McCarter & English competitors

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.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE: LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCEI have substantial experience in the HE sector at the highest levels of senior management both through my present appointment as Senior Vice-President (Global) and in my previous roles of Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and Pro Vice-Chancellor (International relations) at the University of Surrey. Prior to joining Surrey in September 2012, during my tenure at UCL I was a significant contributor to the senior management team of the School of Life and Medical Sciences and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and a major lead on quality assurance (in both teaching and learning and research) for the University. I also spearheaded our regional engagement programme through my role as a Pro-Provost. Most of my roles require, or have required, significant diplomatic skills and an ability to lead multidisciplinary complex teams in order to deliver the desired outcomes without the individuals necessarily being under my direct line management. Effective communication and ability to articulate a vision has been instrumental in achieving success together with effective use of networks of key individuals to deliver strategies . I am well versed in leading significant organisational change through engagement and persuasion. I regularly speak at Higher Education, research and International Summits in the UK and globally relating to research led teaching, building academic links with Asia, opportunities for educational development between the UK and other countries and university governance and management of strategic international developments. I sit or have sat on advisory boards for a range of Biotech and large Pharma companies including Roche, Novartis, MSD, Janssen, Johnsons and Johnson and also SMEs in the biotech sector. I have also undertaken medico-legal work as an advisor/witness for both defence and prosecution cases relating to organ transplantation and infectious diseases.

From the Boston office of Nixon Peabody, I lead 1,500 colleagues, including more than 650 attorneys who collaborate across practice areas in cities throughout the U.S. and with alliance firms around the world. I have a background in business, and I cultivate an entrepreneurial culture at our firm. I’ve been with Nixon Peabody since 1987 and before I took my current role of CEO and managing partner, I served as managing partner of the Boston office. Building and leading teams is my passion-both as an attorney representing clients in structuring successful and creative transactions and resolving business and real estate disputes and now in my role as leader of Nixon Peabody. And, over my career, I’ve served as a mentor and advisor to many, and take great pride in helping my colleagues succeed. While I’m in an industry that relies on precedent, I’m focused on building the law firm of the future and how we can channel collaboration and innovation to stay on top of industry trends and provide the insights and connections that help our clients succeed. I also strongly believe in giving back to the community where I work and live, and focus my efforts on youth and seniors. I’ve been a volunteer for more than three decades at Hebrew Senior Life, which provides medical and housing services for the elderly, serving in numerous roles including as chairman of the board. I also taught real estate finance for 23 years at Boston College.

George Beyrouti is a Chief Executive Officer at Reed Smith LLP and is based in Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. He has worked as CEO at Florida Food Etc., General Manager at MASTERPAK - INDEVCO, and Regional Manager at Abbar & Zainy Sodexo. George attended American University of Beirut between 1973 and 1975; Wichita State University between 1978 and 1980; and ANDERSONS, INC. between 1975 and 1977.

Kevin McClain is a Board Member at The Weitz Company and President/CEO at The Weitz Company and is based in Iowa Area, Des Moines, Iowa. He has worked as Project Management at The Weitz Company; Vice President, Operational Excellence at The Weitz Company; and Chief Operating Officer at The Weitz Company. Kevin attended Iowa State University and Simpson College.

Shaun Cross is a Chief Executive Officer at Lee & Hayes. He has worked as Managing Partner at Paine Hamblen LLP. Shaun attended University of Oregon School of Law and University of Washington.