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Michael J. Heller is CEO of Cozen O’Connor. Michael joined Cozen O’Connor in 1994, having previously practiced at Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen. Michael’s practice is devoted to representing and counseling entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies in all industries from the formation and business planning stage to forming, structuring and negotiating joint ventures and strategic alliances, technology licensing, transfer and development, negotiating and structuring all types of angel, venture and other capital-raising transactions, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings and beyond. An important element of Michael’s practice is making the necessary introductions to assist his clients in raising capital and finding joint venture partners. Michael also focuses his practice on representing venture capital funds and angel investor groups in all forms of equity and debt capital-raising transactions. He was named a Pennsylvania “Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics. Michael is a frequent speaker on venture capital and entrepreneurism in the Mid-Atlantic Region and is frequently quoted in local, regional, and national publications on the subject. He is a member of the board of directors of the Greater Philadelphia Venture Group, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Entrepreneur’s Forum of Philadelphia, Inc. He is also on the advisory committee for the University City Science Center’s Port of Technology. 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.

I am proud to be Katten's first Chief Executive Officer. Katten is a dynamic law firm, built on the collaboration, expertise, and energy of our people to deliver the highest quality legal services. Leading this well-regarded and successful law firm draws on the many professional and interpersonal skills I have developed, first as an investigator of securities fraud cases while at the SEC, next as an associate at Kramer Levin, and later as a partner and practice group leader at Katten. There are many challenges facing large law firms during this disruptive transitional period in their development. I help foster innovation in our approach and delivery of legal services, developing and implementing strategic changes that will lead to our continued growth and development as a premier law firm. I believe in a straightforward and honest approach to management and the importance of providing a transparent environment that fosters loyalty and binds our professionals to one another.