PHILADELPHIA – May 20, 2013 – Cozen O’Connor announced today that cofounder Patrick J. O’Connor has received honorary degrees from two of Philadelphia’s major universities. Mr. O’Connor received an honorary degree from Temple University, conferred on May 16, at which time he also delivered the commencement address. He also received an honorary degree from Villanova University School of Law, conferred on May 17.
“In addition to his role at the firm, Patrick has devoted his time to helping build two great academic institutions,” said Cozen O’Connor CEO Michael J. Heller. “Countless number of students and the Philadelphia legal, academic and civic communities have benefited from his leadership and commitment.”
“I am very grateful to have been recognized by both Temple University and the Villanova University School of Law,” Mr. O’Connor said. “I have enjoyed being part of these great universities and remain committed to playing a leadership role to strengthen their mission, and to help them meet the challenges of higher education today.”
Mr. O’Connor is a 1967 graduate from Villanova University School of Law School. Since 1985, he has been a member of the law school’s board of consultors, and in 2002, received the Gerald Abraham Alumni Association Award for Service to Villanova University School of Law. In addition, the Patrick J. O’Connor Endowed Scholarship, established by Mr. O'Connor’s colleagues in his name, and to which he has been a key contributor, has provided countless students educational opportunities otherwise impossible.
Mr. O’Connor chairs Temple University’s board of trustees and has served on the board for a combined 25 years since 1971.
Mr. O’Connor is vice chairman of Cozen O´Connor. A trial lawyer, he focuses his practice on litigation arising out of contracts, banking matters, estates, professional liability involving legal and accounting matters, health care, and aviation-related claims. Mr. O’Connor is a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a board member of the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
He is chairman of the board of BNY Mellon Funds Trusts, chairman of Franklin Security Bank, a member of the board of Crowley Chemical Company of New York City and a member of the Advisory Board of Litigation Counsel of America.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, 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 middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 22 offices across two continents.
###