Mary-Cay Gallagher received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a secondary teaching credential from Notre Dame College for Women in Ohio. After moving to California, she obtained a California teaching credential and taught high school english and history. In 1985, Ms. Gallagher obtained her Juris Doctorate from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, California. She has been practicing in the area of Workers' Compensation defense for the past 18 years. Ms. Gallagher practiced civil litigation for five years before beginning the practice of Workers' Compensation law.