gold coins with data chart backdrop

ERISA Reaches Its Turning Point


by Bryan Driscoll

ERISA litigation and the laws surrounding are rapidly changing, with companies fundamentally rewriting their business practices.

Beach chair and hat in front of large magnify glass

Best Lawyers Expands With New Artificial Intelligence Practice Area


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers introduces Artificial Intelligence Law to recognize attorneys leading the way in AI-related legal issues and innovation.

AI network expanding in front of bookshelf

How US Immigration Works: Everything You Need to Know


by Jennifer Verta

Explore the pathways, processes and evolving policies shaping U.S. immigration today.

Illustration of Immigrant Family Journey in Front of American Flag

Finding the Right Divorce Attorney


by Best Lawyers

Divorce proceedings are inherently a complex legal undertaking. Hiring the right divorce attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of any case.

Person at a computer holding a phone and pen