• Member, Robinson & McElwee, 2015 – present
• Of Counsel, Robinson & McElwee, 2002-2014
• Counsel, West Virginia House of Delegates Judiciary Committee, 2002
• More than 30 years of defense practice

Mr. Hayes’ practice primarily involves representing corporate defendants in product liability, toxic and mass torts trucking and other complex and serious personal injury claims.

Mr. Hayes maintains more than 30 years of defense experience, and has regularly appeared before a variety of state and federal courts in West Virginia and Kentucky. Mr. Hayes has served as lead responsible counsel for numerous bench and jury trials.  In addition, Mr. Hayes has often appeared before the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, as well as the U.S. Fourth and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Mr. Hayes represents a variety of clients across several industries including large and small manufacturers, oil and gas companies, distributors, service providers and trucking companies.

Prior to joining Robinson & McElwee in 2002, Mr. Hayes served as counsel for the West Virginia House of Delegates Judiciary Committee. Mr. Hayes’ other prior experience includes time managing his own firm and service with other West Virginia defense firms.

Mr. Hayes maintains a broad, defense-oriented practice with a focus on product liability, including asbestos, chemical exposure and other forms of complex litigation.  He currently serves as President for the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia, the state’s largest defense counsel organization.

Away from the office, Mr. Hayes serves his alma mater Marshall University as a member of the Board of Directors for the Marshall University Alumni Association and as a charter member of its “John Marshall Legal Society”, mentoring undergraduate students on the law and its effect on their future profession.  He also volunteers for various committees affiliated with business and professional development and is a regular presenter to lawyer and non-lawyer organizations on a variety of topics.