Mike Tanner was born and raised in Tuscumbia, Alabama. He attended Tuscumbia public schools, graduating from Deshler High School in 1972. Mike then attended Auburn University, graduating with high honors in 1976, and Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, graduating magna cum laude in 1979. While at Cumberland, Mike served on the Law Review and was the Fifth Ciruit Editor.

Mike began his legal career with the Memphis, Tennessee, law firm of Farris, Hancock, Gilman, Brannon & Lanier. He then served as a law clerk for Judge Orma Smith in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. In July of 1981 Mike returned to his hometown of Tuscumbia, Alabama, to practice with the firm of Almon, McAlister, Ashe, Baccus & Smith. Mike remained with that firm or a derivative of that firm until 2004, when he joined with Rick Hall to form Hall & Tanner, P.C.

Mike has spent his entire legal career (40 years) representing both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation with an emphasis on motor vehicle accidents, both trucking and automobile, insurance disputes, employment litigation, industrial accidents, estate and trust litigation, business litigation, and personal injury and products liability. Mike has tried over 100 jury trials in both state and federal courts across North Alabama. Mike spent his early years representing primarily defendants and insurance companies. In recent years, he has represented primarily plaintiffs. His prior experience representing defendants and insurance companies gives him unique experience and insight in representing plaintiffs.

Mike is married to the former Cindy Frederick of Florence, Alabama. Outside of the office, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and family and playing golf.

Education

• Cumberland School of Law, magna cum laude, J.D. 1979
• Auburn University, with high honors, B.S. 1976

Bar Admissions

• Tennessee Supreme Court, 1979
• Alabama Supreme Court, 1981
• U.S. District Court, N.D. of Alabama, 1981
• U.S. District Court, M.D. of Tennessee, 2009
• 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, 1981
• United States Supreme Court, 1988

Professional Associations

• Tennessee Bar Association
• Alabama Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• American Association for Justice

Notable Opinions

• Ex parte Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. (Ala. 2018)
• Maxwell v. Dawkins (Ala. 2007)
• McCullar v. Universal (Ala. 1996)
• Hyde v. Humana (Ala. 1992)
• Reynolds v. Mays (Ala. 1989)
• Reynolds v. Mays (Ala. 1987)
• Alabama Farm v. Dyer (Ala. 1984)