Michael Korniczky

Graham Packaging Company
Vice President & General Counsel

Michael Korniczky holds a black belt in both judo and jujitsu. He credits his longtime practice of martial arts with not only sharpening his focus, but also allowing him to remain humble and maintain composure in heated negotiations. As the head of the legal function for Graham Packaging Company (one of the world’s leading manufacturers of plastic containers, with more than 80 facilities in 17 countries), he appreciates the edge.

“I like managing through crisis ­type situations and obtaining smooth resolutions,” explains Korniczky. “Whether it’s a contractual dispute with a customer or a roof that’s blown off one of our manufacturing plants, I’m ultimately accountable for the legal results.”

Prior to joining the company in 2007,Korniczky was assistant general counsel for Crown Holdings, Inc., a global metal container manufacturing company. “The industries are very similar; Graham and Crown share many of the same clients,’ he observes. “I enjoy being involved in the making and selling of a tangible product; it’s a good feeling to walk into the supermarket and see your product on the shelf.”

From an early age, Korniczky was advised by his father, a guidance counselor in New York City’s public school system, to do whatever he wanted in life ­as long as he was a doctor, lawyer, or an engineer. After earning a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Polytechnic Institute of New York University,Korniczky went to work as an engineer for McDonald Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach, Calif. While there, Korniczky followed the path of his two older brothers and tackled law school, working by day and attending evening classes at Whittier College School of Law.

After eight years as a patent attorney in private practice in Philadelphia, Korniczky moved in-house. “At Crown, I started off as chief patent officer, and was responsible for the company’s intellectual property, patents, and trademarks,” he explains. “Eventually I gained extensive experience on the business side of things, which I definitely prefer over a straight intellectual property practice, and pretty soon I was assistant general counsel.”

“In my legal career, I’ve seen racial discrimination…But I also know things are improving, and I want to be a part of that change.”

Korniczky’s impressive professional ascent has not been without a bump or two.

“In my legal career,” he shares, “I’ve seen racial discrimination, and been the victim of it. [Korniczky’s mother is Chamorro from Guam, and his father is from Hungary.] But I also know things are improving, and I want to be a part of that change. As general counsel at Graham Packaging, my philosophy is to hire the best people possible for the job. At this time, it just happens our legal department is comprised entirely of women and minorities ­they were the most qualified. And further, we actively encourage our outside law firms to promote diversity.” DB

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From the September/October 2009 issue of  Diversity & The Bar^®