Cozen O’Connor, one of the 100 largest U.S. law firms, announced today that Ambassador David F. Girard-diCarlo, Ret., has chosen to retire from the firm at the end of the year.
Mr. Girard-diCarlo, who has distinguished himself in the political, legal and civic spheres, is a former U.S. Ambassador to Austria and a former long-term managing partner and chairman of Blank Rome LLP. He has held positions in numerous Presidential and other federal, state and local campaigns, has served on many boards and has been active with a large number of civic and charitable organizations.
While at Cozen O’Connor, Mr. Girard-diCarlo provided strategic advice to clients in the banking, health care, education, transportation and service industries regarding general business and commercial law, complex litigation and government relations activity.
“The firm is extremely honored to have worked with David. While he will be missed, we sincerely appreciate his many contributions to the firm, as well as to the Philadelphia legal and civic communities at large,” said Cozen O’Connor Chief Executive Officer Tad Decker. “We wish David every happiness upon his retirement.”
“My affection for the leadership and the shareholders of Cozen O’Connor knows no bounds,” said Mr. Girard-diCarlo. “This firm is fantastic. It has a great culture, and I have been very fortunate to have been with the firm since my return from Austria. I truly value my relationships with my colleagues at Cozen O’Connor - which made my decision to leave very difficult - but I know that the time is now right for me to step away and I am excited about moving into this next phase of my life.”
Distinguished Career in Politics and Law
Mr. Girard-diCarlo was appointed by former President George W. Bush, confirmed by the Senate and served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Austria in 2008-2009. The U.S. Embassy in Vienna is among the largest U.S. diplomatic missions in the world. As ambassador, Mr. Girard-diCarlo’s management responsibilities included overseeing more than 500 U.S. and Austrian employees as well as the operations of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Vienna and the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Prior to becoming an ambassador, Mr. Girard-diCarlo served for 22 years as the managing partner and then chairman of Blank Rome LLP. He was also chairman and CEO of Blank Rome Government Relations LLC, headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Actively involved in politics for more than three decades, Mr. Girard-diCarlo has held leadership positions with numerous local, state and federal campaigns including treasurer of the Ridge for Governor Committee and chairman of the Governor-Elect’s Transition Team; Pennsylvania chairman of the Bush-Cheney 2000 Campaign; co-chairman of the Host Committee for the 2000 Republican National Convention held in Philadelphia; co-chairman of the Pennsylvania Bush-Cheney 2004 Campaign and chair of the campaign’s Pennsylvania State Finance Committee; national finance chairman of the Corbett for Governor campaign in 2010; and Pennsylvania chairman and national finance co-chairman of Huntsman for President 2012. Prior to his nomination as Ambassador to Austria, he had been Pennsylvania finance chairman for McCain for President 2008.
An active participant in both the business and cultural communities, Mr. Girard-diCarlo served as a member of the board of PNC Financial Services Group and served in leadership positions at the Walnut Street Theatre and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, among others. In 2005, Mr. Girard-diCarlo received the Americanism Award from the Anti-Defamation League. In 1999, he received the Judge Learned Hand Human Relations Award from the American Jewish Committee.
Passionately interested in education, Mr. Girard-diCarlo was chairman of Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) from 1997-2002. In 2003, Pope John Paul II conferred upon him the Pontifical Honor of Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great for his work as chairman of BLOCS. He was chairman of the Board of Consultors of Villanova University School of Law and also served on the boards of Drexel University and Harcum Junior College. In 2003, he received the Gerald Abraham Award for Distinguished Service from Villanova University School of Law. Mr. Girard-diCarlo was appointed by Governor Edward G. Rendell to the Philadelphia School Reform Commission and served from 2009-2011.
In 1990, Mr. Girard-diCarlo was appointed by former President George H. W. Bush to serve as a member of the board of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK), a position he held until 1993. He was appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Richard L. Thornburgh to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and served as chairman of the board from 1979-1982. He was chairman of the board of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce from 1997-1998 and also served as chairman of its Executive Committee.
Currently, Mr. Girard-diCarlo serves as a member of the board of trustees of the National Constitution Center; immediate past president and member of the council of The Pennsylvania Society; a member of the Board of Trustees of Saint Joseph’s University; a member of the executive roundtable of the Republican Governors Association; a member of the Council of American Ambassadors; and a member of the Diplomatic Council on Energy Security in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Girard-diCarlo said he is stepping away from the practice of law to spend more time with his wife of 39 years, Connie Girard-diCarlo. The couple plans to move to their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He will turn 70 on January 20th (which he notes with amusement, given his interest in politics, is Inauguration Day). “I’ve been very fortunate in life,” said Mr. Girard-diCarlo. “I’ve been publicly engaged in many different professional and civic activities and all have brought me wonderful memories. Now, it is time for Connie and me to take personal time for ourselves, enjoy our home in New Mexico and build more memories together. I look forward to this new future for us.”
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.