James Michael Hennigan

1943 - 2024

November 2, 1943 - April 6, 2024 J. Michael Hennigan was born in Tucson, Arizona but spent his childhood on Air Force bases around the world as the child of a Lt. Col. When he was 15, his family returned to Arizona where he attended University of Arizona for both undergraduate and law school. A Wildcat for life, he was proud to be a Sigma Chi "Significant Sig" and to this day holds a school record from his time on the U of A swim team.
Between college and law school, Mike worked at IBM where he learned the importance of "asking for the sale", a lesson he used to strengthen many closing arguments. His time at IBM also fostered a fascination with computers that carried into his law practice, where he was at the forefront of adopting technology as a tool in litigation.
After a stint at the Department of Justice and time practicing law in Phoenix and San Francisco, Mike came to Los Angeles in 1977 where he spent the next 45 years becoming a nationally recognized leader in major corporate litigation. A proud member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, he was a powerful and yet understated presence in the courtroom, well known for his signature look: bow tie, silk suspenders and cowboy boots.
Mike was a man of deep faith and curiosity. He explored many hobbies throughout his life, becoming adept at each, from tai-kwon-do to skiing and then sailing, before returning to his cowboy roots with horseback riding and roping. His second home was the Saddle & Sirloin Club, where he found a true brotherhood, and he loved being a member of Los Borrachos of the Rancheros Visitadores. His grandchildren saw this central truth and called him their "Papa Cowboy."
He made a difference in the Los Angeles community as Founding Board Chair of Homeboy Industries, President of the Board of Trustees of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, and past President of Chancery, among other charitable involvements.
He loved dinners out with family and friends, and meals were always accompanied by a bottle of Tabasco and a blanco tequila, chilled up in a martini glass.
Even with his storied legal career and many honors, Mike was most proud of his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty years, Phyllis Hennigan, his daughters Amanda Mansour and Cassandra Filippone, sons-in-law, Anthony Mansour and John Filippone, and his adoring grandchildren, Alice Mansour, John Michael Filippone, Elias Mansour, Lucas Filippone and Jude Filippone. They all loved him and liked him.
Services will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 10am at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Homeboy Industries or the University of Arizona Law School.