Mr. Garfunkel has been practicing law since his admission into the New York State Bar in 1964. Since that time, his practice was general in nature, with an emphasis on business and tax issues. In 1980 he then founded the law firm Garfunkel, Wild, and Travis, PC, a firm which concentrated on legal issues of the health community-for both practitioners and institutions, eventually becoming the largest firm of its kind in New York. While there, Mr. Garfunkel represented clients in all legal aspects of their practices or institutional missions (but for malpractice and labor law). In 2002, he retired from active practice to become a managing director of First Manhattan Co, an investment advisory firm, where his tasks include client intake, service, and general planning advice (not including management of assets).
Mr. Garfunkel’s not for profit experience includes board service to and leadership of the American Cancer Society, Weschester Division, as well as being a board member and serving as president of the New Rochelle Public Library. He is presently a board member of the American Jewish Historical Society and Salisbury Central School Educational Enrichment Fund. Mr. Garfunkel graduated from Cornell University in 1960, where he majored in government, and from Columbia University School of Law in 1963 with an LLB degree. He is also currently serving on the steering committee of the Northwest Corner Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, where he has been a board member for nine years.