Michael Frugé

Michael Frugé is one of the original partners in the law firm of Clayton, Frugé & Ward. His primary practice is in the area of serious personal injury litigation with an emphasis on cases involving 18-wheelers, wrongful death, and plant explosions.

He has handled numerous bench and jury trials throughout the state, resulting in record-setting verdicts. Michael handles most of the complex medical issues at trial, including cross-examination of the doctors hired by the insurance companies to deny this client fair compensation, as well as the opening and closing statements.

Since the law firm was formed, Michael and his partners have negotiated settlements and won verdicts in excess of $1 billion, including the largest jury verdict in Louisiana for a single injured plaintiff. He has also been recognized in the 2017 National Verdict Reporter for having one of the top 100 jury verdicts in the nation.

In addition, Michael previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in the 18th Judicial District Court for over twelve years before his recent retirement to focus on his clients. Michael serves as the current President of the 18th Judicial District Court Bar Association, which includes Iberville, West Baton Rouge, and Pointe Coupee Parishes.

Michael has been invited to lecture on pretrial practice for the State Bar Association multiple times.

Memberships & Prior Experience

Prior to forming Clayton, Frugé & Ward, Michael was a partner at Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson and concentrated on commercial and casualty litigation. He is a member of many professional organizations, including the Louisiana Bar Association, Baton Rouge Bar, and 18th Judicial District Bar Association. He graduated from Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University and received his J.D. from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He is admitted to practice in all Louisiana State Courts, as well as all Federal Courts in Louisiana.

Michael's proudest accomplishment is his daughter Olivia, simply known as O to his many clients and court staff. He has coached her in girls’ soccer and volleyball and remains actively involved with her school through charitable work and mentorship of college students hoping to one day practice law. In the little remaining spare time he has, he has competed in and completed several half-marathons and three Ironman 70.3 competitions.