Michael Ginsberg Provides Fresh Vision as JHF’s New Board Chair

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Ginsberg’s life, starting with his leadership in BBYO, where he served as president of the Southwestern Council and District Three, and as International Vice President as a youth.

“Since as far back as I can remember, I always thought I wanted to be a lawyer. I don't know if it's because I found it intellectually challenging, or I like to argue, but I went to college with the intent of going to law school,” said Ginsberg who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and a Doctor of Law degree from Harvard Law School.

Beginning his professional career in Pittsburgh, he started as an associate at Reed Smith in September 1985, where he met his wife, Cathy. He later spent seven years at Cohen & Grigsby before joining Jones Day, where he has worked for the past 31 years. At Jones Day, Ginsberg specializes in insurance coverage litigation, environmental law, and commercial litigation. Ginsberg served for more than 25 years as Jones Day’s firm-wide training partner, teaching and mentoring lawyers worldwide.

“I always liked teaching. When I was a I was in high school and college, I used to teach swimming. When I came to Jones Day, they asked me if I was interested in teaching some programs for associates at the firm and so I started doing that,” said Ginsberg, adding that he would go on to become a firm-wide training partner and the chair of its training committee.

In addition to his legal career, Ginsberg has been deeply involved in education and community service. Since 2015, he has been an adjunct professor at Emory Law School, leading its trial techniques program for second-year students. He has also dedicated over two decades to the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), serving as chair and treasurer and working internationally to train lawyers and judges in Mexico, Scotland, Japan, Ireland, and Kenya.

His career-long dedication to guiding others earned him the 2024 Pennsylvania Legal Award for Mentor of the Year. Beyond his legal contributions, Ginsberg has held board positions with organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy, the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors, the Community College of Allegheny County Educational Foundation, and served as chair of the Pittsburgh Public Theater for nearly a decade, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of service. His wife Cathy is also active in community activities and fundraising, particularly for Shadyside Academy and the Community College of Allegheny County Educational Foundation.

When asked what inspires him to service, Ginsberg remembers vividly teaching at a program in Boulder, Colorado in which one of his students had a law degree from a school in Mexico, passed the bar exam, and was practicing at a legal aid organization. He came to Ginsberg’s class unsure and unable to make a presentation. Through encouragement and practice, he flourished at the end of the two weeks.

“At the end of the two weeks, he could stand up and try a case. And his comment during the reflection period at the end was that he “found his voice,” and it was just really moving,” Ginsberg said. “I think the rule of law is enhanced when you have people who are skilled on both sides. That's how you find truth.”

Now residing part-time in North Carolina, Ginsberg continues to champion education and public service. As JHF’s Board Chair, he brings strategic vision and heartfelt dedication to advancing the Foundation’s mission. He is particularly inspired by JHF’s focus on enhancing patient safety, improving senior care, and leveraging emerging technologies like AI and exoskeletons to transform healthcare.

Ginsberg’s leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, financial stewardship, and empowering others to achieve shared goals. Drawing from his board experience with organizations like the Pittsburgh Public Theater, he underscores the importance of understanding an organization’s operations to drive impact.

"My leadership style is to be supportive of the staff, but also to empower board members to feel comfortable asking questions, to raise issues, to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities and to get engaged,” he said.

As he steps into this pivotal role, Ginsberg envisions a future where JHF’s influence extends beyond health care, continuing to position the Foundation as a national thought leader.

“This is a chance to build on the Foundation’s incredible legacy while exploring new ways to create a healthier, more equitable world,” he said.