Stephen A. Cozen

Chairman

Recent News:

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition

Best Lawyers selected 242 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Steve is the founder and chairman of Cozen O'Connor, a Philadelphia-based law firm with 33 offices throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The firm has grown from just four attorneys in 1970 to its present complement with more than 925 attorneys. Originally a boutique firm focusing on insurance related and commercial litigation, today Cozen O'Connor is a full-service law firm serving clients' needs in business and corporate matters, securities, bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring, real estate, tax, public and project finance, health law, labor and employment matters, intellectual property, government relations, and trusts and estates.

An accomplished litigator and counselor, Steve is a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, a designation held by only the most respected and experienced courtroom practitioners, a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and a senior fellow of the Advisory Board of the Litigation Counsel of America. He is also well-recognized as a consummate strategist, an appellate advocate, and is frequently called upon for appellate advice, counsel, and oral advocacy before both state and federal appellate courts. John Ryan, Executive Vice President, Chief Counsel Officer and Corporate Secretary for Temple University Health System said of Steve: “He is a force of nature, tenacious, wise, and always supremely prepared. What Steve has done to create and build a thriving and growing law firm is inspiring, and great for Philadelphia.” Steve is a nationally recognized lecturer and author on a wide variety of legal and litigation issues, and judicial opinions frequently cite his articles and texts as authoritative references.

Throughout his career Steve has served as an adviser, counsellor and occasionally in an official capacity on behalf of federal, state and city government executives.

Steve serves on numerous education and philanthropic boards, including the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, where he is first vice-chair,  the President's Leadership Council for the Kimmel Center, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School Board of Advisors Emeritus: Stephen A. Cozen, Esq. Steve also spearheaded the development of the Samuel D. Cozen PAL Center and is actively involved with the organization. He is chairman emeritus of the USC Shoah Foundation Institute Board of Councilors and currently serves on the board of Franklin Square Holdings, LP.

Steve is often awarded for his skills and leadership, both within the legal arena and in the community as a whole. In 2002, he was awarded The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) highest honor – The 25th Annual Americanism Award, and named to the lists of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2006), The National Law Journal’s 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America (2000), The Best Lawyers in America, and "Pennsylvania Super Lawyers" (2006-present). In addition, the firm made a gift to the University of Pennsylvania Law School in Steve’s honor, establishing the Stephen A. Cozen Professorship of Law, and he was honored with the 2008 Musser Excellence in Leadership Award from Temple University’s Fox School of Business. In 2024, Steve received the first ever Only in America Humanitarian Award from the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.

In 2011, Steve was honored by Drexel University as the Business Leader of the Year. While bestowing the honor, Drexel President John Fry said, “I think Steve is a perfect recipient of this award because his legendary intellect and energy have extended well beyond vision and leadership for his law firm, into civic and development activities that have helped build a great climate for the people and businesses of the region. In support of his beloved Philadelphia, Steve played a major role in the creation of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and was named to its President's Leadership Council in 2018, innovative programs at Project H.O.M.E., and the new National Museum of American Jewish History.” In 2017, Steve was presented with the inaugural Drexel Hillel Leadership Award and, in 2023, the Jacovini Award for major contributions to the university by a non-alumni. 

Steve earned his undergraduate degree and law degree, both with honors, from The University of Pennsylvania in 1961 and 1964, respectively. Steve was admitted to practice in Pennsylvania in 1964, before all of the courts of Pennsylvania, and in addition to many U.S. District Courts and U.S. Courts of Appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

Experience

News

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition

August 15, 2024

Best Lawyers selected 242 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Nearly 100 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 27 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2024 Guide

June 10, 2024

Chambers USA rankings are based on an “assessment of a firm’s work and opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback.” In order to be ranked in the guide, lawyers and firms must demonstrate “sustained excellence.”

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 232 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Business Today Names 32 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to Its Top 10 Lists

July 28, 2023

These lists recognize lawyers “mastering,” “leading,” “revolutionizing,” and “dominating” their fields in their respective states and nationwide.

Eighty-eight Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 23 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2023 Guide

June 05, 2023

Of the 88 lawyers ranked, 17 lawyers have been recognized nationally, and eighteen were recognized in Band 1. Eight of the firm's practice areas have been recognized nationally, and nine were ranked Band 1.

42 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers & Rising Stars

May 24, 2023

Super Lawyers has selected 42 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2023 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Stephen Cozen and Mark Alderman Recognized Among City & State Pennsylvania’s 2023 Power 100

April 24, 2023

Stephen Cozen, founder and chairman of Cozen O’Connor, and Mark Alderman, Chairman of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, have been named to City & State Pennsylvania’s 2023 Power 100.

More Than 200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch

August 22, 2022

210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

49 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 01, 2022

Super Lawyers has selected 49 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2022 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Stephen Cozen and Mark Alderman Honored by City & State

May 26, 2022

Stephen Cozen and Mark Alderman have been named to the 2022 City & State Pennsylvania Power 100 list.

Stephen Cozen and Stephen Miller Recognized as 2021 Best of the Bar Honorees by The Philadelphia Business Journal

October 06, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that the Philadelphia Business Journal will honor Stephen Cozen and Stephen Miller at its fifth annual Best of the Bar Awards.

More Than 205 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 19, 2021

Best Lawyers selected 210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

47 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 28, 2021

Super Lawyers has selected 47 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2021 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

82 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 19 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2021 Guide

May 26, 2021

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 82 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2021 edition; of those, 15 lawyers have been recognized nationally.

200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 20, 2020

Best Lawyers selected 200 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2020 Legal Guide

June 22, 2020

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, and Maritime practices and Cozen O’Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Stephen Cozen, Raymond DeLuca, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, Anne Mickey, Jeffrey Mullen, Josh Stein, Christopher Sweeney, and Jeff Vogel to its 2020 Legal Guide.

Fifty-Eight Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 05, 2020

Super Lawyers has selected 58 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

63 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2020 Guide

May 14, 2020

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 63 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2020 edition.

64 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 21, 2019

Super Lawyers has selected 64 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Fifty-four Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named 2018 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 12, 2018

Super Lawyers has named 54 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2018 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Steve Cozen Profile: The Inside Man

February 26, 2010

Steve Cozen, founder and chairman of Cozen O’Connor, was interviewed by Jason Fagone for Philadelphia Magazine.

Publications

20 Questions with LCA Fellow Stephen A. Cozen, Founder and Chairman of Cozen O'Connor [Litigation Commentary & Review]

March 01, 2010

20 Questions with LCA Fellow Stephen A. Cozen, Founder and Chairman of Cozen O'Connor - Litigation Commentary & Review -

The Power Fifty 2009 [Philadelphia Magazine]

November 01, 2009

The Power Fifty 2009 - Philadelphia Magazine - Our ranking of the most influential Philadelphians. What This List Isn't: A rehash of the usual suspects.

Winter 2009 [Insurance Coverage Observer]

January 29, 2009

In this issue, we identify key coverage developments from the year 2008. We summarize recent court decisions dealing with coverage for toxic torts, environmental losses, construction defect and property losses. We also address new decisions in the areas of insolvency and reinsurance.

Summer 2008 [Insurance Coverage Observer]

August 30, 2008

We take pride at Cozen O’Connor in addressing new developments that will affect our clients. In this issue, we include a special report on two new decisions from New Jersey on bad faith in the UM/UIM context.

Extraordinary Leadership: Stephen A. Cozen [PastForward]

July 07, 2008

Extraordinary Leadership: Stephen A. Cozen - PastForward -

Events & Seminars

Past Events

Legends and Rainmakers in Law: Building a Practice

October 05, 2017 - Philadelphia, PA

15th Annual America’s Claims Event

June 15, 2011 - New Orleans, LA

Education

  • University of Pennsylvania Law School, L.L.B., 1964
  • University of Pennsylvania, B.A., 1961

Awards & Honors

Chambers & Partners USA: Nationwide: Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer; Pennsylvania: Insurance; Pennsylvania: Litigation: General Commercial 2011-2024

Legend of the Bar Award by The Philadelphia Business Journal, 2021

Best Lawyers in America  2007-2025

Drexel University Business Leader of the Year (2011)

Drexel Hillel Leadership Award (2017)

Lawyer of the Year 2018

The Legal Intelligencer's Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)

The Legal 500 "Hall of Fame" 2020

Who's Who Legal: Insurance & Reinsurance 2017

Pennsylvania Super Lawyer 2004-2023

Pennsylvania Power 100, 2022, 2023

Business Today, Top 10 High-Impacting Insurance Lawyers in Pennsylvania for 2023 

  • Pennsylvania
  • Commonwealth Court Of Pennsylvania
  • Pennsylvania Supreme Court
  • Superior Court of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims
  • U.S. District Court -- Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • American Bar Association
  • American Bar Foundation
  • American College of Trial Lawyers
  • American Judicature Society
  • Defense Research Institute
  • Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
  • International Academy of Trial Lawyers
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Institute
  • Pennsylvania Defense Institute
  • Philadelphia Bar Association
  • Advisory Board of the Litigation Counsel of America, Senior Fellow (2015-2018)
  • President's Leadership Council for the Kimmel Center