Hayes was born in Wilmington on February 6, 1980. He is a 1998 graduate of James Kenan High School and 2002 graduate of Hampden-Sydney College where he majored in history and played baseball. Hayes earned his J.D. in 2005 from Campbell University. Hayes married his wife, Emily, in 2004, they have two children, Miller and Harper Jane. Hayes enjoys jogging, fishing, duck hunting and playing golf.

In 2012, 2016 and 2017 Hayes was named a “Rising Star” by Superlawyers Magazine. Additionally, in 2012 Hayes became and remains Duplin County’s only State Bar Certified Specialist in criminal defense

Though Ludlum Law Firm is a general practice firm, 90 percent of Hayes’ practice is dedicated to criminal defense. Hayes handles all types of felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases in Duplin County and Sampson County. Hayes has served the Fourth Judicial District Bar as Vice President (2007-2008) and President (2008-2009). A small portion of Hayes’ practice is devoted to general civil litigation and municipal law. Ludlum Law Firm represents four municipalities in Duplin County.