Michael Hedgepeth is a workers’ compensation defense attorney who brings intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic to every case he handles. He maintains a meticulous approach to investigation, taking time to dive deep into case details to uncover valuable facts that strengthen his defense strategies. His practice focuses heavily on occupational disease and asbestos exposure claims across various industries.
This thoroughness extends to Michael’s client relationships, where he maintains a relentless focus on understanding each client’s specific objectives. Whether a client wants to pursue trial or seek settlement, Michael aligns his strategy from day one to support their preferred approach. He serves as a dependable and responsive partner, someone clients know they can rely on.
Central to Michael’s practice is his commitment to ensuring clients fully understand their options. He asks probing questions and presents relevant case law to help clients grasp the potential direction of their matters. he enjoys working collaboratively with clients to determine the best strategy based on their goals and circumstances.
Michael tailors his communication style to match each client’s familiarity with North Carolina workers’ compensation law. For clients new to NC law, he takes extra time to explain every step of the process. Clients consistently praise his ability to break down complex legal concepts into easily understandable terms.
Michael’s commitment to excellence began in law school, where he graduated summa cum laude from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. He served as co-valedictorian of his class and as a senior staff writer for the Campbell Law Observer, earning the J. Bryan Boyd Award for Excellence in Legal Journalism. His academic achievements include 12 Book Awards for achieving the highest average in various disciplines and the Calhoun Advocacy Award for top performance in Campbell Law’s Trial and Appellate Advocacy program.
Outside the office, Michael enjoys spending quality time with his wife and son. When time allows, he enjoys playing golf, reading, and exploring developments in artificial intelligence.
Involvement
- North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
- Mecklenburg County Bar Association
Honors
- Included on the 2015 & 2018 Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite list in the Young Guns category
- Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020 – 2026 in the field of Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
- Selected to the North Carolina Rising Stars list published nationwide in Super Lawyers® Magazine in 2020 – 2023