Michael L. Shanahan

Michael L. Shanahan is a trial attorney focused on wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. He represents individuals and families in claims involving truck accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home malpractice, product liability, construction accidents, and car accidents. His work centers on strong preparation and clear client advocacy.

Michael earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, Illinois, in 2013. He received CALI Awards in Trial Advocacy II and Legal Writing. He also earned his B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2009, giving him a strong academic foundation.

Michael has secured more than $150 million in settlements and verdicts for clients. His results include a $32 million maritime allision settlement, a $31.5 million verdict for a firefighter’s death, and a $27 million police-pursuit settlement. These outcomes show his ability to handle complex, high-value litigation matters.

Michael’s practice includes cases involving serious injuries, wrongful death, medical negligence, trucking crashes, nursing home neglect, and defective products. He works with clients, experts, and co-counsel to build strong case plans. His approach helps place each case in the best position for trial or fair settlement.

Michael is known for careful case investigation and clear communication throughout the legal process. He helps clients understand each stage of litigation while preparing claims with focus and detail. His ability to explain complex facts to judges and juries supports his work in challenging injury and death cases.

Michael has been selected as an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2019 through 2024. He was also named a 2021 Illinois Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers magazine and a 2020 Forty Under 40 honoree by Law Bulletin Publishing Company for his strong work in litigation.

Michael L. Shanahan is admitted to practice in Illinois and before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. He is a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association, which support his continued litigation practice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Gallagher & Kosner Law, LLC
• Member, Illinois Bar Association
• Member, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA)
• Member, American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• Member, Chicago Bar Association (CBA)

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• DePaul University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges