Michael Akin O'Flaherty

Michael Akin O’Flaherty passed away on April 12, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. Son of Joseph and Louise O’Flaherty and brother of Judge Joseph O’Flaherty (Janet) and Dr. Mary Horn (Darwin) he is survived by his wife, Tina O’Flaherty, son Brian O’Flaherty (Emmanuelle), daughter Amanda McPheeters (Jeffrey), and son Kevin O’Flaherty.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on July 28, 1947, Mike’s family moved to Southern California during his childhood. He enjoyed living here, in this golden land, ever since.

As a prominent civil litigator, Mike defended doctors, nurses and hospitals in medical malpractice lawsuits for forty years, but his success as a lawyer was not limited to medical cases. Mike O'Flaherty was one of the most accomplished trial attorneys in the country with more than 200 jury trials to a verdict to his credit. Revered in the legal community, his trial services and consultations were sought from individuals to publicly traded companies around the United States. Mike was a member of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates for 30 years, attaining its highest rank of "Diplomate." He was also named Defense Trial Lawyer of the Year 1987 and Super Lawyer, 2009 and 2010. While serving on the Northridge Hospital Medical Center Foundation Board (1990 to present), he was Chairman of the Board in 1994 and 1995. And, while serving on the Santa Marta Hospital Foundation Board (1991-2001) he was Chairman of the Board in 1997 and 1998. Mike loved his work. Even in his final days, Mike insisted on going to the office. Nothing made him happier then being in trial. He believed deeply in the work he did, and he found great joy in serving the medical and legal community.

Amidst his busy professional life, Mike remained grounded in his family. He adored his wife, children, parents, siblings and extended family. As a loving father, he attended every sports game, tournament, and dance recital possible. His most cherished family memories were made on Catalina Island. With his beloved boat, the Tina Marie, Mike treasured family getaways to Catalina. Mike tinkered in the engine room of his boat for endless hours, always finding something new to fix. When he wasn’t on his boat, Mike and his wife Tina traveled all over the world together, exploring new places whenever given the opportunity. In his quiet moments, he could be found reading in his armchair at home.

Mike knew what was most important to him, and he lived for those things: his family and his work. He gave his life to others and took time to pursue his passions. He inspired people with his legal skills, his intelligence, his amiable personality, and most importantly, his character. Mike was greatly loved by his family, friends, and colleagues, and he will be forever missed. May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Catalina Island Conservancy: http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/index.php?s=portal in memory of Mike.