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Michael Galligan

International lawyer and private client advisor; Trusts and Estates, Tax and Immigration; Partner Phillips Nizer LLP

Michael W. Galligan is a partner and co-chair of the Trusts & Estates Department at Phillips Nizer LLP, a law firm based in New York.2 He specializes in complex U.S. and international estate planning, administration of trusts and estates, U.S. and cross-border estate and income tax planning, private international law, and immigration.2

Galligan's practice focuses on serving a diverse clientele, including:

  • U.S. citizens and residents with domestic and international property holdings
  • Non-U.S. citizens and residents investing in the United States
  • Families with members across different countries
  • Individuals planning to become U.S. residents or leave the United States
  • Individual and corporate fiduciaries

He has extensive experience in cross-border wealth transfer and succession projects, having worked on cases involving over thirty countries worldwide.2

Galligan is recognized as a leader in New York High Net Worth/Private Wealth Law by Chambers and Partners.1 He is described as "a terrific lawyer and a very accomplished speaker and writer" with solid international expertise.1

In addition to his legal practice, Galligan has been actively involved in the New York State Bar Association, serving on various committees and as Chair of the International Section from 2009 to 2010.2 He has authored numerous publications on international estate planning, trust law, and related topics.2

Prior to joining Phillips Nizer in 2000, Galligan had a diverse career, including roles in academia and the Roman Catholic Church. He has also been involved in human rights work, including drafting legal instruments for refugee protection.2

Highlights

Apr 1 · linkedin

Concluding a short visit to Warsaw to take part in very timely meetings organized by the International Section of the New York State Bar Association, the Ukrainian Bar Association and USAID, devoted to issues related to preserving and promoting the rule of law in prosecuting war crimes committed in the current hostilities, seeking reparations for the damage inflicted on Ukraine’s people and their economy, and in rebuilding their country. Special congratulations to the Poland Chapter of NYSBA international for their leadership in organizing these meetings and to the many colleagues from Ukraine itself who personally attended and participated in the meetings despite difficulties of travel and the dangers and challenges they face at home.

Apr 5 · linkedin

President Zelensky's challenging question today about the future viability of the UN is one that I am sure has been on the mind of many during the past weeks.  Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is a classic example of a violation of international law that the UN was supposed to deter and repel. Article 109 of the Charter provides for the calling of a General Conference of UN Members to consider amendments to the Charter but Russia (or any other Permanent Member of the Security Council) would still have the right to veto any amendments even though ratified by two-thirds of the Members including all other Permanent Members. The only option it would seem at that point would be for all Members to withdraw from the UN and reconstitute a new UN under a new Charter that incorporates the amendments otherwise approved at the General Conference.   (While the Charter does not expressly provide for States to withdraw from the UN, it is my understanding that, at the 1945 San Francisco Conference, it was agreed that withdrawal would be tacitly allowed.)

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Michael Galligan
Michael Galligan, photo 1
Michael Galligan, photo 2
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Location

New York, New York, United States