SHAREHOLDERS

Thomas W. Byron

Thomas W. Byron is a shareholder in Byron & Edwards, APC. Thomas is an “AV” rated attorney by Martindale Hubbell with over 25 years practice experience. He has served as an arbitrator for the San Diego Superior Court and as Judge Pro Tem for the San Diego Municipal Court. Thomas is a frequent speaker and seminar panelist on issues of insurance bad faith, insurance fraud, appellate practice and design professional liability. He also serves as an expert witness and consultant in insurance coverage matters.

Thomas’ main focus is in the areas of Architect and Engineer Claims, Insurance Coverage, Construction Disputes, Business Disputes, Government Tort Liability and Appellate Matters.

Thomas received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts and his Juris Doctorate from the Hastings College of Law of the University of California in 1980. In law school, Thomas was a member of the Moot Court Board and was the advisor to the Hastings International Moot Court Team.

Upon completing law school, Thomas became a Deputy San Diego City Attorney, serving in the Criminal Division from 1980-1981, the Appellate Division from 1981-1982, and the Civil Litigation Division from 1982-1983.

Thomas was a senior partner with the law firm of Edwards, Sooy & Byron, with offices in San Diego and Las Vegas, until that firm dissolved in 2000. Thomas then became “of counsel” to Grace Brandon Hollis, LLP, and, later, a partner with Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker, before founding his own firm with Michael Edwards.

Currently, Thomas is a member of the State Bar of California, San Diego County Bar Association, San Diego Defense Lawyers Association and Defense Research Institute.

Michael M. Edwards

Michael (“Mike”) M. Edwards is a shareholder in Byron & Edwards, APC, and is an "AV" rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell with over 33 years practice experience. He is an arbitrator for the Superior Court of the County of San Diego (1980-present) and serves on the panel of arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association. Additionally, he has served as Judge Pro Tem for the San Diego Superior Court (1986-present) and for the San Diego Municipal Court (1991-present as well as a member of the San Diego County Planning Commission (1992-present).

Mike’s areas of concentration are contract law, contract negotiations, construction litigation, professional liability (specializing in defense of architects and engineers) and real estate and employment law. He is the author of "Liability for Innovative but Unproven Designs," Cushman/Hedemann, Architect and Engineer Liability: Claims Against Design Professionals (Second Ed. 1995).

Michael M. Edwards was born in Pensacola, Florida, on April 22, 1947, and was admitted to the California Bar in 1972. He was educated at San Diego State College (B.A., cum laude, 1969) and Hastings College of Law, University of California (J.D. 1972). He was member of Phi Alpha Theta, a National Honorary History Society. At the University of California, he was a member of the Order of the Coif and was also elected to the Thurston Society for his superior achievement in the study of law.

Prior to Byron & Edwards , Mike was a founding partner with the law firm of Edwards, Sooy & Byron, with offices in San Diego and Las Vegas, until that firm dissolved in 2000. He then became a partner at Greco, Traficante & Edwards.

Currently, Mike is a member of the State Bar of California, the San Diego County Bar Association, the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, the San Diego Defense Lawyers Association and The Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

Zachary M. Lemley

Zachary (Zack) M. Lemley is a shareholder of Byron & Edwards, APC.  Mr. Lemley has practiced law as an attorney for over a decade.  His practice focuses on general civil litigation, business litigation, professional liability defense, construction law, and estate planning.  Mr. Lemley has successfully litigated and resolved hundreds of cases through mediation, arbitration, and both bench and jury trials.

Mr. Lemley began his career with a Plaintiff-oriented firm, practicing in aviation disaster, personal injury, and complex multi-jurisdictional litigation.  After leaving that firm, he opened his own practice, King & Lemley, LLP, that specialized in personal injury, business law, and estate planning.  Thereafter, Mr. Lemley began working in defense-oriented litigation, representing doctors, medical facilities, and businesses. 

Mr. Lemley now specializes in the defense of design professionals, including engineers and architects across a wide spectrum of clientele.  His comprehensive background, having practiced as both a Plaintiff’s and Defense attorney, aids in his practical resolution of matters.  His experience includes real estate and business litigation, professional insurance defense, personal injury, aviation disaster, medical malpractice, estate planning, and general business law.  He has extensive practice including trials, complex litigation, as well as appellate work in both the State and Federal Courts of Appeal.

Mr. Lemley is licensed to practice law in California, Texas, and the District of Columbia.  He is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association and San Diego Defense Lawyers.  He is a past Member of the American Inns of Court Foundation, Louis M. Welsh Chapter. 

Mr. Lemley attended the University of Redlands in Southern California obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Government.  While attending the University of Redlands, Mr. Lemley was a two-sport collegiate athlete competing in both Water Polo and Swimming, garnering All Conference Honors.   Mr. Lemley attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. While in law school, Mr. Lemley achieved a Law, Technology, and Communications Certificate indicating specialty in sports, entertainment, and intellectual property law.  His spare time is dedicated to his wife and three daughters who are active student-athletes, as well as to local community organizations.