As a trial attorney, I am often asked why I chose this profession. The answer is simple: I wanted to help people in need. My education, training, and experience have equipped me with the necessary tools to protect my clients’ interests—often in the face of significant challenges.
My passion for advocating for working individuals and their families stems from personal experience. I witnessed firsthand the difficulties my parents faced when navigating the legal system, and those experiences left a lasting impact on me.
My father was injured when his ship was torpedoed during World War II. His injuries were later aggravated by a workplace accident, leaving him unable to work for an extended period. The financial strain on our family was immense. I learned early what it meant to entrust your well-being to others only to face uncertainty and hardship.
Years later, my mother was involved in a serious automobile accident through no fault of her own. She suffered a herniated cervical disc, yet her case was settled for an amount that did not cover her future medical needs. She, like my father, had no legal knowledge and no guidance. They were hardworking people with limited education, overwhelmed by a system they did not understand. They feared for their future and their ability to provide for their family.
Those experiences shaped my decision to become an attorney. I wanted to be a resource for people like my parents—honest, hardworking individuals who deserve to be heard, respected, and protected. I had never met a lawyer before law school, and the path was not easy, but with determination and the support of good people, I earned the right to be called a trial attorney. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of making a real difference in the lives of thousands of people.
I am proud of my profession. Trial attorneys stand up for individuals who have nowhere else to turn. We seek justice and accountability for negligence and wrongdoing, helping clients and their families rebuild their lives. Our work has made medicine safer, workplaces more secure, and consumer products less hazardous—because courageous individuals, with the help of trial lawyers, have held corporations accountable.
I remain committed to ensuring that all individuals—families, patients, workers, and consumers—have access to justice. I continue to fight for a balanced civil justice system and advocate for strong laws that hold industries accountable when they conceal information that endangers lives.
Over the past 45 years, my colleagues and I have represented thousands of Texans who have suffered catastrophic injuries or lost loved ones. Through dedication and relentless advocacy, I have secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements against major domestic and multinational corporations responsible for devastating harm.
My mission remains unchanged: to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, to demand accountability, and to help people find justice when they need it most.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
LEGAL
J. Michael Solar is the founder and Managing Partner of The Solar Law Firm. His exceptional litigation and trial achievements have earned him Lifetime Membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, recognizing him among The Top Trial Lawyers in America.
Michael has been conferred the title of Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center where he taught trial advocacy and Adjunct Professor of Law at the McGovern Medical School – UTHealth Houston: Louis A. Faillace, MD Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences where he will teach forensic law (relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge medicine or psychiatry) to psychiatrists working toward board certification in the subspecialty of Forensic Psychiatry.
Under his leadership, the firm has provided comprehensive legal services—including counseling, investigations, and litigation—to a diverse clientele, ranging from working men and women to unions, Fortune 500 companies, civic and religious organizations, and even foreign governments.
Michael has successfully prosecuted complex, multi-party litigation spanning a broad range of domestic and international cases, including:
• Chemical plant explosions
• Maritime collisions and disasters
• Railroad accidents
• 18-wheeler collisions
• Pharmaceutical product liability (dangerous drugs)
• Defective product liability (automobiles, golf carts, fire alarms, etc.)
• Medical malpractice resulting in catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths
Beyond the courtroom, Michael is widely recognized as a legal writer, lecturer, and commentator, having been featured in local, national, and international media interviews on critical legal issues and high-profile litigation.
Maritime and International Law
Michael’s expertise in maritime and international law is deeply rooted in both his professional background and personal experiences. He served three terms as Commissioner of the Port of Houston Authority, overseeing one of the world’s largest and most dynamic port systems. Spanning 52 miles and over 150 private and public facilities, the Port of Houston ranks first in the United States in foreign waterborne tonnage and second in total U.S. tonnage.
His understanding of maritime labor and trade is grounded in real-world experience. Early in his career, he worked as a Welder Helper for a marine maintenance company and later as a Deckhand on a midstream fuel barge in the Houston Ship Channel. These hands-on roles gave him invaluable insight into the realities of maritime work—insight that continues to inform his legal advocacy.
Michael has since represented key maritime and labor organizations, including:
• The National Maritime Union (where his father was a lifelong member)
• The Pan-Hellenic Seaman’s Federation of Greece (PNO)
• The London-based International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)
His international affiliations underscore his dedication to global legal and economic issues. He has been:
• A Fellow of The British American Project
• Founder of The Americas Project—a collaboration between the Greater Houston Partnership, Rice University’s James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, and the Organization of American States
• Founder of the Houston Hispanic Bar Association
• A Member of the Inter-American Bar Association
Michael has also served as legal counsel to foreign consulates and played a pivotal role in multinational legal and trade initiatives, including the historic passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Recognizing his expertise, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico officially designated him Legal Counsel to the Republic of Mexico.
Leadership in Law, Business, and Public Service
Economic & Financial Leadership
Michael Solar’s influence extends beyond the courtroom into economic and financial governance. He was appointed Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Houston for three terms, helping guide regional economic policy. For over 18 years, he served as a Regional Advisory Board Member for J.P. Morgan Chase Bank and its predecessor, Texas Commerce Bank, providing strategic insight into financial markets. Additionally, he has played a key role in philanthropy and community service as a Finance Council Member of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and a Trustee of various foundations, shaping policies that impact businesses and families alike.
Business & Professional Leadership
Michael is a respected leader in Houston’s business and professional community, with extensive service at the Greater Houston Partnership—the city’s foremost business advocacy organization. Dedicated to advancing regional economic prosperity across the Southwestern U.S., he has served multiple terms on its Executive Committee and contributed to various key initiatives, including serving as Chairman of the Americas Committee, promoting economic and trade relations across the region.
Healthcare & Education Advocacy
Michael’s leadership in healthcare has made a lasting impact on both private and public medical institutions. He has served on the Executive Committee of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, one of the world’s leading cancer research and treatment facilities. His healthcare contributions also include serving as a Director of The Menninger Clinic, a leader in psychiatric and behavioral health, and a Director at the University of Houston Health Law & Policy Institute, where he helped shape healthcare policy.
His commitment to expanding healthcare access extends to advocacy for indigent children, serving as National Board Member and Texas State Chairman of the Children’s Defense Fund, where he has worked tirelessly to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations. Upon his retirement he was conferred the honor of Director Emeritus.
In education, Michael has championed reforms at the local, state, and national levels. His service includes leadership roles with organizations such as Teach For America (National Director), KIPP Charter Schools (Advisory Board Member), and CHESS (Concerned Houston Encouraging Superior Schools). Additionally, he contributed to higher education policy as a Member of the Texas Commission on Higher Education Reform, shaping policies to strengthen educational opportunities for future generations.
Michael Solar’s wide-ranging leadership in law, finance, business, healthcare, and education reflects his deep commitment to creating lasting change and meaningful impact in his community and beyond.
Selected Honors
- Presidential Citation, State Bar of Texas (1995-1996)
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Hispanic Bar Association (2008)
- Dean’s Award, University of Houston Law Center
- Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem– A Catholic Order of Knighthood under the direct protection of the Holy See
- Honorary Lifetime Membership, Apostleship of the Sea – Established with the approval of the Holy See in 1922 and operating under the Pontifical Commission for Migrants and Tourism
- Excellence in Leadership Award, Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- Senior Fellow, American Leadership Forum
- Fellow, British-American Project – A transatlantic fellowship of over 1,000 leaders and opinion influencers from diverse professional, political, and cultural backgrounds across the U.S. and the U.K.
- Aztec Medallion, Mexican American Opportunities Foundation, Los Angeles, California
- Community Service Award, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
- Distinguished Alumnus, Pasadena Independent School District
- Inaugural Inductee, Sam Rayburn High School Hall of Honor
- Bronze Anchor Award, Houston International Seafarers’ Center – Recognizing outstanding contributions to the Houston maritime community
- Milton Popkin Community Service Award, Anti-Defamation League (ADL), B’nai B’rith – Awarded for significant contributions to promoting intergroup relations and furthering ADL’s mission of justice and equality
- National Advisory Council, University of Houston
- Director Emeritus, Children’s Defense Fund, National Board of Directors
- Father of the Year, Houston Community Partners
Military Service
Michael served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. After completing basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, he was assigned to an Advanced Infantry Training program. Upon successfully completing his training, he was selected for assignment to the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard”, where he served in the Presidential Guard at Fort Myer, Virginia. He was honorably discharged upon completion of his tour of duty.
Education
- Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Houston Law Center (1980)
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics, University of Houston
Personal
Michael and his wife, Dr. Patricia Claire Solar, have celebrated 47 years of marriage. They have four adult children: Ash, Sebastien, Bryan, and Stefanie.
Lectures and Publications
In addition to his distinguished career as a trial attorney, Michael has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Houston, where he taught Trial Advocacy, training the next generation of litigators in the art of courtroom strategy and persuasion.
Michael also brings his legal expertise to the field of medicine, serving as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the McGovern Medical School – UTHealth Houston, within the Louis A. Faillace, MD Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. In this role, he teaches Forensic Law—a specialized area that applies legal principles to scientific, medical, and psychiatric disciplines. His students—licensed psychiatrists working toward board certification in Forensic Psychiatry—learn how the law intersects with their profession, preparing them for high-stakes cases involving mental health, criminal responsibility, and medical ethics.
Michael’s dedication to the legal and medical communities reflects his deep commitment to advancing justice through education and expertise.
Michael has been a frequent guest lecturer on a wide range of legal topics for leading organizations, including:
- American Bar Association
- American Trial Lawyers Association
- U.S.-Mexico Judicial Conference
- State Bar of Texas Continuing Legal Education Program
- University of Houston Law Foundation’s Continuing Legal Education Program
- Seamen’s Church Institute – Center for Seafarers’ Rights
- International Council on Seafarers’ Rights
- Conference of Gulf Coast Seamen’s Agencies
- Thurgood Marshall School of Law
- Houston Inter-American Chamber of Commerce
Michael’s cases and legal commentary have been featured in The New York Times, in numerous television segments, magazines, and newspapers across the United States and internationally.