Patrick J. O´Connor is vice chairman of Cozen O´Connor. He is a trial lawyer who 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. Prior to joining Cozen O´Connor in 1973, he served as law clerk to the Hon. Thomas J. Clary, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and was an associate attorney at Pepper Hamilton & Scheetz.
Patrick is actively involved in many legal, professional, civic and educational organizations. He 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. Patrick 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.
Patrick’s educational affiliations include serving as chairman of the board of trustees of Temple University and as a current member (and former chairman) of the board of Consultors for the Villanova University School of Law. Patrick previously served as a member and chairman of the board of trustees of College Misericordia, and as a member of the board of directors at Kings College. In 2002, he was honored with the Gerald Abraham Alumni Association Award for Service by the Villanova Law Alumni Association.
Patrick earned his Bachelor of Arts at Kings College, magna cum laude, in 1964 and his law degree from the Villanova School of Law in 1967.