Michael Shanley

About Michael

Michael Shanley is a seasoned trial attorney with more than 15 years of experience in civil litigation and criminal prosecution. Before joining Finkelstein & Partners, he spent several years as an Assistant District Attorney. He served as lead trial counsel in more than 100 violent felony prosecutions, including multiple murder trials and complex wiretap investigations.

Michael also prosecuted a broad range of felony cases, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and vehicular crashes that caused serious injury or death.

Michael’s Role at Finkelstein & Partners

As a trial attorney at Finkelstein & Partners, Michael draws on his years in the courtroom to bring a strategic, aggressive approach to advocating for injured clients and securing the compensation they deserve. His experience as a prosecutor gives him a thorough command of investigation, evidence, and trial strategy. He also shares that experience with other attorneys as a continuing legal education instructor on complex trial practice.

Personal Injury Cases

Michael primarily handles cases involving:

• Motor vehicle collisions
• Premises liability
• Nursing home neglect
• Negligent supervision of children
• Animal attacks
• Dram shop liability
• Construction site accidents

What Clients Can Expect

Michael maintains regular, meaningful communication with clients at every stage of their case. He gives clients his direct contact information so they can easily reach him with questions or concerns. He keeps them informed about the status of their case and the litigation process, which reduces the uncertainty and anxiety that often come with a lawsuit and minimizes unexpected developments.

Case Stories

$3,100,000 Settlement: Construction Site Accident

A worker tripped over plywood left in a work area while carrying a heavy object at a construction site. The client suffered a serious wrist injury that caused nerve damage, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and permanent disability.

$800,000 Settlement: Dram Shop Liability and Motorcycle Crash

Michael recovered compensation from both an intoxicated driver and the bar that overserved him. The investigation established that the bar served the driver multiple drinks in a short period despite visible signs of impairment. His blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit when he struck Michael’s client, who was riding a motorcycle.

$525,000 Settlement: Motor Vehicle Accident

A delivery company driver fell asleep at the wheel, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into Michael’s client. Discovery revealed the driver had a history of sleep apnea that wasn’t being properly monitored or addressed.

$495,000 Jury Verdict: Slip-and-Fall Trial

Michael won a jury verdict for a client who slipped and fell on ice. His investigation uncovered that a broken downspout had been discharging water onto a heavily traveled sidewalk for more than a year, creating a recurring icy hazard.

$300,000 Settlement: Summer Camp Negligent Supervision

A child broke both arms while using playground equipment without adequate supervision. The investigation revealed that the camp had failed to comply with state regulations governing the supervision of children.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.