Principal Mediator and Cherished Colleague
Upchurch Watson White & Max mourns the passing of Michael B. “Mike” Walls, a principal mediator based in Birmingham, whose distinguished career, steadfast professionalism and genuine kindness made him one of the most trusted neutrals in Alabama. Mike passed away on December 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by fairness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping people resolve their most difficult disputes.
For more than 20 years, Mike served as a full-time mediator and arbitrator, guiding parties through more than 3,500 state and federal cases. He developed a reputation for approaching every matter, whether routine or high-stakes, with grace, empathy, and a meticulous understanding of the issues before him. Attorneys frequently commented on the calm, steady presence he brought into the room and the thoughtful way he listened, analyzed, and encouraged resolution.
Mike had a unique ability to see all sides of a dispute because he had lived them. Before devoting his career to ADR, he practiced civil litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury, commercial and insurance-related matters. He also worked extensively in the insurance-claims industry, giving him deep insight into coverage issues and claims evaluation. This background made him particularly adept at navigating the complexities of settlement negotiations and building trust with litigants and counsel alike.
His professional achievements were widely recognized. Mike was:
- A Fellow of the Alabama Academy of Attorney Mediators.
- AV® Preeminent™ rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
- Consistently listed in Best Lawyers in America for Mediation (2006–2024).
- A veteran mediator with a statewide reputation for integrity fairness and results.
Since joining UWWM in 2004, Mike had become an integral part of our Birmingham team, a supportive colleague, a generous mentor, and the embodiment of professionalism. His warmth, humility, and quick sense of humor made him beloved by everyone who worked alongside him. We will remember not only the excellence of his work but the kindness with which he treated every person he encountered.
Mike is survived by his children, whom he adored and spoke of often. Our hearts are with them and with his entire family during this difficult time. We are grateful for the many years we had with Mike and for the indelible mark he left on our firm and the ADR community.
Details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as soon as they are available.
5 Responses
In a mediation career that spanned over 20 years, Mike handled every case with grace and sensitivity. He had an incredible following, and will be greatly missed, not just by us in Birmingham, but by his many mediation clients and friends, as well.
As a Friend, Partner, and “Brother in Mediation” for over 20 years, Mike Walls has passed, leaving behind a legacy of resolutions, humor, and trustful sincerity for all that had the privilege of mediating or otherwise working with him. In many ways, Mike was a legend/a folk hero who made the complex simple and made conflict manageable.
At Upchurch Watson White & Max Mike became a part of our “tradition” and then became “the tradition”.
Like many of us, Mike came along when there was a handful of mediators and rose to the top among those in this proud “space”. While he will be sincerely missed, he will not be forgotten; and we have been blessed to be a part of his “journey”.
With condolences to all of his family and friends,
Rod
I am so sorry to hear this news. I always appreciated Mike’s way, wit, and candor. Though I have not seen him in a while, I always looked forward to seeing him at firm events and would miss him when he would not be there. He was a great mediator. I know he will be missed by many. My prayers to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Whether serving as a formidable trial lawyer, or a persistent mediator, Mike never stopped being a gentleman. Our world needs more Mikes, not less; he will be sorely missed by us all.
Mike Walls was a very congenial professional who stayed at it and got cases settled. He had a relaxed sense of humor, did not take himself too seriously, and was easy to work with. Good guy.