Philadelphia, Dec. 2, 2014 — Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Michael J. Heller has been unanimously re-elected to a second, three-year term as president and chief executive officer of the firm.
“Under Michael’s leadership, Cozen O’Connor has aggressively grown in size, strength and reputation, while continuing our traditions of excellence and client focus,” said Vincent R. McGuinness, Jr., the managing partner of the firm. “His unanimous re-election by Cozen O’Connor’s Board of Directors is a testament to his leadership and vision.”
Heller began his first term on Jan. 1, 2013, and his second term starts on Jan. 1, 2016. Since Heller took over as CEO, the firm has experienced significant growth, including the opening of multiple offices, adding depth in numerous practice areas across the country and a growing presence in London.
“It is an honor to continue to lead Cozen O'Connor and to work with the many talented individuals that make up this exceptional firm," said Heller. “Cozen O'Connor started as an entrepreneurial, results-oriented firm with a deep commitment to the community. Forty-five years later we have grown exponentially, yet managed to maintain these core attributes across the firm. This an exciting time for the legal industry, and our firm is well positioned to take advantage of the many opportunities in the marketplace. I look forward to leading Cozen O'Connor as we aggressively capitalize on these opportunities.”
Heller serves on the firm's board of directors, management committee and heads the emerging business and venture capital practice.
A recognized leader in the representation of entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies, Heller began his career as a young associate during the IPO craze of the late 1980s before joining Cozen O’Connor in 1994 as the firm’s first transactional lawyer. In 2007, he became chair of the business law group and grew the department from 76 lawyers to 190, expanding both the client base and the diversity of the attorneys in the firm.
Heller is responsible for assisting clients in all industries and plays an active role from the formation and business planning stages to structuring and negotiating joint ventures and strategic alliances. He also represents venture capital funds and angel investor groups in all forms of equity and debt capital-raising transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings and beyond.
Heller is a frequent speaker on venture capital and entrepreneurism in the Mid-Atlantic region and is regularly quoted as a thought leader in local, regional and national publications.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has 575 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 23 offices across two continents.
###