It is with a heavy heart Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. announces the passing of esteemed colleague and friend, Michael W. (“Mike”) Huddleston. A valued member of the Firm since joining the Dallas office in 2013, Mike was an integral member and leader of Munsch Hardt’s Insurance practice. Throughout his remarkable career, Mike advised, litigated, served as an expert and mediated numerous complex insurance cases, many of which resulted in landmark decisions from the Texas Supreme Court.

“Mike was a passionate and skilled lawyer, colleague and friend who brought joy to those around him each day,” said Phil C. Appenzeller, CEO of Munsch Hardt. “He was one of the most notable insurance recovery litigators in Texas, an avid saxophone player and a devoted father. He will be sincerely missed by all at the Firm, and his loss will be felt throughout the greater legal community. At this time, we extend our deepest condolences to Mike’s family.”

In addition to his legal practice, Mike was highly involved in many professional organizations, including serving as a Fellow and Board Member of the American College of Coverage Counsel, the preeminent association of U.S., Canadian, and Bermudan lawyers representing the interests of insurers and policyholders, until the time of his death. Mike was also a founding officer and former Chair of the State Bar of Texas Insurance Section, and spoke frequently at insurance and business law seminars throughout the country.

Mike’s reputation is shown by the numerous honors he received in recognition of his excellence, including the 2017 Thomas Segalla Service Award for his creativity, persistence, volunteerism and leadership in the practice of law as a policyholder counsel. Additionally, Mike was named a “Top Ranked” Leader in Insurance Law by Chambers USA since 2004, and listed among D Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Dallas for more than 10 years. Most recently, Mike was named 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” by Woodward/White, Inc.’s Best Lawyers in America, a publication that honored him and his career for the past 15 consecutive years.

Outside of the office, Mike’s two passions were music and his family. Mike was an exceptional saxophone player, performing regularly for a big band – Pecos River Brass, and most recently as part of a jazz quartet called Jazz Visions. He once said he learned in music that everything is not an exact fit and “you end up harmonizing things,” which he recognized was also applicable in law.

Mike was also a devoted husband, father and friend. He is survived by his wife Maggie, as well as his three children. He will be remembered by all for his keen intellect, kindness, humor, musicality and mentorship. He left an indelible mark on Munsch Hardt and the legal community at large.

Details for Mike's memorial services below: 

Viewing: Monday, May 20, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Celebration of Life: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Location:
Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home
740 Edmonds Lane
Lewisville, TX 75067