Michael F. Cavanagh (In Memoriam)

The longest serving appellate jurist in Michigan’s history, retired Justice Michael F. Cavanagh joined Alane Family Law after 32 years of service on the Michigan Supreme Court. We were honored to benefit from his wisdom, encyclopedic legal knowledge, friendship, and integrity during his years with the firm. Justice Cavanagh was a true man of the people—wise, witty, compassionate, and deeply humanistic. He championed justice, equality, and democracy, and he never forgot who the law was meant to serve.

Justice Cavanagh received his B.A. from the University of Detroit in 1962, and he obtained his J.D. from the University of Detroit Law School in 1966. While studying at the University of Detroit, Justice Cavanagh worked on Great Lakes freighters shovelling coal to pay his tuition. His first job after law school was as a clerk at the Michigan Court of Appeals. Not long after that, he became the Lansing City Attorney.

In 1972, Justice Cavanagh was elected to serve as a judge in the 54-A District Court in Lansing. Just three years later, he was the youngest person at that time to be elected to the Michigan Court of Appeals. After serving seven years on the Court of Appeals, he won a seat on the Michigan Supreme Court. He was re-elected three times, serving a total of 32 years. For four of those years, he served as Chief Justice. While serving as a justice, he was the liaison between the tribal and state courts. He had a special bond with Michigan’s Native American tribes. He worked closely with them, not just as a jurist, but as a trusted ally and advocate for tribal sovereignty and dignity.

As one of the longest-serving appellate judges in Michigan history, Justice Cavanagh ruled on nearly 100,000 cases, representing over half of the total in the Court’s history.

As well as serving as a justice throughout his years, Justice Cavanagh also held leadership positions in multiple local organizations. He was the president of the Incorporated Society of Irish-American Lawyers from 1987 to 1988. He also served on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association, the Lansing YMCA, and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Michael F. Cavanagh passed away at the age of 84 on May 20, 2025. He leaves an enduring legacy as a fair and dedicated jurist and tireless public servant, and is missed by all who were privileged to know him. In his memory, we continue to strive to uphold his commitment to justice, service, and the highest professional ethics. Slainte, our dear friend.