PHILADELPHIA – December 17, 2012 – Cozen O’Connor, among the 100 largest U.S. law firms, announced today that its board of directors has elected Sandra A. Bloch as the firm’s new general counsel. A member of Cozen O’Connor since 1995, Ms. Bloch will continue her corporate law practice in addition to taking on her new role as firm general counsel. She succeeds Henry A. Gladstone, who will step down from the position at the end of December 2012 following a 10-year tenure. Mr. Gladstone will remain actively involved in a number of firm projects while continuing to serve his clients.
Robert H. Fiebach will continue to oversee the firm’s litigation matters and Sarah A. Kelly will continue to oversee the firm’s employment issues.
In her new role, Ms. Bloch will handle the traditional general counsel role of chief lawyer for the firm. Additionally, she will act as a change agent, proactively staying abreast of the rapidly changing ways that law firms are doing business in the new competitive industry landscape.
“I am excited to take on the challenge of general counsel for the firm at a time of significant change in the legal industry,” said Ms. Bloch. “The perception of the profession and how it does business is dramatically different than it was just five years ago. Over the past several years, Cozen O’Connor has also grown significantly nationwide, adding attorneys and employees and emerging as a full-service law firm. I am looking forward to leading its legal matters as it enters its next stage.”
“We are extremely appreciative of Hank Gladstone’s service over the last decade, and feel confident that now is the right time to pass the baton to Sandy,” said Michael J. Heller, Cozen O’Connor’s incoming Chief Executive officer. “Over the past 17 years, Sandy has been a dynamic force, both in firm business matters and in her corporate law practice. Her proven track record in corporate legal matters and knowledge of the business of law will be invaluable in her new role as the firm’s general counsel.”
A member of Cozen O’Connor’s Corporate Practice Group, Ms. Bloch focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions, financings and commercial contracts, including executive employment agreements. She has represented buyers and sellers in billion-dollar transactions, and provides general legal advice to companies ranging from start-up ventures to established concerns. She earned her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, cum laude, in 1978.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970 and ranked among the 100 largest law firms in the United States, 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 ambitious middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 21 offices across two continents.
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