Phoenix Sports Lawyer Passes Away

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend, mentor, colleague, and leader in Arizona’s legal and athletic community,” read a statement on the firm’s site. “Mike’s big heart and tenacity helped build our firm into a truly unique, nurturing environment in which we are proud to work. All who knew him will forever remember the twinkle in his Irish eyes, the smile on his lips, and the kind words he had for everyone with whom he came in contact.

“It is not too trite to say that there will never be another quite like Mike.”

Gallagher was a former professional baseball player, who co-founded his law firm in Phoenix along with Mike Kennedy in 1978.

The firm site says Gallagher led a legal team that “serves as outside general counsel to the Arizona Cardinals NFL team and the Arizona Diamondbacks MLB team. During the course of such representation, the firm’s attorneys routinely handle player contracts and salary arbitrations, television and radio contracts, sponsorship agreements and all other legal aspects of professional sports franchises.

“Gallagher & Kennedy served as lead counsel in the financing and construction of Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and acted in the same capacity for the new University of Phoenix Stadium constructed in Glendale, Arizona. Our attorneys have also represented individual athletes participating in professional football, baseball, golf, boxing, rodeo and hockey. Our experience and expertise range from negotiating personal service contracts to litigating liability for product endorsements.”

Public announcements, including his obituary and information regarding services, will be shared on Mike’s In Memoriam page.