Speaker

Lopez McHugh

Speaker Bio

Michael Katz was born and raised in Philadelphia. His undergraduate education was split between Drexel University and Temple University, and he received his legal education from what is now the James E. Beasley School of Law at Temple University. While he was enrolled in law school he worked part-time for the prestigious Beasley Firm, where he eventually worked his way up to associate.

At the Beasley Firm, Michael worked with and learned from some of the most talented attorneys in the area, including James J. McHugh, Jr. and Michael A. Smerconish. Michael is also one of only a handful of attorneys to have second-chaired a trial with the great Jim Beasley, Sr. himself. As a plaintiffs’ attorney, Michael worked on cases involving medical malpractice, products liability, aviation, breach of contract, securities litigation, civil rights, and more. Following Jim McHugh over to the Lopez McHugh firm was automatic, especially with Michael’s interest in standing up for plaintiffs against pharmaceutical companies.

Michael has been a member of the bar since 1995. He is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, both state and federal courts.

When Michael is not spending his spare time with his wife Beth and his children —Nikita, Steven, and Ryan— he is a part-time writer and editor, including author of the comedy-western novel Shalom On the Range, and often acts as a mentor to other budding writer