Cozen O’Connor founder and chairman Stephen A. Cozen was recently profiled by The Jewish Exponent in an article titled, “Stephen A. Cozen: Jewish Destiny’s in Jewish Hands.” In the article, Cozen discussed his Jewish heritage, including the way his experiences during a visit to Israel strengthened his commitment to the Jewish community, as well as his and the firm’s involvement with a number of notable charities.
Published weekly since 1887, The Jewish Exponent is an independent newspaper devoted to covering the Jewish community in Philadelphia and around the world. In addition to over 50,000 subscribers, The Jewish Exponent reaches an international audience on the Internet with local, national and international news and features.
An accomplished litigator and counselor, Cozen is a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, a designation held by only the most respected and experienced court room practitioners. He is also well-recognized as a consummate strategist, an appellate advocate, and is frequently called upon for specialized appellate advice, counsel and oral advocacy before both state and federal appellate courts. Cozen is also a nationally recognized lecturer and author on a wide variety of legal and litigation issues. Judicial opinions frequently cite his articles and texts as authoritative references.
In connection with government relations, Cozen has served as chair of the Department of Energy Advisory Committee on Fire Safety, and the Insurance Department Transition Team for Governor Rendell in Pennsylvania.
Cozen has also been an important player in major financial transactions, including one of the largest national sports deals in recent history: the purchase of the Philadelphia 76ers, by Spectacor, and the sale of its arena sports franchise (Philadelphia Flyers) to Comcast.
Cozen serves on numerous education and philanthropic boards, including The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Federation of Jewish Agencies, The National Museum of American Jewish History and the University of Pennsylvania's Institute for Law and Economics and its Law School Board of Overseers. He also spearheaded the development of the Samuel D. Cozen Memorial Police Athletic League Center and is actively involved with the organization. In 2002, he was elected to the reconstituted board of directors for the Shoah Foundation and was awarded The Anti-Defamation League’s highest honor – The 25th Annual Americanism Award. He also serves on the boards of the Pennsylvania Medical Reinsurance Corporation, Assured Guaranty Ltd. and United America Indemnity Ltd. In 2006, Cozen received the Distinguished Service Award from the Law Alumni Society of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and was also named one of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America. He has also been listed in The Best Lawyers in America and recognized as a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" by his peers, appearing in Philadelphia magazine and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers.
Cozen earned his undergraduate degree and law degree, both with honors, from The University of Pennsylvania in 1961 and 1964, respectively. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania before all the courts of Pennsylvania, and in addition to many U.S. District Courts and U.S. Court of Appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.