biography
A practicing attorney for 19 years, Michael left his partnership at Philadelphia-based Pepper Hamilton in 1985 to start Coleman Legal Search. His interest in recruitment was evident during his time at Pepper, where he served as the firm's hiring partner for two years.
Michael decided to start a legal search firm because he saw an opportunity to bring to the fledgling legal search industry the same quality of service, commitment and professionalism with which he practiced law.
Michael sought to elevate the professionalism of the industry through his active involvement in the industry trade association, National Association of Legal Search. Michael served as chairperson of the organization's Ethics Committee as an officer, including being President, and as a director.
Contributing to Coleman's ongoing success is Michael's interest in the business of the practice of law and professional development within the legal profession. He maintains an active involvement in:
* The American Bar Association (ABA)
* The Pennsylvania Bar Association
* The Philadelphia Bar Association
Michael was the first male member of the Pennsylvania Bar's Commission on Women in the Profession and is an active member of the ABA's Women Rainmakers Group.
Michael also uses his expertise in business organization and planning to support the arts. In 1978, he established Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (PVLA). He served as the non-profit organization's first president for four years and currently sits on its advisory board. PVLA honored Michael through creation of the Michael Coleman Annual Leadership Award.
Michael is an active member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce's Arts & Business Council, a business partnership dedicated to supporting the city's cultural institutions, is a trustee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, is a board member of the Philadelphia Theater Company and is on the Board of Managers of the University of Pennsylvania Law School Alumni Society.
Michael is a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.