PHILADELPHIA, January 6, 2025 – Katayun Jaffari, chair of the Corporate Governance and ESG Practices and co-chair of the Capital Markets & Securities Practice at Cozen O’Connor, was installed as Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, the oldest bar association in the United States, during its Annual Meeting in December.
Jaffari is the 98th Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association and the 12th woman to hold the position. An active association member, she previously served as the chancellor-elect and vice chancellor, as well as chair of the Board of Governors, chair and executive committee member of the Business Law Section, co-chair of the Women’s Rights Committee, and member of the executive committee of the Public Interest Law Section.
During her installation at the Association’s Annual Meeting, Jaffari said, “Before I share with you my thoughts on what we can continue to do as a bar association, I want to acknowledge some very important people and institutions. First and foremost, I would not be here but for Cozen O'Connor and the support of Michael Heller, Vince McGuinness, and the leadership of my group: Suzanne Mayes, Jeff Leonard, Ira Gubernick, and Larry Laubach.”
“Cozen O'Connor believes in this city, in this association, and in its lawyers. Cozen O’Connor is a firm that pays for 100% participation in the association by its lawyers. I find this awe-inspiring, and I challenge you all to meet Cozen O’Connor’s leadership. I’m so grateful to be part of an institution that supports the bar association,” Jaffari continued. “I am grateful for the tremendous hard work of Vince McGuinness, Sarah Schlossberg, and Brandi Scalessa for their help in getting me here today.”
Jaffari also expressed her belief that one of the most significant roles of the association is that of convener, one who brings together those across the legal and justice system and provides education and information that encourages understanding, involvement, and equal access within the system. Her focus will further the association’s mission of protecting the rule of law, upholding judicial independence, and promoting equal access to justice with excellence and civility.
At Cozen O’Connor, Jaffari devotes her practice to advising boards of directors and executive management teams and handling complex securities transactions for businesses in a variety of industries. With more than 25 years of experience representing public and private companies, Jaffari has served as outside corporate counsel and has advised on the full range of corporate and securities law aspects of a wide range of matters. She also has extensive experience in compliance matters and mergers and acquisitions, including ongoing business counseling.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 925 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 33 offices across two continents.