Michael G. Heavican (born August 4, 1947) is an American lawyer who served as the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Nebraska from 2006 to 2024.

Early life and education

Heavican was born on August 4, 1947, in Columbus, Nebraska. Heavican received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska in 1969, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Law in 1974.

Career

Heavican's experience prior to joining the bench was exclusively as a state and then federal prosecutor. From 1975 to 1980, he was a Deputy Lancaster County Attorney. He became Chief Deputy Lancaster County Attorney in 1981, and then served as the Lancaster County Attorney from 1981 to 1991. He ran for Attorney General of Nebraska in 1990, but lost the Republican primary to Don Stenberg. In 1991, Heavican left state service to become an assistant United States attorney for the District of Nebraska. After ten years with that office, he was appointed by newly elected President George W. Bush to be the United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska in 2001, a position he held until becoming Chief Justice of Nebraska.

Nebraska Supreme Court

Heavican was appointed as chief justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court on October 2, 2006, by Governor Dave Heineman. Heavican retired on October 31, 2024.