Michael J. Heller

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Michael is the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cozen O'Connor. Under his leadership and strategic direction, the firm has grown in revenue by more than 75 percent, with revenue of over $650 million, and has been recognized as one of the top 100 law firms globally. He chairs the firm's Board of Directors and serves on its Management Committee. His business, entrepreneurial, and investing experience arms him with a unique ability to manage a global law firm in an ever-changing market and provide legal and business insight on countless complex client matters. Since Michael began his tenure as CEO, the firm has received countless accolades for its commitment to a quality and diverse workplace and the firm’s dedication and generosity to the communities and causes in which our employees and clients live and work.   

In addition to his role as Executive Chairman and CEO of the firm, Michael is a recognized leader in the venture capital, private equity and emerging business space and began his career as a young associate during the IPO craze of the late 1980s. He understands, first hand, the critical roles of modern executives. An important element of Michael’s practice is making the necessary introductions to help clients raise capital and find joint venture partners, and he is constantly relied upon for his business acumen and investment instincts. Michael’s practice is focused on all forms of equity and debt capital-raising transactions, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, and initial public offerings.

Michael is a frequent speaker on venture capital and entrepreneurism in the Mid-Atlantic region and is regularly quoted as a thought leader in local, regional, and national publications. He is Chambers-ranked for Corporate Law - M&A and Private Equity. Each year since it was first established in 2015, the Philadelphia Business Journal has named Michael one of the most influential people in the Philadelphia region.

Michael has significant personal business and investing experience, which differentiates him from his peers in the venture capital and private equity space, and the legal industry in general. Michael was an early investor and currently serves on the board of directors of The Beachbody Company, Inc. (NYSE: BODI), the creator of the popular fitness programs P90X and Insanity, a leading health and fitness direct marketing company in the country. Michael was also one of the original principal owners of the Valley Forge Casino and Resort. 

Michael is a member of the board of directors of FS Holdings, L.P., a global alternative asset manager with over $75 billion in AUM, and Hanover Fire and Casualty Co., a property and casualty insurance carrier. He also sits on several nonprofit boards, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Villanova Law School (and a former chairman of the board of trustees), Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT). 

Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Michael received his undergraduate degree in 1986, summa cum laude, from The Pennsylvania State University, and his law degree in 1989, magna cum laude, from Villanova University, where he was a law review editor and a member of the Order of the Coif.

Experience

News

Michael Heller Quoted in Commercial Observer About D.C. Office Move

July 02, 2024

The firm is moving from its current space on 19 Street NW to 2001 M Street NW. The space was previously occupied by Orrick.

Michael Heller Discusses Firm’s Growth with The Legal Intelligencer

March 19, 2024

Michael Heller, Executive Chairman and CEO of the firm, spoke with a reporter from The Legal Intelligencer about the firm’s AmLaw 100 submission for 2023 and the firm’s plans for 2024.

Center City Law Firm Increases First-Year Associate Salaries by $10K to $15K

January 30, 2024

Michael Heller was interviewed by the Philadelphia Business Journal to discuss the increase in associate salaries this year and the plan for salary modifications for associates in their second year and above.

Cozen O’Connor’s Michael Heller & Public Strategies’ Joe Hill Named Most Influential Philadelphians

October 30, 2023

Cozen O’Connor’s Executive Chairman and CEO Michael Heller and Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Senior Principal Joe Hill were named in Philadelphia Magazine’s list of “The 150 Most Influential Philadelphians.”

Cozen O’Connor Named to America’s Most Loved Workplaces Again

October 05, 2023

This is the third year in a row Cozen O’Connor has been named to this list and is the only AmLaw 100 law firm on it.

Michael Heller Talks to The New York Times About Firm's LPGA Sponsorship

July 21, 2023

Michael Heller, executive chairman and CEO of the firm, discusses the firm’s sponsorship of LPGA player Ally Ewing with the New York Times.

Eighty-eight Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 23 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2023 Guide

June 05, 2023

Of the 88 lawyers ranked, 17 lawyers have been recognized nationally, and eighteen were recognized in Band 1. Eight of the firm's practice areas have been recognized nationally, and nine were ranked Band 1.

Michael Heller Discusses Firm’s Revenue Growth, Investment in Niche Practice Areas with American Lawyer

March 03, 2023

The firm's revenue grew by 5.9%, and profits per equity partner grew by 1.8 percent.

Michael Heller Named to Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2023 Power 101

February 28, 2023

Michael Heller has been named to Philadelphia Business Journal’s Power 101 list for the eighth consecutive year.

Michael Heller Discusses Firm’s Outlook, Plans for 2023 with Bloomberg Law

January 09, 2023

Michael Heller met with reporters from Bloomberg Law to discuss how the firm avoids the boom and bust cycles common among other large law firms, the firm’s plans for growth, and its ancillary businesses.

Cozen O'Connor's Recent Canadian Growth Featured on Law.com International

November 16, 2022

In the article, "Foreign Firms Making Waves in Canada's Mid-Market" Law.com discusses Cozen O'Connor's recent growth in Toronto and Vancouver.

Cozen O’Connor Named Pennsylvania Powerhouse by Law360

August 01, 2022

Cozen O’Connor is one of four firms to receive this distinction in 2022.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

Cozen O’Connor PEP Surpassed $1M in 2021 'Perfect Storm'

February 25, 2022

Michael Heller spoke with Am Law discussing Cozen O'Connor’s 2021 financial results, which showed growth and strong performance all around.

More Than 205 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 19, 2021

Best Lawyers selected 210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Michael Heller Unanimously Re-Elected CEO of Cozen O’Connor

April 14, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Michael J. Heller has been unanimously re-elected to a fourth, three-year term as CEO of the firm.

Cozen O’Connor Named Law Firm of the Year Finalist by The Legal Intelligencer

October 13, 2020

We previously announced that Jillian Flax, a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Practice, was named a Lawyer on the Fast Track, Bernard Lee, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Real Estate Practice, was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award, and Meredith Slawe, co-chair of the firm’s Class Actions Group and co-chair of the firm’s Retail Industry Group, was named a Best Mentor.

How Law Firms Are Handling the 'Most Interesting' Budgeting Season in Years

October 05, 2020

Michael Heller discusses law firm budgeting in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and one of the most challenging areas to plan for 2021 expenditures — marketing and client development.

200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 20, 2020

Best Lawyers selected 200 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).

Fifty-Eight Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 05, 2020

Super Lawyers has selected 58 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Michael Heller Recognized Among Philadelphia Business Journal Power 100

November 04, 2019

Michael Heller has been included in the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Power 100” list for the fifth consecutive year.

Michael Heller Named One of 2019’s Most Admired CEOs by Philadelphia Business Journal

October 17, 2019

Heller, along with the other named CEOs, will be honored at a dinner reception at the Union League on December 3.

64 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 21, 2019

Super Lawyers has selected 64 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Fifty-four Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named 2018 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 12, 2018

Super Lawyers has named 54 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2018 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Education

  • Villanova University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 1989
  • Pennsylvania State University, B.S., summa cum laude, 1986

Awards & Honors

Law Power 100, City & State Pennsylvania, 2023

Power 101, Philadelphia Business Journal, 2015-2019, 2021-2023

Philly Power 100, City & State Pennsylvania, 2022 

Most Admired CEO, Philadelphia Business Journal, 2019

Chambers & Partners USA, 2009-2023
* This award is conferred by Chambers & Partners. A description of the selection methodology can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, 2004-2021
* This award is conferred by Super Lawyers. A description of the selection methodology can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

  • Pennsylvania
  • New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court -- Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • Board of Directors, The Beachbody Company, Inc.
  • Board of Directors, Franklin Square Holdings, L.P.  
  • Board of Directors, Hanover Fire & Casualty Insurance Company
  • Board of Directors, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  • Chairman, Board of Trustees, Villanova Law School
  • Board of Directors, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
  • Board of Directors, Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT)