Michael Garrett

Michael Garrett is a seasoned legal and business advisor with diverse experience in global financial services, corporate, nonprofit, consulting and coaching. After earning his Bachelor’s, MBA and JD degrees at Columbia University, Michael received his basic training in corporate and international legal practice as an associate with prominent law firms in New York City. He then served for many years as a partner and associate general counsel of Coopers and Lybrand, with responsibility for human resource policies and claims, management and benefits consulting, enterprise and industry technology, intellectual property, professional practice problems and diverse regulatory matters. He then became general counsel of the global investments division of the Swiss Reinsurance Company.In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Michael created, managed and grew The Gift of New York, one of the most successful nonprofit initiatives to benefit family survivors of the attack victims.Returning to legal matters, Michael served as general counsel in residence of a 700-attorney national law firm. Currently, Michael is an independent attorney, executive coach, and business and nonprofit strategy advisor. Michael is also a very active Columbia alumnus, serving as executive mentor in the Business School, president of the Society of Columbia Graduates, a director of the Law School Association and of the Stephen Whitney Phoenix Society, and a member of the Advisory Committee for the Columbia Libraries.