Women's Initiative

Recent News:

Cozen O’Connor Named 2024 Best Law Firm for Women & Diversity

Cozen O'Connor is proud to announce that is has been selected as one of the 2024 Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity by Seramount, which recognizes law firms that utilize best practices in recruiting, retaining, promoting, and developing women lawyers and lawyers from underrepresented groups, including people of color. Read more

The Cozen O’Connor Women’s Initiative is dedicated to the development and enhancement of professional and personal relationships among our female attorneys and clients. Our long-standing commitment to providing a supportive, collaborative culture for female attorneys formally began in the late 1990s and continues to prosper today, creating a positive environment for the hiring, retention and promotion of female attorneys within Cozen O’Connor. The Women’s Initiative is led by Co-Chairs Calli Padilla and Kristi Zentner, and it has a dedicated Executive Board, Steering Committee, and subcommittees that represents all of the firm’s offices and that reflects the diverse issues confronting women in today’s legal workplace.

Our goals are:

• To educate and mentor our female attorneys, providing them with the skills and opportunities needed for professional and personal success;

• To encourage and train our female attorneys in order to pave the way to leadership in the firm and with professional, corporate, nonprofit and civic organizations;

• To create new business opportunities and expand networking relationships with other firm attorneys;

• To raise the profile of female attorneys in the business community; and

• Through the achievement of the above goals, to support the firm’s ongoing commitment to promote women to firm leadership positions.

The implementation and achievement of these goals will allow Cozen O’Connor’s female attorneys to make unique and valuable contributions to the success of our firm, and will provide a deeply rewarding professional and personal experience upon which they can build their legal careers.

 

 

Share on LinkedIn

Publications

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Equity: Say What?

July 18, 2022

Sarah Schlossberg contributed an article to the August Issue of ALI CLE’s The Practical Lawyer, discussing how to navigate conversations about our country’s constantly evolving constitutional law landscape.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Equity: ADHD & Me: Strategies for Lawyers with Executive Functioning Challenges

March 22, 2022

Sarah Schlossberg contributed an article to the April issue of ALI CLE’s The Practical Lawyer, discussing strategies to help yourself stay on task, become more productive, and feel better for those with ADHD or executive functioning challenges.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Equity: Performance Anxiety: How to Survive Evaluation Season

September 14, 2021

Sarah Schlossberg contributed an article to the October issue of ALI CLE’s The Practical Lawyer, discussing tips to ease the anxiety and pain of performance reviews.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Equity: Return to What?

August 10, 2021

Sarah Schlossberg contributed an article to the August issue of ALI CLE’s The Practical Lawyer, discussing reentry into the workplace following an unprecedented global crisis.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Equity: Oops, I Did it Again: Identifying and Rectifying Microaggressions

May 20, 2021

Sarah Schlossberg contributed an article to the June issue of ALI CLE’s The Practical Lawyer, discussing how microaggressions and implicit biases impact female and diverse attorneys.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Equality Her-Story: Elevating the Narrative

February 01, 2021

Sarah Schlossberg contributed an article to the February issue of ALI CLE’s The Practical Lawyer, discussing Cozen O’Connor Women’s Initiative 19th Amendment Series.

Events & Seminars

Past Events

Women, Influence & Power in Law 2024

September 23, 2024 - Chicago, IL

NAWL 2024 Annual Meeting

July 24, 2024 - Chicago, IL

2023 Cozen O'Connor Women's Initiative Client Event

November 08, 2023 - Philadelphia, PA

Key Legal Issues Keeping In-House Counsel Up at Night

September 27, 2023 - Washington, D.C.

How to Evaluate Your Evaluation

September 12, 2023 - Webinar

Women’s Initiative Happy Hour

July 19, 2023 - Chicago, IL

How to Make the Ask…

June 20, 2023 - Philadelphia, PA

Getting to Know You…in 5 Minutes: Speed Networking

March 30, 2023 - West Conshohocken, PA

Stop the Billing Stress!

January 18, 2023 - Webinar

2022 Association of Corporate Counsel Women’s Summit

November 16, 2022 - Conshohocken, PA

In The News

Cozen O'Connor Named 2024 Best Law Firm for Women and Diversity

May 29, 2024

This is the firm’s second year on the list and it climbed two spots with an overall rank of 45 this year.

Cozen O'Connor's Female Shareholders Offer Advice for International Women's Day

March 08, 2024

Last year was a historical year for Cozen O’Connor – with no fewer than six of the seven members elevated to shareholder being women. In honor of International Women’s Day, the Cozen O’Connor Women’s Initiative hosted a panel discussion to discuss their unique backgrounds and career paths.

Cozen O’Connor Announces New Group Chairs, Office Managing Partners, Other Promotions

February 15, 2024

The firm announced several new practice group chairs, office managing partners, and leaders of firm committees and initiatives

10 Questions with Heather Marx

November 14, 2023

Heather Marx was featured in a Hennepin Lawyer article discussing her practice, the unique challenges women face in the legal profession, and the advice she will never forget.

Atoussa Mahmoudpour named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by WXN

October 30, 2023

Her leadership skills and commitment to thrive have led her to be recognized as one of WXN’s Top 100 award recipient in the Professionals category in 2021 and 2023. Atoussa has also been recognized by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and was the winner of the Western Canada General Counsel, Tomorrow's Leader Award in 2022.

Cozen O’Connor’s Heather Marx Named to Minnesota Lawyer’s Inaugural Top Women in Law List

September 08, 2023

Heather Marx, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Commercial Litigation practice and vice-chair of the firm’s Trade Remedies practice, has been named by Minnesota Lawyer Magazine to its inaugural “Top Women in Law” list.

Cozen O’Connor Announces Seven New Shareholders

September 07, 2023

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce Wendy Enerson, Melissa Grossman, Susan Grueneberg, Suzanne Radcliff, Laura Reinhart, John Sullivan, and Cheryl Upham have been promoted to shareholder.

Cozen O’Connor Holds Annual Board of Directors Election

September 07, 2023

Jeremy Glenn, Kathy Jaffari, Howard Schweitzer, and Lynnette Espy-Williams will each serve a three-year term.

Sarah Schlossberg Named to City & State Pennsylvania Power of Diversity: Women’s Power 100 List

August 01, 2023

Under Sarah’s leadership of the Women's Initiative, Cozen O’Connor garnered a first-time spot on Seramount’s Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity list in 2023.

Alumni Spotlight with Josephine M. Bahn

July 06, 2023

Josephine Bahn was featured in an American Bar Association Litigation Section Alumni Spotlight.

Cozen O'Connor Named 2023 Best Law Firm for Women & Diversity

June 05, 2023

Seramount has named Cozen O'Connor to its 2023 list of Best Law Firms for Women & Diversity.

How I Made Office Managing Partner: 'Empowerment of Others Is Always a Key Ingredient to Running a Successful Initiative,' Says Susan N. Eisenberg of Cozen O’Connor

October 27, 2022

Susan Eisenberg spoke with Law.com in a Q&A to discuss her time in a leadership role at Cozen O'Connor.

Cozen O’Connor Attorney Jennifer A. Brandt Elected Secretary of ABA Family Law Section

August 18, 2022

Philadelphia attorney Jennifer A. Brandt, Chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Family Law Group, was elected Secretary of the American Bar Association Family Law Section (FLS) at the ABA’s annual meeting in Chicago.

Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Gary Gassman and Josephine Bahn Installed in ABA Chair Roles

August 05, 2022

Gary Gassman and Josephine Bahn, have been installed in ABA Chair Roles.

Meridith Moldenhauer Named a 2022 GlobeSt. Women of Influence

July 26, 2022

Moldenhauer was recognized at an awards ceremony on July 26, 2022.

Lynnette Espy-Williams on "Standing in the Gap” Podcast

July 18, 2022

Lynnette Espy-Williams, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, visited the "Standing in the Gap" podcast to discuss the importance of sustaining a purposeful and inclusive culture.

Ellen Morris Selected as an Honoree for Daily Business Review’s Florida Legal Awards

March 25, 2022

Ellen Morris has been selected as an honoree for the Daily Business Review’s annual Florida Legal Awards in the Innovator category.

Lynnette Espy-Williams Named to 2022 Most Influential Black Lawyers List by Savoy Magazine

March 02, 2022

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Lynnette Espy-Williams, member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department and chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer, has been named by Savoy Magazine as one of the 2022 Most Influential Black Lawyers.

Ellen Morris Selected as an Honoree in South Florida Business & Wealth’s 2022 Prestigious Women Awards

March 01, 2022

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Ellen Morris, member of the firm’s Elder Law Group, has been selected as an honoree in South Florida Business & Wealth’s 2022 Prestigious Women Awards.

Alycen Moss Admitted to American College of Coverage Counsel

January 14, 2022

Alycen Moss, co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Property Insurance Group, was named a fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel (ACCC), the preeminent association that represents the interests of insurers and policyholders in disputes arising out of insurance policies.

Leslie Gomez Selected to Latino Leaders Magazine 2021 Top Latino Lawyers List

December 09, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Leslie Gomez, vice chair of the firm’s Institutional Response Group, has been selected to Latino Leaders Magazine 2021 Top Latino Lawyers list.

Gina Maisto Smith and Amorie Hummel Selected as 2021 Women of Distinction Honorees by the Philadelphia Business Journal

November 23, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Gina Maisto Smith, chair of the firm’s Institutional Response Group, and Amorie Hummel, an associate in the firm’s Environmental Group, have been selected as 2021 Women of Distinction honorees by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Leigh Ann Benson Speaks at PBA Mentoring Launch Party

November 02, 2021

Leigh Ann Benson, director, career development at Cozen O'Connor, spoke at a mentoring launch party for the Philadelphia Bar Association.

Alycen Moss Named the 2021 Recipient of the FDCC’s John Appleman Award

August 10, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Alycen Moss, member of the Global Insurance Department and co-chair of the firm’s Property Insurance Group, has been named the 2021 recipient of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel’s John Appleman Award.

Katie Schwab Named a Board Member of the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association

June 14, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Katie Schwab, managing director of the firm’s Public Strategies Group, has been named a board member of the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association (DLMA).

Rose Christ Named to Crain’s Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives List

June 07, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Rose Christ, senior principal of the firm’s Public Strategies Group, was named to Crain’s Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives list.

Cozen O’Connor’s Heather Marx named to The American Lawyer’s 2021 Midwest Trailblazers list

April 20, 2021

Heather Marx, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Commercial Litigation practice and vice-chair of the firm’s Trade Remedies practice, has been named to The American Lawyer’s 2021 inaugural list of Midwest Trailblazers.

Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor Selected as Honorees for the DBR’s Florida Legal Awards

April 01, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor, members of the firm’s Labor & Employment Department, have been selected as honorees for the Daily Business Review’s Florida Legal Awards.

Anupama Prasad Named to the National Association of Women’s Lawyers Rising List

March 16, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Anupama Prasad, an associate in the firm’s Global Insurance Department, has been named to the National Association of Women’s Lawyers (NAWL) Rising List.

Suzanne Mayes Awarded 2020 Freda Johnson Award Recipient for Trailblazing Women in Public Finance

November 10, 2020

Philadelphia – November 10, 2020 – Suzanne Mayes, co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department and co-chair of the firm’s Public & Project Finance Practice, has been selected as a 2020 Freda Johnson Trailblazing Women in Public Finance by the Northeast Women in Public Finance and The Bond Buyer.

Leni Cummins Named Among City & State New York’s 40 Under 40

October 20, 2020

New York – October 20, 2020 – Leni Morrison Cummins, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Real Estate Practice, has been named a 40 Under 40 Rising Star by City & State New York.

Cozen O’Connor’s Helene Jaron Named a 2020 "Woman of Distinction" by the Philadelphia Business Journal

October 06, 2020

Philadelphia, October 6, 2020- Helene Jaron, co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Private Client, Trusts and Estates Group, has been selected as a 2020 Woman of Distinction by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Cozen O’Connor Achieves Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certification Status

September 15, 2020

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce its achievement of the Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certification status.

Cozen O’Connor Attorney Anna Wermuth Named One of Chicago’s “Notable Women in Law”

September 08, 2020

Anna Wermuth was recently named to the list of Chicago’s “Notable Women in Law” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Leni Cummins Named a Real Estate & Construction Trailblazer by the National Law Journal

April 02, 2020

Leni Cummins, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Real Estate Practice, was named a Real Estate & Construction Trailblazer by the National Law Journal.

Contacts

Calli Jo Padilla

Member
Co-Chair, Women’s Initiative

cpadilla@cozen.com

(215) 665-6938

Kristi Adair Zentner

Member
Co-Chair, Women’s Initiative

kzentner@cozen.com

(612) 260-9005

Awards

Cozen O'Connor Named 2024 Best Law Firm for Women and Diversity

May 29, 2024

This is the firm’s second year on the list and it climbed two spots with an overall rank of 45 this year.

Atoussa Mahmoudpour named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by WXN

October 30, 2023

Her leadership skills and commitment to thrive have led her to be recognized as one of WXN’s Top 100 award recipient in the Professionals category in 2021 and 2023. Atoussa has also been recognized by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and was the winner of the Western Canada General Counsel, Tomorrow's Leader Award in 2022.

Cozen O’Connor’s Heather Marx Named to Minnesota Lawyer’s Inaugural Top Women in Law List

September 08, 2023

Heather Marx, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Commercial Litigation practice and vice-chair of the firm’s Trade Remedies practice, has been named by Minnesota Lawyer Magazine to its inaugural “Top Women in Law” list.

Cozen O’Connor Holds Annual Board of Directors Election

September 07, 2023

Jeremy Glenn, Kathy Jaffari, Howard Schweitzer, and Lynnette Espy-Williams will each serve a three-year term.

Sarah Schlossberg Named to City & State Pennsylvania Power of Diversity: Women’s Power 100 List

August 01, 2023

Under Sarah’s leadership of the Women's Initiative, Cozen O’Connor garnered a first-time spot on Seramount’s Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity list in 2023.

Cozen O'Connor Named 2023 Best Law Firm for Women & Diversity

June 05, 2023

Seramount has named Cozen O'Connor to its 2023 list of Best Law Firms for Women & Diversity.

Ellen Morris Selected as an Honoree for Daily Business Review’s Florida Legal Awards

March 25, 2022

Ellen Morris has been selected as an honoree for the Daily Business Review’s annual Florida Legal Awards in the Innovator category.

Ellen Morris Selected as an Honoree in South Florida Business & Wealth’s 2022 Prestigious Women Awards

March 01, 2022

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Ellen Morris, member of the firm’s Elder Law Group, has been selected as an honoree in South Florida Business & Wealth’s 2022 Prestigious Women Awards.

Alycen Moss Admitted to American College of Coverage Counsel

January 14, 2022

Alycen Moss, co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Property Insurance Group, was named a fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel (ACCC), the preeminent association that represents the interests of insurers and policyholders in disputes arising out of insurance policies.

Leslie Gomez Selected to Latino Leaders Magazine 2021 Top Latino Lawyers List

December 09, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Leslie Gomez, vice chair of the firm’s Institutional Response Group, has been selected to Latino Leaders Magazine 2021 Top Latino Lawyers list.

Gina Maisto Smith and Amorie Hummel Selected as 2021 Women of Distinction Honorees by the Philadelphia Business Journal

November 23, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Gina Maisto Smith, chair of the firm’s Institutional Response Group, and Amorie Hummel, an associate in the firm’s Environmental Group, have been selected as 2021 Women of Distinction honorees by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Katie Schwab Named a Board Member of the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association

June 14, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Katie Schwab, managing director of the firm’s Public Strategies Group, has been named a board member of the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association (DLMA).

Rose Christ Named to Crain’s Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives List

June 07, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Rose Christ, senior principal of the firm’s Public Strategies Group, was named to Crain’s Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives list.

Cozen O’Connor’s Heather Marx named to The American Lawyer’s 2021 Midwest Trailblazers list

April 20, 2021

Heather Marx, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Commercial Litigation practice and vice-chair of the firm’s Trade Remedies practice, has been named to The American Lawyer’s 2021 inaugural list of Midwest Trailblazers.

Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor Selected as Honorees for the DBR’s Florida Legal Awards

April 01, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor, members of the firm’s Labor & Employment Department, have been selected as honorees for the Daily Business Review’s Florida Legal Awards.

Anupama Prasad Named to the National Association of Women’s Lawyers Rising List

March 16, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Anupama Prasad, an associate in the firm’s Global Insurance Department, has been named to the National Association of Women’s Lawyers (NAWL) Rising List.

Suzanne Mayes Awarded 2020 Freda Johnson Award Recipient for Trailblazing Women in Public Finance

November 10, 2020

Philadelphia – November 10, 2020 – Suzanne Mayes, co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department and co-chair of the firm’s Public & Project Finance Practice, has been selected as a 2020 Freda Johnson Trailblazing Women in Public Finance by the Northeast Women in Public Finance and The Bond Buyer.

Leni Cummins Named Among City & State New York’s 40 Under 40

October 20, 2020

New York – October 20, 2020 – Leni Morrison Cummins, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Real Estate Practice, has been named a 40 Under 40 Rising Star by City & State New York.

Cozen O’Connor’s Helene Jaron Named a 2020 "Woman of Distinction" by the Philadelphia Business Journal

October 06, 2020

Philadelphia, October 6, 2020- Helene Jaron, co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Private Client, Trusts and Estates Group, has been selected as a 2020 Woman of Distinction by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Cozen O’Connor Achieves Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certification Status

September 15, 2020

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce its achievement of the Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certification status.

Leni Cummins Named a Real Estate & Construction Trailblazer by the National Law Journal

April 02, 2020

Leni Cummins, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Real Estate Practice, was named a Real Estate & Construction Trailblazer by the National Law Journal.

Recent News

Cozen O'Connor Named 2024 Best Law Firm for Women and Diversity

This is the firm’s second year on the list and it climbed two spots with an overall rank of 45 this year. Read More

Cozen O'Connor's Female Shareholders Offer Advice for International Women's Day

Last year was a historical year for Cozen O’Connor – with no fewer than six of the seven members elevated to shareholder being women. In honor of International Women’s Day, the Cozen O’Connor Women’s Initiative hosted a panel discussion to discuss their unique backgrounds and career paths. Read More

Cozen O’Connor Announces New Group Chairs, Office Managing Partners, Other Promotions

The firm announced several new practice group chairs, office managing partners, and leaders of firm committees and initiatives Read More

10 Questions with Heather Marx

Heather Marx was featured in a Hennepin Lawyer article discussing her practice, the unique challenges women face in the legal profession, and the advice she will never forget. Read More

Keep up-to-date with the latest news from Cozen O'Connor

Enter your City or Zip.

Probably shouldn't change this:
Sign up to receive alerts, publications, and event / webinar invites.

By submitting your contact information, you are giving Cozen O'Connor consent to contact you via email.