Michael A. Cardozo
Encyclopedia
Michael A. Cardozo is the current Corporation Counsel for New York City
, a former partner at the law firm Proskauer Rose
, and a former president of the New York City Bar Association.
degree from Brown University
in 1963, and his Juris Doctorate degree from Columbia Law School
in 1966. After graduation, Cardozo served as a law clerk to Judge Edward C. McLean in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
.
, where he worked until 1991. He was elected three times to the firm’s executive committee, and co-chaired the Litigation Department from 1987 to 1991.
Since January 2002, Cardozo has served as New York City’s 77th Corporation Counsel, the chief legal officer in New York City. As corporation counsel, Cardozo has litigated a number of important cases for the city of New York. He has argued before the United States Supreme Court that the City has jurisdiction to adjudicate real estate disputes between the city and foreign countries, allowing New York to collect unpaid real estate taxes from the consulates of India and Mongolia.
Cardozo has also successfully defended the City’s search of bags on subways; ensured the payment of fines by the Transit Workers Union for engaging in an illegal strike, and drafted legislation to prepare for real estate development around Hunts Point Market, Ground Zero
, and Yankee Stadium
.
He is the Chair of the Fund for Modern Courts, a non-partisan citizen organization devoted to improving New York State courts, and previously chaired two court system task forces appointed by Governor
Mario Cuomo
and Chief Judge
of the New York Court of Appeals
Sol Wachtler
.
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, a former partner at the law firm Proskauer Rose
Proskauer Rose
Proskauer Rose is one of the largest law firms in the United States, with twelve offices in the United States and around the world...
, and a former president of the New York City Bar Association.
Education
Michael Cardozo received his Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
degree from Brown University
Brown University
Brown University is a private, Ivy League university located in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. Founded in 1764 prior to American independence from the British Empire as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations early in the reign of King George III ,...
in 1963, and his Juris Doctorate degree from Columbia Law School
Columbia Law School
Columbia Law School, founded in 1858, is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the United States. A member of the Ivy League, Columbia Law School is one of the professional graduate schools of Columbia University in New York City. It offers the J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. degrees in...
in 1966. After graduation, Cardozo served as a law clerk to Judge Edward C. McLean in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York is a federal district court. Appeals from the Southern District of New York are taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (in case...
.
Career
In 1967, Cardozo joined the Litigation Department of the law firm Proskauer RoseProskauer Rose
Proskauer Rose is one of the largest law firms in the United States, with twelve offices in the United States and around the world...
, where he worked until 1991. He was elected three times to the firm’s executive committee, and co-chaired the Litigation Department from 1987 to 1991.
Since January 2002, Cardozo has served as New York City’s 77th Corporation Counsel, the chief legal officer in New York City. As corporation counsel, Cardozo has litigated a number of important cases for the city of New York. He has argued before the United States Supreme Court that the City has jurisdiction to adjudicate real estate disputes between the city and foreign countries, allowing New York to collect unpaid real estate taxes from the consulates of India and Mongolia.
Cardozo has also successfully defended the City’s search of bags on subways; ensured the payment of fines by the Transit Workers Union for engaging in an illegal strike, and drafted legislation to prepare for real estate development around Hunts Point Market, Ground Zero
Ground zero
The term ground zero describes the point on the Earth's surface closest to a detonation...
, and Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
.
Civic Involvement
Cardozo is a long time member of the New York City Bar Association, and served as the organization’s president from 1996 to 1998.He is the Chair of the Fund for Modern Courts, a non-partisan citizen organization devoted to improving New York State courts, and previously chaired two court system task forces appointed by Governor
Governor of New York
The Governor of the State of New York is the chief executive of the State of New York. The governor is the head of the executive branch of New York's state government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military and naval forces. The officeholder is afforded the courtesy title of His/Her...
Mario Cuomo
Mario Cuomo
Mario Matthew Cuomo served as the 52nd Governor of New York from 1983 to 1994, and is the father of Andrew Cuomo, the current governor of New York.-Early life:...
and Chief Judge
Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals
Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals refers to the position of chief judge on the New York Court of Appeals.The chief judge supervises the seven-judge Court of Appeals...
of the New York Court of Appeals
New York Court of Appeals
The New York Court of Appeals is the highest court in the U.S. state of New York. The Court of Appeals consists of seven judges: the Chief Judge and six associate judges who are appointed by the Governor to 14-year terms...
Sol Wachtler
Sol Wachtler
Solomon Wachtler, born , is a lawyer and politician from New York. He was Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals from 1985 to 1993. Known for the remark, "A marriage license should not be viewed as a license for a husband to forcibly rape his wife with impunity" , Wachtler was a key figure in...
.