History

G&K Co-Founders

The law firm of Gallagher & Kennedy was founded in 1978 when Mike Kennedy and Mike Gallagher decided to open their own law firm in Phoenix.  Over 40 years later, the law firm is one of the largest law firms in Arizona.

History has shown Gallagher & Kennedy to be a classic American success story, built on the vision of two optimistic and tenacious young attorneys. Though lacking deep pockets, the two Mikes were rich in ambition and determination. Kennedy quips, ” “The lender’s collateral for a modest business loan consisted of “seconds” on our Country Squire and Monte Carlo.” In the early days, the firm’s work primarily focused on insurance and litigation. While the start-up quarters and earliest client list were modest, the young firm was on its way.

At the 10-year mark, Gallagher & Kennedy began to expand from primarily a litigation-based firm to more business law services. With this change, the firm weathered the economic turbulence of the 80s and was well-positioned to participate in Arizona’s explosive growth of the 90s.  Amidst a mounting track record of success and growing reputation in the community, Gallagher & Kennedy was able to attract top talent to fuel its growth and expansion into the practice areas of Environmental Law, Personal Injury & Wrongful Death, Bankruptcy & Creditors Rights, Intellectual Property, and Criminal Law.

Today, as then, Gallagher & Kennedy is comprised of many of the top lawyers in the state, whose accomplishments have expanded the firm’s reach beyond its deep Arizona roots.  While individual excellence is the goal for all employees, the Gallagher & Kennedy culture centers on a team approach of service excellence for each of our clients. This work environment led to the firm’s recognition by the Phoenix Business Journal as the Valley’s “Best Place to Work” for two consecutive years.

Co-Founder, Mike Gallagher passed on October 26, 2022. We honor our dear friend, mentor, colleague, and leader in Arizona’s legal and athletic community. Mike’s big heart and tenacity helped build our firm into a truly unique, nurturing environment in which we are proud to work.

Learn more about Mike Gallagher and his professional accomplishments.

Co-Founder, Michael Kennedy passed on February 9, 2021.  He was a charismatic and inspirational leader and the face of Gallagher & Kennedy.  A role model to many, Mike believed in a culture of community service and professional responsibility. As a skilled litigator and accomplished attorney, Mike valued hard work and delivered exceptional results.  On the same level, he advocated for living a balanced life.

We mourn their passings, but we will honor the way they lived their lives.  Our founders will be missed by everyone at the firm and the Phoenix community at large.

Learn more about Mike Kennedy, his professional accomplishments, and his contributions to the community (Arizona Diamondbacks tribute video).