Michael McGonegal

Experienced Family Lawyer

Michael McGonegal grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado. He graduated from Palisade High School in Colorado in 1998 and Mesa State College in 2004. During his time at Mesa State College, he ran his own business caring and advocating for children and adults with special needs. After graduating he worked as a Behavior Specialist with School District #51 for a year, a Social Worker for families receiving public assistance for a year, and then as a Senior Case Manager in Ongoing Child Protective Services for nearly 5 years. In 2011 he left Grand Junction to take a position conducting Child Abuse and Neglect investigations in Boulder, Colorado, where he worked for over 4 years.

In 2015, Michael relocated to San Diego, California to attend Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Michael went to law school with the intention of returning to the Front Range of Colorado to practice Family Law. While in law school, Michael completed internships with Boulder Bridge to Justice and Cooper & Tanis P.C. He was awarded American Juris Prudence Awards in Legal Writing, Tort Law, Domestic Violence Seminar, Remedies, and Evidence.

In May of 2018, he graduated 4th in his class with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude. In July 2018, he sat for and passed the Colorado Bar Exam.

In October of 2018 he was hired as an associate at Cooper & Tanis, P.C. and in November of 2018 he was sworn in to practice law in Colorado.

Michael demonstrates a strong and consistent work ethic in his 10 years of public service, which included serving as an expert advisory witness in over 20 Termination of Parental Rights Trials and numerous other legal proceedings along with over 20 successful Family Reunifications, and nearly 300 investigations. Michael holds the strong belief that communication, integrity, and empathy are the most important aspects of his job and continues to serve the families of his community in his role as family attorney.

During the Summer of 2020, Cooper & Tanis P.C. became Tanis McGonegal Family Law, P.C. and Michael became full partner and half owner of the firm, where he continues to practice with excellence, integrity, and care.  Michael prides himself in implementing a holistic approach to Family Law, advocating not only for his client’s legal interests, but also their social, emotional and financial interests by considering the impact on the entire family system.