Mike Hennigan

Mike Hennigan, also known as J. Michael Hennigan, was a distinguished trial lawyer and founding principal at McKool Smith Hennigan. He had a prominent legal career spanning over five decades, during which he became renowned for his expertise in complex commercial litigation, particularly in antitrust and securities cases.

Education and Early Career

Hennigan graduated with academic distinction from the University of Arizona College of Law in 1970, where he served as the Note and Comment Editor of the Arizona Law Review and received several awards for his contributions. After law school, he began his career as a trial attorney in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C..12

Legal Practice and Achievements

Hennigan was involved in more than 45 major jury trials in both state and federal courts, serving as lead counsel in cases that resulted in judgments and settlements exceeding $8 billion for his clients. His notable cases included representing the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles in high-profile sex abuse litigation and handling significant claims against The Walt Disney Company related to greenmailing practices.123

He co-founded Hennigan, Mercer & Bennett in California before merging with McKool Smith in 2011, leading to the establishment of McKool Smith Hennigan. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the top trial lawyers by major legal publications such as Lawdragon and Chambers USA. He was also honored multiple times as the Los Angeles "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Arizona College of Law in 2017.123

Personal Life and Legacy

Hennigan was known for his distinctive style, often wearing a signature bowtie, and was remembered as a formidable presence in the courtroom. Beyond his legal career, he was an avid horseman and owned Quail H Farms, one of the largest producers of sweet potatoes in the U.S..23 He passed away in April 2024 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as a respected figure in the legal community, known for his intellect, integrity, and mentorship to younger lawyers.23