Bio

Martindale Hubbell Bio

Michael Gaffney is Beard St. Clair's lead trial counsel. He has been practicing law in Idaho since 1986, in Wyoming since 1989 and Oregon since 2004.

Mr. Gaffney is one of the most experienced trial lawyers in Idaho and Wyoming having tried over 90 trials during his career. He has tried myriad business and unfair competition cases. He represents plaintiffs and defendants in general and complex business litigation, construction law, including Miller Act Claims, farmers, processors and growers in complex crop loss cases, including PACA claims and individuals and companies in unfair competition claims.  He is approved by the State of Idaho to act as a special attorney general in the representation of the state in tort and civil rights actions.  He is also on the roster of mediators approved by the Idaho Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court.

Over his career as a trial lawyer he has obtained over $20 million in verdicts and settlements for clients, including the largest trade libel verdict in Idaho history, one of the largest crop loss cases in the state and the second largest medical malpractice case in east Idaho. His most rewarding accomplishment came in 2009 when he successfully challenged the VA's denial of combat-related disabilities to a returned east Idaho Iraq War veteran in pro bono representation.

Mr. Gaffney grew up in the Dakotas and avidly studies the history of the American West.  He served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in southern Africa from 1974-76.  He is a passionate golfer, skier and dog lover.