Michael J. Garofola
About Michael J. Garofola
Michael J. Garofola serves as the Senior Director of Compliance & Litigation at EVgo, bringing over 15 years of experience in litigation, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property. He has held significant roles at the U.S. Department of Justice and Acreage Holdings, and he holds a JD from Fordham University School of Law.
Current Role at EVgo
Michael J. Garofola serves as the Senior Director of Compliance & Litigation at EVgo, a major public fast charging network for electric vehicles. He has been in this role since 2024 and is based in Los Angeles, California. In his position, he reports directly to the Chief Legal Officer and is responsible for overseeing litigation strategy, the Code of Conduct, training and awareness, policy development, and managing government, regulatory, and internal investigations. His leadership contributes to EVgo's commitment to being powered 100% by renewable energy.
Previous Experience at Acreage Holdings
Before joining EVgo, Michael J. Garofola worked at Acreage Holdings as Senior Vice President and Senior Deputy General Counsel from 2018 to 2023. During his tenure in New York, he handled significant legal affairs, focusing on mitigating criminal, regulatory, operational, financial, and reputational risks across all departments. His role involved a comprehensive understanding of compliance and litigation, which he applied to support the company's objectives in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.
Legal Career at U.S. Department of Justice
Michael J. Garofola served as an Assistant United States Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice from 2010 to 2014. In this role, he gained valuable experience in federal litigation and prosecution, contributing to his extensive legal background. His work at the Department of Justice provided him with insights into regulatory compliance and the complexities of legal frameworks at the federal level.
Educational Background
Michael J. Garofola earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he studied English, Computer Applications, Italian, and Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Studies from 1998 to 2002. He later obtained his Doctor of Law (JD) from Fordham University School of Law, completing his studies from 2003 to 2006. His educational background has equipped him with a diverse skill set applicable to his legal career.
Expertise in Compliance and Litigation
With over 15 years of expertise, Michael J. Garofola specializes in litigation, regulatory compliance, commercial contracting, data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. His extensive knowledge includes international trade and export compliance, as he is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker. This breadth of experience allows him to effectively navigate complex legal landscapes and contribute to organizational compliance and risk management.