Michael Bonasso
Member , Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC
Photo by John Sibold .
AMANDA LARCH
WHEN MIKE BONASSO began law school at the West Virginia University ( WVU ) College of Law in 1975 , it was like entering another world for him — unfamiliar yet amazing . While he did not have any lawyers to mentor him growing up , he graduated with Order of the Coif honors in 1978 and became a lawyer who now inspires others .
With an undergraduate degree in accounting , Bonasso , now a member of Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC , was originally interested in business and commercial law but began working in litigation at Kay , Casto & Chaney in 1978 .
“ You go where the work calls you ,” he says . “ Early in my career , the firm
had a need for lawyers who could represent parties in disputes and lawsuits , so I gravitated to litigation — some personal injury cases , some commercial and business cases , some complex litigation cases — helping individuals and companies resolve disputes , whether by negotiation or by trial .”
During the first few years of his professional career , Bonasso developed an interest in the inner workings of law firms big and small .
“ On one hand , I wanted to learn how to represent and serve clients well , and on the other , I wanted to learn how to apply business principles to the business of law ,” he says . “ The business of law attracted me : from the mundane billing and collection of fees ; to the hiring , compensation , training and retaining of skilled lawyers ; to providing sound legal representation effectively and efficiently ; to managing the costs and expenses of a complex business organization .”
In 1991 , Bonasso partnered with Tom Flaherty and Don Sensabaugh to start the firm , with Bonasso serving as managing member . After 27 years in this position , he recently stepped out of that role . During his time as the firm ’ s management committee chair , he was able to help it grow from seven to 70 lawyers in four offices across the state . The firm recently opened a fifth office in Lexington , KY .
“ We were blessed to be successful and create jobs for hundreds of people over the decades ,” he says . “ By far , the best part of leading the firm was the people we have had at Flaherty over the years . Our lawyers and staff have consistently demonstrated our watchwords of competence , character and work ethic . However , I never asked others to work harder than I would . Part of leadership is showing others you do not ask them to do things you will not do .”
During his tenure as managing member , Bonasso also led the firm ’ s product liability group and was involved in mentoring future leaders in the firm .
“ I attempted not only to teach those working on our teams but also to learn from them ,” he says . “ Our firm is blessed with talented staff and lawyers at all levels , and they all have something to teach me . Even today , when working
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