Michael Graffagna

Background

About Michael Graffagna

SUMMARY As a senior partner at AmLaw 50 Morrison Foerster, with more than 35 years of experience in corporate practice, I am responsible for managing a broad range of complex transactions; cross-border project financings, mergers and acquisitions, and related litigation matters, among them. SOPHISTICATED BUSINESS-ORIENTED PRACTICE My client matters involve M&A and project development and financing of large energy, mining, and infrastructure projects, and emphasize cross-border legal matters and related business issues. It is my practice to bear my clients’ interests in mind throughout their projects, gearing advice to achieve those goals at an acceptable level risk. LAW FIRM PRACTICE GROUP LEADERSHIP My role as the leader in the firm’s Global Project Finance Group for a decade was steeped in experience and in understanding of the M&A field and project financing and development gained over 7 years as an associate in the San Francisco and Tokyo Offices and thereafter over 28 years as a partner in the New York and Tokyo Offices, with an understanding of our practice, our clients, and our firm culture. INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE I have spent significant portions of my professional life in Japan, providing me with unique insights into the Asia-Pacific legal and business landscape, and positioning me as a trusted advisor across Asia and the Americas. Fluent in Japanese language, culture, and corporate practices, I have extensive experience heading large and diverse teams of lawyers across firms in Asia, Europe, and the Americas and am highly adept at assisting clients to achieve their business goals in commercially and politically complex environments. SOLUTION DRIVEN I am accustomed to addressing pressure and stress in the dealmaking process with an even-keeled approach – keeping my eye on the ball and not on the flack. I always concentrate on gathering facts in the course of building relationships, as I see this process as essential to managing my clients’ risk effectively.