PHILADELPHIA, March 20, 2023 — Cozen O'Connor promoted 29 attorneys to member: 

Francis Bergold, Beatrice Bottini, Christian V. Cangiano, Jordan D. Chisolm, Elliot J. Coz, Kenneth A. Cushing, Eric J. DeBear, Christopher Dodson, Pamela Dorian, Arielle Eisenberg, Amanda Giglio, Abigail M. Green, Nicholas A. Karwacki, Stephen Kempa, Elliot Kerzner, Natalie Keusseyan, William Lesser, Jennifer D. Miller, Benjamin Mishkin, Christopher L. Paolino, Chad A. Pasternack, Anupama Prasad, Nandini Sane, Ilya Schwartzburg, Emily Shoor, Rachel Bevans Soloman, Robert Sottile, Joseph A. Tate, Jr., and Benjamin L. Williams.

“Member promotions are always an exciting time for a firm,” said Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Heller. “This is a group of terrific lawyers and people, and they will do a wonderful job representing Cozen O’Connor.”

Francis has a broad-based commercial real estate practice, with significant experience in acquisitions and dispositions as well as financing and leasing matters. In his transactional practice, Francis represents owners, investors, and developers in the acquisition and disposition of office, mixed-use, and industrial properties. Experienced in real estate finance, he represents borrowers and lenders in construction lending and securitized conduit lending programs. Francis’ leasing experience extends to office, retail, and warehouse leases and includes the representation of landlords, tenants, and owners of first-class office buildings and retail space in Lower and Midtown Manhattan.

Beatrice represents domestic and multinational clients in a broad range of corporate and securities matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate governance, financings, and commercial transactions. As a member of Cozen O’Connor’s International Practice and Italian Desk, Beatrice routinely assists Italian and other foreign companies doing business in the United States, as well as domestic companies, in their outbound cross-border matters. Beatrice’s experience encompasses several industries, including insurance, food and beverage, fashion, life sciences, medical devices, and manufacturing.

Christian focuses his practice on complex corporate and commercial litigation and arbitration and appellate practice, with an emphasis on corporate, partnership, and business disputes, contract disputes, post-merger and post-acquisition disputes, and professional liability. He has represented companies in a broad range of industries, including the restaurant, technology, financial services, and real estate industries.

Jordan focuses his practice on business and corporate matters. His practice spans mergers and acquisitions, emerging businesses and venture capital, entity formation, financings, joint ventures, and general corporate matters. Prior to the firm, Jordan was an Equal Justice Works fellow at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., where he founded the Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project, Legal Services' pro bono small business practice. Through the project, he provided pro bono transactional legal services to more than 100 low-income entrepreneurs as outside general counsel and was a frequent speaker on panels and workshops covering core legal issues for emerging business owners.

Elliot concentrates his practice on corporate and commercial litigation. He also has significant general counsel and litigation experience involving cooperatives, condominiums, and homeowners’ associations. Elliot has represented clients in all phases of complex litigation in federal and state courts as well as arbitrations and mediations involving breach of contract, breaches of fiduciary duty, fraud, construction disputes, residential and commercial real estate disputes, corporate governance issues, civil rights issues, and board election disputes. He has also represented clients before administrative agencies and New York City community boards.

Kenny focuses his practice on construction law. He counsels and represents project owners, developers, contractors, and design professionals in all phases of public and private construction projects, agency appeals, and the dispute resolution process on a wide range of projects, from traditional vertical construction to some of the largest intrastate and interstate linear infrastructure projects. Kenny represents Fortune 100 midstream companies, natural gas companies, heavy highway contractors, general and specialty contractors, engineering, architectural, and design firms, real estate developers, retailers, homebuilders, universities, long-term care facilities, condominium associations, and other industry stakeholders across the country.

Eric advises clients on land use and zoning matters throughout all phases of residential and commercial real estate development projects. Eric drafts documents as part of the zoning entitlement process, including zoning determination letters as well as applications for special exceptions, variances, planned unit developments, and zoning map amendments. Through creative and succinct briefing, Eric has assisted in the successful defense of a number of zoning approvals before the D.C. Court of Appeals. Eric also presents applications and advocates on behalf of clients to the Board of Zoning Adjustment, local Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, and District government agencies.

As a member of the Technology, Privacy and Data Security practice, Chris draws on his experience as a software engineer to advise clients on privacy and cybersecurity regulations, technology contracts, and data licenses. He works with diverse clients with an interest in technology, including companies in sectors such as financial services, financial technology, health care, online retail, cloud services, SaaS, software, mobile apps, blockchain, aviation, and more. In particular, Chris works extensively with clients on issues related to compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), privacy and data security laws (including federal regulatory regimes, such as Gramm-Leach-Bliley, HIPAA, and FTC), and state data breach notification and other security laws.

Pamela focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, including antitrust, appellate, construction, product liability, consumer fraud, government contracts, and business torts. Pamela has experience representing businesses and individuals in a wide range of industries and subject areas, including construction, insurance, gaming and entertainment, and cannabis, both at the state and federal levels. In 2018, Pamela was selected to serve as an Assistant District Attorney through Cozen O’Connor’s secondment program with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Over the course of one year, she acted as lead counsel on hundreds of misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings in Philadelphia Municipal Court.

Arielle focuses her practice on labor and employment, specifically Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and retaliation. She also counsels clients on decisions regarding hiring, accommodations, discipline, and pay issues under the FLSA and conducts human resource trainings. Prior to working at Cozen O’Connor, Arielle was an associate in Florida and Georgia, handling labor and employment issues, including representing Fortune 100 and 500 companies in federal court and administrative agency proceedings. She successfully represented a national employer in discrimination class action arbitration.

Amanda focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, including matters related to securities law, shareholder litigation, real estate disputes, and governmental investigations. She has experience representing corporations and individuals in federal and state courts across the country. Amanda also maintains an extensive pro bono practice through which she has served clients in impact litigations involving voting rights, transgender rights, and women’s access to health care and in direct representations involving contract disputes and family law. Prior to joining the firm, Amanda served as a law clerk for the Hon. Nancy B. Firestone, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and for the Hon. Robert W. Lehrburger, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Abigail helps employers avoid litigation and/or business interruption through training and counseling on issues such as compliance with discrimination and leave laws; evaluating and discharging employees; drug and alcohol testing; and developing legally sound personnel policies and employee handbooks. When disputes are inevitable, Abigail defends employers in matters such as state and federal single-plaintiff actions involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour law violations, and restrictive covenant issues. Abigail also assists and defends employers through agency investigations and has experience defending employers in federal and state class actions.

Nick concentrates his practice on commercial litigation. He counsels corporate clients through the uncertainties of litigation with a mind toward achieving the best result for the company and its principals. Nick’s foremost goal is to provide comfort and confidence to his clients as they navigate uncharted waters. He litigates complex commercial cases, including business torts, products liability, dram shop, professional malfeasance, residential and commercial construction, and transportation and logistics matters. Nick has counseled clients across industries, including private equity firms, investment banks, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, hospitals, pharmacists, product manufacturers, property owners and managers, and restaurateurs.

Stephen is a member in Cozen O'Connor's Global Insurance Department. He focuses his practice on both first-party and third-party liability coverage. Stephen also has experience assisting clients on a wide range of commercial litigation matters. Stephen graduated with his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and received his Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, in history and political science from Rutgers. While at UVA Law, Stephen was a member of the Virginia Law & Business Review and received a Pro Bono Certificate of Recognition for Pro Bono Service Hours.

Elliot advises and represents clients in a broad range of insurance coverage and commercial litigation matters, including commercial general liability, property damage, personal injury, and environmental claims. He assists clients in evaluating the legal and factual issues in first-party and third-party insurance coverage disputes, including interpretation of policy provisions. He also defends clients in complex litigation arising in federal and state courts. Before joining Cozen O'Connor, Elliot handled a wide variety of civil litigation matters, including representing domestic and international insurers in coverage disputes and construction defect claims and defending insureds against personal injury and property damage claims.

Natalie is a member in the firm’s Subrogation & Recovery Department. Natalie represents insurance companies in the pursuit of large loss real property subrogation claims in state and federal courts of both California and Nevada. She is responsible for managing a subrogation litigation caseload in various legal areas, including negligence, government claims, breach of warranties, and product liability. Natalie earned her J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law, where she also received a Geoffrey H. Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law Certificate. While at Pepperdine, Natalie was on the Moot Court Board. Prior to law school, Natalie attended UCLA and earned a B.A. in history, with honors.

William focuses his practice on the representation of clients in utility and energy and commercial litigation matters. He represents utilities, businesses, and nonprofits confronted with complex regulatory and commercial issues. William’s work on behalf of clients has involved representation in proceedings before the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJPBU) and assisting public utility clients seeking approval on various transactions from the NJBPU. William has experience representing businesses and individuals in various aspects of litigation, including handling appeals.

Jennifer represents both sponsor-developers of condominiums and cooperatives, as well as condo, co-op, and community association boards. Additionally, she  represents owners, investors, borrowers, and lenders in commercial and residential real estate transactions, including leasing, licensing agreements, landlord and tenant matters, acquisitions and dispositions, crisis management, and other dispute and resolution matters relating to real estate. Jennifer also has experience advising debtors, creditors, and other interested parties related to distressed and insolvency situations both in and out of court.

Ben focuses his practice on technology and data privacy. He advises clients in complex data transactions, software agreements, and intellectual property matters. Ben is well-versed in data use and data license agreements governing the exchange of confidential data, including California personal information protected by the CCPA, European personal information protected by the GDPR, protected health information under HIPAA, and other sensitive data types, and he works with clients to ensure their sensitive data is protected by robust cybersecurity requirements. Ben has negotiated complex data-sharing agreements with state and federal government agencies, as well as private nonprofits and corporations.

Chris focuses his practice on complex corporate and commercial litigation, arbitration, and appeals, with an emphasis on corporate, partnership, and business disputes, contract disputes, and post-merger and post-acquisition disputes. He also handles cases involving securities, financial services, debt service, EB-5 funding, real estate, construction, employment, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, oil and gas, and usury law. Chris represents clients in all phases of litigation in federal and state courts, as well as all phases of arbitration. Prior to joining the firm, Chris was an associate and summer associate at a national law firm. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, his M.B.A., and his law degree, cum laude, from Fordham University.

Chad represents insurance carriers in complex coverage disputes and bad-faith claims. He handles claims involving directors’ and officers’ liability, professional liability, general liability, and first-party property coverages. Chad graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class. He was elected to membership in the Order of the Coif and earned the Dean’s Certificate of Achievement in Torts and Federal Income Tax. While in law school, Chad served as executive editor of the University of Miami Business Law Review. He also received the George Paterson Endowed Scholarship and the Priscilla Jewett Schneller Scholarship. Prior to attending law school, Chad graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in business administration.

Anu’s practice is focused on complex insurance coverage litigation and counseling, as well as insurance defense litigation. She represents domestic and international insurers in coverage matters involving commercial general liability, Bermuda form excess liability, employment practices liability, professional liability, and homeowners insurance policies. Her work includes coverage disputes involving bodily injury, personal injury, property damage, environmental contamination, toxic tort, and bad faith claims. In both insurance coverage and defense matters, Anu has managed disputes through all phases of pre-trial litigation, including drafting pleadings, preparing and arguing procedural and substantive motions, conducting written discovery, and taking depositions. Anu also evaluates policy language and advises clients on coverage obligations, particularly in connection with issues such as late notice and the availability of additional insured coverage.

Nandini is a labor and employment litigator. She assists employers in all areas of labor and employment law, including providing advice and counsel to managers and human resource professionals, and representing employers before state and federal courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, and other governmental agencies. She is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the state of Texas. Prior to joining the firm, Nandini practiced employment law at a Houston law firm, was an intern at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and at the National Labor Relations Board, and was a judicial intern for the Honorable Karen Wells Roby, U.S. Magistrate Judge for Eastern District of Louisiana.

Ilya handles life insurance and complex commercial litigation in federal and state courts nationwide, particularly in the areas of stranger-originated life insurance (STOLI) policies, life insurance consumer practices, and software licensing disputes. Ilya has extensive experience researching and drafting appellate briefs, including briefs filed with the U.S. Supreme Court. Prior to joining the firm, he was a managing commercial litigation associate at an international law firm where he developed extensive experience with insurance and securities class actions, arbitration rights, and contract disputes, as well as experience with employment disputes, regulatory affairs, lobbying and adjudication, land use disputes, and federal civil rights litigation. He was also a clinical intern for the Prosecution Clinic, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, and a legal intern at Kings County District Attorney’s Office, Public Assistance Crimes Unit.

Emily represents commercial landlords, management companies, and condo and co-op boards in real estate litigation matters in New York and California. Many of Emily’s recent cases have dealt with the complex issues surrounding the disruptions to leases and other real estate contracts arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Emily earned her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from New York University and her law degree from Brooklyn Law School. While in law school, Emily was the executive articles editor of the Brooklyn Journal of International Law. She was also a legal intern for the New York Public Radio Legal Aid Society of New York, among other organizations in New York.

Rachel is a litigator in the firm’s New York office and concentrates her practice on complex construction litigation. She counsels and represents project owners and developers, contractors, and design professionals in all stages of construction projects, including contract formation/negotiations, project management, pre-suit investigation and development of potential claims, and litigation of claims in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. Rachel also has significant experience in consumer class actions, mass arbitration, privacy law, commercial contracts, and product liability. She defends clients facing individual and collective actions and has a track record of successfully narrowing claims and achieving early, decisive exits.

Robert focuses his civil litigation practice on prosecuting subrogated claims on behalf of commercial property insurers. He has considerable experience with claims involving catastrophic and complex property losses, including industrial plant failures, construction defects, fires, explosions, floods, transportation claims, and oil and gas production failures. He has litigated cases involving product and tort liability, professional liability, municipal liability, motor carrier liability, and maritime law. Robert has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Federal Court of Canada. He has experience conducting trials, arguing motions, and preparing for appeals. Robert is also called to the bar in the Province of Alberta, where he has appeared before the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench.

Joseph, a member and the managing director of CODISCOVR, focuses his practice on eDiscovery, information governance, and data management issues in the context of litigation and investigations. As the Managing Director of CODISCOVR, Joe is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business and a team of attorneys and technologists that handle all phases of the eDiscovery lifecycle. Joe manages complex eDiscovery projects for high-profile matters involving various practice areas and industries, including higher education, financial services, construction, and health care and life sciences.

Ben represents diverse clients in the government contracts and construction industry, including defense contractors, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, insurers, and sureties. Before practicing law, Ben was a construction manager specializing in building facades and building envelope systems for numerous public and private projects. Building on that experience, Ben counsels clients in public bid protests, contract negotiation, requests for equitable adjustment, breach of contract claims, delays and disruptions, performance and design defects, terminations for default, past performance evaluations, mechanic’s liens, and payment and performance bond claims.