AuguryLyons & Simmons Elevates Michael Fechner to Partner, Boosting Its Trial Muscle
This article was written by the Augury Times
Experienced trial lawyer Michael Fechner named partner at Lyons & Simmons
Lyons & Simmons has promoted Michael Fechner to partner, the firm announced in a statement. The move adds a lawyer with a reputation for courtroom work to the firm’s senior team and signals a clearer push toward trials in complex personal injury and wrongful death matters. The firm framed the promotion as part of a broader effort to give clients stronger trial leadership and faster access to seasoned trial lawyers.
From courtroom newcomer to trial-focused partner
Fechner joined Lyons & Simmons after building a steady record as a trial lawyer. He trained at law school and then cut his teeth on civil litigation matters, focusing on severe injury and wrongful death claims. Over the years he handled a mix of settlements and jury trials, and became known inside the firm for preparing cases to be ready for court rather than simply negotiating quick deals.
His work leans toward high-stakes cases that require careful witness preparation and a willingness to take a case before a jury when the facts merit it. That approach helped him win respect among colleagues and clients, and made him a fit for partnership at a firm that handles big personal injury matters. Fechner’s background also includes work on pretrial strategy and managing expert witnesses, skills that are important when a case moves toward trial.
What the promotion means for the firm’s practice
The promotion comes as Lyons & Simmons looks to sharpen its trial bench. The firm handles personal injury, wrongful death, and related civil claims, and Fechner’s elevation gives it another lawyer who can lead complex courtroom fights. That matters for a firm that competes on verdicts as well as settlements: having more partners who are trial-ready can change how the firm chooses which cases to accept and how it staffs them.
For the firm’s internal mix, the move also signals continuity. Instead of hiring outside for that trial skill set, Lyons & Simmons promoted from within, which suggests the firm wants to reward and keep lawyers who commit to heavy trial work. It may also help the firm market itself to plaintiffs who want a team comfortable in the courtroom when settlement talks break down.
How clients are likely to notice the change
Clients should see more immediate trial leadership on serious cases. That can mean earlier courtroom preparations, quicker decisions about expert evidence, and a partner who will be present if a case goes to trial. For people facing life-changing injuries, having a partner experienced at jury trials can feel reassuring: it signals the firm is ready to fight for full value at trial rather than default to settlement.
On the other hand, this is a people move, not a change to the firm’s legal focus. Clients who already worked with Lyons & Simmons will mainly notice a stronger trial presence on large or contested matters rather than a wholesale shift in the kinds of cases the firm accepts.
Firm comment, short bio and media contact
In its announcement, the firm said it was “pleased to elevate Michael Fechner to partner,” noting his courtroom experience and commitment to client service. Lyons & Simmons described Fechner as a trial-focused lawyer who will play a central role in the firm’s personal injury and wrongful death practice.
Short firm bio: Lyons & Simmons is a regional law firm that handles serious personal injury, wrongful death and civil litigation matters. Media inquiries may be directed to Lyons & Simmons’ media relations team as listed in the firm’s public statement.
Photo: Karola G / Pexels
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