Michael was recognized as a leading lawyer for Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation in New York by Chambers USA, where he was described as “a practical practitioner” and “a great lawyer who is always very responsive and helpful.” “[He] offers particular expertise in acting for private equity funds. He is one of the deans of the Bar in this area.” He was also recommended for Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation by Legal 500 US, recognized by Chambers Global, Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, and named among Lawdragon’s “500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers” list. Michael was the founding Chairman of the Private Investment Fund Forum and also served as a member of the Advisory Board of Private Equity Terms and Conditions – The Current State of the Market for Venture Capital, Buyout, and Mezzanine Funds, published by Asset Alternatives Inc.
For more than 20 years, Michael taught Private Investment Funds at Columbia Law School as a Lecturer in Law and also taught Private Equity and Venture Capital Investing. He also lectured on management equity arrangements in private equity at Stanford Law School and on private equity funds at Harvard Business School.
Michael has been active in pro bono matters and community service and served as Chairman of the Firm’s Pro Bono Committee. Currently, he serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Good+ Foundation, a leading national nonprofit that works to dismantle multi-generational poverty by pairing tangible goods with innovative services for low-income fathers, mothers and caregivers, creating an upward trajectory for the whole family. He also serves as a Vice-Chair of the board of Vibrant Emotional Health, a charitable organization that provides suicide hotline services nationally and other mental health services.