| UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
JAMES E. ROGERS COLLEGE OF LAW |
APRIL 24, 2024 | | |
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Greetings,
This week, we remember Mike Hennigan, who passed away on April 6 at the age of 80. Mike was a relentless champion of the Arizona Law Community, and a notable steward of the bowtie, often worn by his mentor, Charles Ares.
Mike’s presence can be seen and felt throughout the building and across generations of students. He financially supported countless educational experiences for students, our advocacy program in particular, and encouraged many other alumni to join him. He lent his voice and expertise whenever we needed it, including our 2022 Neumann Lecture keynote. He was a great lawyer and a great friend.
He will be missed.
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Until the footnotes,
Marc
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In Memoriam: J. Michael Hennigan | |
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The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law mourns the passing of distinguished alumnus, J. Michael Hennigan (JD ’70, BA ’66), who leaves behind a legacy of excellence, integrity and dedication to the practice of law.
Mike, a founding principal of McKool Smith Hennigan, was widely regarded as one of the nation’s foremost trial lawyers, specializing in complex commercial litigation. Over the span of his illustrious career, he served as lead counsel in more than 45 major jury trials in state and federal courts, securing judgments and settlements exceeding $8 billion for his clients.
His impact on the legal profession was profound, earning him recognition in prominent legal publications such as Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who’s Who in American Law and The Best Lawyers in America. Mike’s exceptional trial advocacy skills and unwavering commitment to excellence garnered him acclaim as one of the country’s top litigators.
“Mike’s impact on the legal profession cannot be overstated,” said Dean Miller. “His tireless advocacy, unparalleled expertise and unwavering integrity set him apart as a true titan of the courtroom. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our community, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of legal professionals. He was also a great friend to our College — to his College — and to me.”
Throughout his career, Hennigan remained deeply connected to the University of Arizona Law community. He regularly reflected on the lessons he learned while in school, going so far as to have a copy of “The Ares Doctrine,” a series of professional and personal beliefs championed by the late College of Law Dean Charles Ares (’52), including “Be an honest lawyer,” and “If clients want anything less, let them find a new goddamn lawyer,” hanging in his office.
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In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the college awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 (awards ceremony pictured right). He also delivered the prestigious annual Peter Chase Neumann Lecture on Civil Justice in 2022, where he shared invaluable insights gleaned from his illustrious career as a top-tier trial lawyer. In 2023, Mike and his family contributed $1 million to the “A New Day in Court” initiative to transform the college’s advocacy program. Upon completion of the construction phase, the J. Michael Hennigan Courtroom will emerge as a modernized space in the heart of the college, a poignant reminder of his lasting impact.
“Mike was a titan in the legal profession and a remarkable mentor to those of us privileged enough to have practiced with him,” said Shawna Ballard (’91). “He was a great intellect and an out-of-the-box thinker with an innate ability to read witnesses and jurors alike. His strength of character and passion for justice stood out as an example for all of us.”
In his retirement earlier this year, Mike was celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the legal industry. Distinguished by his signature bowtie, another nod to Dean Ares, and renowned for his courtroom prowess, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence that will endure for years to come.
For some of Mike’s many insights on life and the legal profession, see his Neumann Lecture keynote:
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Congratulations to Grand Closing Argument Winners | |
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The final round of the 2024 Richard Grand Closing Argument Competition was held on Tuesday, March 26.
The winners are:
1st place: Caroline Hilgert
2nd place: Zack Schimke
3rd place: Lydia Nelson
4th place (tie): Jade DuBroy and Andrew Wallace
The competition was created through the vision of the late Richard Grand (’58), who conceived the idea of a competition which would emphasize jury arguments focusing on damages.
Thanks to this year’s judges, Matt Ashton (’18), Heather Goodwin (’15) and Amy Hernandez.
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Fegtly Moot Court Winners Announced | |
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F. Britton Burns Award (the student who, in the judges’ estimation, gave the best oral arguments in the final round):
Matthew Lubisich
Semifinalists:
Katherine Barnett
Sara Ferini
Matthew Lubisich
Cecily Russell
Suzanne Rabe Award for Best Brief:
Matthew Lubisich
Excellence in Brief Writing:
Katherine Barnett
Tiana Jones
Benjamin Lawrence
Matthew Lubisich
Sana Mohammed
Cecily Russell
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Samuel M. Fegtly Award (the student who has the best combined score for brief writing and oral arguments in the preliminary rounds):
Matthew Lubisich
Excellence in Oral Argument:
Katherine Barnett
Sara Ferini
Matthew Lubisich
Cecily Russell
Thank you to the Moot Court Board for helping organize the competition:
Donya Airola
Hannah Hays
Lauren Rhoades
Allison Weber
Grace Willard
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Thanks to Scott Burns (’76) (pictured below) for his 40 years of support of this competition in honor of his father F. Britton Burns (’41).
Finally, thanks to all judges, including final round judges Hon. Michael Ambri (’02), Magistrate Judge, District of Arizona; Hon. Rosemary Márquez (BA ’90, JD ’93), Judge, District of Arizona; and Hon. Bruce Macdonald (BA ’81, JD ’85) Magistrate Judge, District of Arizona.
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Dean Massaro’s Last Class | |
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This week, after more than three decades with the University of Arizona Law, Dean Emerita and Regents Professor Toni Massaro taught her last class.
Some of the many students and faculty who have had the privilege of working with and learning from her gathered for the occasion. It was a bittersweet moment, as we will miss seeing her on campus, but we wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life.
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Do You Have News?
Your success is the college’s success and we want to celebrate with you! If you have landed a new job, received an award or recognition, stepped into a leadership role or have good news in general, let us know.
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As a member of the California bar and as part of a family with several lawyers, I knew about Mike Hennigan before I got to know Mike Hennigan. One of the true pleasures of serving Arizona Law as dean is getting to know the alumni and friends of our College, who believe so deeply in its role and its future.
Since I began my legal studies in 1981, I have looked for exceptional judgment and skill in great lawyers. Those streams crossed as I got to know Mike, as well as Phyllis and other members of the Hennigan family. I will miss him.
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