G&K Profile

A formidable trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience, Mike has represented individuals and companies of all sizes with integrity, common sense, and consistent success.  He has pursued and defended a broad spectrum of disputes, from small to complex, multi-million dollar claims, in both federal and state courts and private arbitrations, earning the trust and loyalty of his clients and the respect of his peers.  Mike serves as General Counsel and Loss Prevention Partner for Gallagher & Kennedy, and he is also a Member of the firm’s Board of Directors.

Of particular note, Mike served as lead counsel in a fraud trial arising out of a real estate development loan. Mike’s client, Diversified Funding Group, was awarded a $23.9 Million verdict based on the borrower’s fraud – a judgment that cannot ever be discharged in bankruptcy. In addition, Mike pursued claims for breach of fiduciary duty against a trustee that was mishandling a family trust. Based on Mike’s efforts, the trustee was removed, the remaining trust funds were preserved, his client’s share was returned, and Mike’s fees were ordered to be paid by the bad actor.

Mike successfully defended a business and its owner against multi-million-dollar claims involving the interplay between partnership and corporate law. He also won a defense verdict after a jury trial, then protected that verdict before the Arizona Court of Appeals and the Arizona Supreme Court. Moreover, Mike regularly represents limited liability company members, partners, and shareholders, in ownership disputes and business divorces.

Over the course of his multi-decade career, Mike has earned an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, and has been listed among The Best Lawyers in America, Southwest Super Lawyers, and ALM Media Legal Leaders’ Arizona’s Top Rated Lawyers. Before joining Gallagher & Kennedy in 2005, Mike practiced law in Arizona and Texas. Immediately following law school, he clerked for Senior United States District Judge Justin L. Quackenbush.

Fully committed to making a difference within his community, Mike sits on the Executive Council of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and the Volunteer Lawyers Program board. He is a former board member of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, actively represents pro bono clients, and coaches his sons’ sports teams in his spare time.