Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Hattiesburg, MS
At Johnson Ratliff & Waide, we have dedicated ourselves to providing exceptional legal representation since 2000. Our firm combines over 50 years of collective legal experience with a client-focused approach to address a wide range of legal challenges. We specialize in personal injury, criminal defense, family law, civil rights, and employment law, among other practice areas. Our attorneys are committed to delivering personalized solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances, ensuring they receive the individualized attention they deserve.We prepare every case for trial to maximize negotiation leverage and litigation success, reflecting our relentless pursuit of favorable outcomes. Our track record includes recovering millions of dollars for injury victims and resolving thousands of cases across Mississippi. We pride ourselves on transparency, ethical practices, and a deep understanding of the local legal landscape, ensuring clients receive both strategic advocacy and compassionate support.
Services
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Civil Rights
Employment Law
Family Law
Divorce
Insurance Bad Faith
Drug Crimes
DUI Defense
Wrongful Death
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined legal experience in Mississippi courts.
- Our firm has recovered millions in settlements and trial wins for clients.
- We provide personalized attention tailored to each client's unique case.
- We prepare all cases for trial to strengthen your negotiation position.
- We serve Hattiesburg, Laurel, and surrounding areas with local expertise.
What people say
Highly recommend
Top-notch
Very professional
Caring of clients needs
Fair and honest
Services
Personal Injury
We represent injury victims in Hattiesburg and Mississippi, handling car accidents, slip-and-falls, and wrongful death cases. Our attorneys fight for compensation covering medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With a proven record of recovering millions, we prepare every case for trial to maximize client outcomes.
Criminal Defense
Our firm defends clients against misdemeanor and felony charges, including DUI, drug crimes, and domestic violence. We protect clients' rights during investigations, negotiate plea deals, and litigate trials. With over 50 years of combined experience, we challenge evidence and prosecutorial tactics to secure dismissals or reduced charges.
Family Law
We assist with divorce, child custody, and spousal support matters, prioritizing clients' family needs. Our attorneys create tailored parenting plans and negotiate fair settlements. We also handle post-divorce modifications, emphasizing mediation to reduce conflict while preparing for courtroom advocacy when necessary.
Civil Rights
We advocate for clients facing police brutality, employment discrimination, and voting rights violations. Our team files complaints with federal agencies and litigates constitutional breaches. We document incidents and pursue compensation for unlawful arrests, workplace bias, and housing discrimination across Mississippi.
Employment Law
We represent employees in discrimination, wage theft, and wrongful termination cases. Our services include negotiating severance agreements and litigating federal claims. We ensure compliance with Mississippi labor laws, addressing unsafe working conditions and family medical leave disputes.
People
Michael V. Ratliff
Attorney
Michael V. Ratliff graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1978 and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi in 1981. Admitted to the Mississippi Bar since 1981, he specializes in child custody, divorce, and personal injury cases. He is a member of the South Central MS Bar Association.
Daniel M. Waide
Attorney
Daniel M. Waide is recognized for his diligence and expertise in personal injury and criminal defense. Clients praise his straightforward approach and commitment to securing favorable outcomes. He actively represents clients in Hattiesburg, focusing on trial preparation and negotiation strategies.
Questions
What types of legal cases do you handle?
We handle personal injury, criminal defense, family law, civil rights, employment law, and insurance bad faith cases in Mississippi.
How much does a consultation cost?
We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and legal options with a Hattiesburg attorney.
Can I file a claim if partially at fault?
Yes, Mississippi follows comparative negligence rules. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
Mississippi's statute of limitations is generally three years from the injury date. Act promptly to preserve evidence.
Do you handle cases outside Hattiesburg?
Yes, we serve Laurel and surrounding Mississippi areas for all our practice areas.