In Memoriam: Attorney Michael E. Conroy
January 4, 1957 – July 1, 2022
Michael E. Conroy, a dear friend and beloved colleague, passed away peacefully at home in the afternoon of July 1st following an extended illness, in the company of his loving wife. A former member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States, Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, Admiralty Law Committee of the Florida Bar, and the Fort Lauderdale Mariner’s Club, Michael was a highly regarded maritime attorney with over 30 years of legal experience and was one of the most respected maritime attorneys in South Florida. His practice focused on marine insurance litigation, marine insurance coverage, maritime liens, charter disputes, product liability, and warranty claims.
A Massachusetts native, Michael was raised by the late Lawrence J. Conroy and Patricia (Deehan) Conroy in Brighton. He attended St. Columbkille School and graduated in 1974. After high school, Michael attended Northeastern University and graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice. After college, he attended the University of Miami School of Law, graduating in 1988. Michael was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1990 and began practicing maritime law. Michael regularly practiced in state and federal courts at the trial and appellate levels.
In 2006, Michael and his longtime friend and law partner Richard McAlpin formed McAlpin & Conroy P.A, where he practiced until his retirement in 2021. Michael and Richard led McAlpin & Conroy through years of successful maritime defense litigation while simultaneously shaping the next generation of maritime lawyers. Michael loved practicing maritime law and spent a great deal of time writing, researching, and mentoring younger attorneys. Michael was often referred to as the firm’s legal encyclopedia because he was a true student of the law.
Michael was a great friend, lawyer, and man. The lessons he taught were simple but not easily forgotten. You could always count on Michael to put a smile on your face and extend a helping hand. Michael touched and inspired countless attorneys throughout his career through his fighting attitude and hardworking spirit.
Outside the practicing law, Michael was a life-long fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and the New England Patriots and had an unending love of the outdoors, especially the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the Florida Everglades.
Michael is survived by his wife Cynthia, his twin children, Michael Conroy of Plantation, Florida, and Christine Conroy Bourne and her husband Christopher Bourne of Needham, Massachusetts; his mother, Patricia (Deehan) Conroy of Dennisport, Massachusetts; his sister, Mara Conroy, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts; and his beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.