In Memoriam: A Legacy of Service

Michael A. “Mike” McDougal dedicated more than five decades of his life to practicing law, serving Montgomery County, and helping others. After graduating from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1971, Mike built a distinguished legal career. He became Board Certified in Criminal Law and served as the elected District Attorney of Montgomery County from 1997 through 2008. For Mike, practicing law was more than a profession. Helping people was one of his greatest priorities. He also felt incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to practice alongside his son, Ryan McDougal, and share with him the profession he loved. Those who knew Mike also knew the personality behind the attorney. Each Christmas, he carried on his tradition of passing out socks at the Montgomery County courthouse. It was a small but memorable reflection of his humor, generosity, and love for his community. Mike’s legacy lives on through the people he helped, the community he served, and McDougal Law, where Ryan continues the tradition and values his father held so dearly.

Professional Credentials

  • Southern Methodist University School of Law, 1971
  • Admitted to the State Bar of Texas, 1971
  • Board Certified in Criminal Law, 1980
  • Elected District Attorney of Montgomery County, 1997 through 2008
  • More than five decades of legal experience
  • Extensive trial experience in criminal matters ranging from misdemeanor offenses to capital murder cases
  • Experience as both a criminal defense attorney and prosecutor

Legal Career

Mike began his legal career in Dallas in 1971, where he opened his own criminal defense practice. Shortly after becoming licensed, he tried his first criminal case, which was a murder case. In 1977, he joined the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and served as the lead assistant prosecutor for Waller, San Jacinto, and Polk counties. At the time, those counties were part of the District Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial District of Texas. In that role, he conducted grand jury proceedings and handled trials throughout all three counties. Mike returned to private practice as a criminal defense attorney in 1979. He later served as the elected District Attorney of Montgomery County from 1997 through 2008 before returning to criminal defense.
Throughout his career, Mike handled a wide range of criminal cases as both a defense attorney and prosecutor. His decades of courtroom experience, commitment to public service, and dedication to the people of Montgomery County became defining parts of his professional legacy.