Michael J. Hanifan Sr., Esq., has been a practicing attorney since 1997, when he chose to leave law enforcement in order to join the legal profession. For more than 15 years now, Mike has led the Law Office of Michael J. Hanifan, PA, a highly respected local firm with an exceptional talented legal team.
Early Days Following his graduation from Seton Hall in 1991, Mike became a detective with the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, where he assisted in prosecuting environmental and white-collar crimes. Within a couple of years, though, Mike decided he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, the Hon. Gerald B. Hanifan Sr. JSC (Ret.), so he traded in his badge in favor of attending law school at Widener University. After graduation, Mike clerked before becoming an associate for the law firm Morris, Downing, and Sherred, where he worked as a general litigation attorney.
Making Meaningful Contributions
Even after leaving law enforcement to become a lawyer, Mike continued to dedicate his career and his personal life to protecting and serving others. Wanting to continue contributing to his community and his country in a meaningful way, Mike kept busy by serving as a commissioned officer in the Army Reserves, all the while establishing his career as a highly respected attorney. At the same time, he began building what has since become an incredibly inspiring resume filled with an impressive roster of volunteer activities, elected positions, and judicial appointments. Since 1998, Mike has held the following positions and appointments:
- Deputy Mayor, Andover Twp.
- Municipal Prosecutor for several Sussex County townships
- Attorney for several Sussex County townships
- Counsel, Sussex County Republican Committee
- Mentally Ill Patient Advocate for Sussex and Warren Counties
- Military Academy Advisory Board, Hon. Scott Garrett
- Andover Twp. Land Use Board Attorney (Conflict)
- Legal Advocacy Board, Project Self-Sufficiency
In addition to these roles, Mike has also been a highly active member of the following clubs and special-interest groups:
- Past President, Andover Republican Club
- Paul Harris Fellow, Board Member, and Member, Newton Rotary
- Member, Branchville Businessmen’s Club
- Member, Knights of Columbus
- Life Member, Eagle Scout Alumni Association
- Boy Scouts, Troop 81 Committee Member
Mike has long been active in our community, serving as an advocate for the mentally ill, fighting to protect battered women, and providing support to organizations that aid vulnerable children and families. A Sussex County resident for his entire life, Mike has deep roots in the area and strong personal and family values, which have been the driving force behind his professional ambitions. Married for nearly 25 years, Mike lives in Andover with his wife and three children.
Launching The Law Office of Michael J. Hanifan, PA
In 2002, Mike opened the doors of his own practice, The Law Office of Michael J. Hanifan, PA, Mike leads the firm as its principal, and his father serves as an advisor. Together with his team, Mike offers legal services in a variety of practice areas, with a special focus on family law and domestic violence law. Patti Byk serves as the office’ Paralegal and office administrator, keeping the nuts and bolts of the organization running smoothly. Colleen Brady, an of counsel attorney, specializes in estate law, guardianship law, and appellate practice.
Working with Us
The team at The Law Office of Michael J. Hanifan, PA, is ideally positioned to provide exceptional legal support to individuals and families in our community who are struggling with family conflicts, divorce, domestic violence, mental illness, serious personal injury, guardianship matters, and other difficult situations. We also provide expert legal representation for real estate matters, wills and estate planning, employment issues, small business matters, and contracts.
Though we are consummate professionals, you’ll also find our close-knit legal team to be warm, friendly, down-to-earth, and extremely passionate about our work. We treat each of our clients with the utmost respect, and we remain humbled and grateful that our clients trust us to represent them when they are often at their most vulnerable. Here at The Law Office of Michael J. Hanifan, PA, we are steadfastly committed to ensuring that justice is served, you and your loved ones are safe and free from harm, and your future is protected.
Have a legal question or need representation? Contact us today!
