[1][2] In the early 1970s, Hayes began his career in journalism as an assistant editor for Passenger Transport and an investigative journalist for the Long Island Catholic Newspaper.
After working as a legislative assistant in healthcare from 1975 to 1977, Hayes began practicing law with Sullivan & Cromwell in 1977.
[1] While working as a litigator for the law firm, Hayes conducted interviews with the homeless people of New York City and started the 1979 lawsuit Callahan v. Carey.
In the case, the court ruled in favor of Hayes after he argued a 1938 amendment of the New York Constitution guaranteed the availability of homeless shelters.
[7][8] Hayes extended his career in health as a member of the quality assurance department for Universal American between 2010 and 2015.