The Weitz Company 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.

Daryl Anderson is a Chief Executive Officer at Fox Rothschild and is based in Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.

Brian L. Duffy assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Greenberg Traurig, LLP in January 2016. Previously Brian served as a firm President as well as chair of the firm’s 600-member Global Litigation Department from 2009 to 2013. A true “working CEO,” Brian focuses his practice on trial and appellate work in the class action, employment, energy, commercial contract, and product liability areas, serving as national, regional, and local counsel in high-profile cases throughout the US. Under Brian’s leadership, Greenberg Traurig received important rankings reflective of his and the firm’s commitment to a diverse and quality workplace. Brian is involved with the leadership and direction of the firm’s diversity efforts, including the independently recognized Greenberg Traurig Women’s Initiative and its Affinity Groups, addressing the needs of minority and diverse attorneys throughout the firm. The firm’s work includes forging important relationships with key organizations. As one example of many, Brian serves on the Out Leadership Global Advisory Board. Since Brian began his tenure as CEO, Greenberg Traurig has received a distinguished set of awards and accolades in the pro bono arena, one of his key areas of focus including the Distinguished Service to the Arts Award from Lawyers for the Creative Arts; the Common Good (Pro Bono) Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; the Hope Award from The Center of Hope (Haiti); the Champion of Justice Award from the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic; and was honored at the Equal Justice Works 30th Anniversary. During Brian’s time at Greenberg Traurig, the firm has assisted hundreds of charitable organizations through its Philanthropic Foundation, resulting in real-life positive impact on communities throughout the United States where the firm has offices and clients. Additionally, the Greenberg Traurig Fellowship Foundation continues to provide funding for lawyers and law students to work with public interest groups. The Foundation became the largest sponsor of Equal Justice Works Fellowships in the United States. Brian holds a J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School, where he was honored as Outstanding Alumni in private practice. He received a B.S., summa cum laude, from the University of South Dakota.

Bud Konheim is a Chief Executive Officer at McCarter & English LLP and is based in New York, New York.

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.

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.

Chris Slaughter is the CEO of Steptoe & Johnson. He was elected to the position in 2020, the culmination of a career with the firm spanning more than twenty years. His legal practice is focused on counseling and litigation. He advises clients on labor negotiations, contract administration, and structural changes that impact employment. He represents employers when they are faced with litigation before the National Labor Relations Board, arbitrators, state and federal courts, and agencies. His clients range from Fortune 500 companies to mid-sized businesses in the construction, energy, health care, hospitality, and manufacturing industries. Throughout his career, Chris has honed his proactive, consensus-based leadership style while holding a number of leadership positions. He is a past managing member of the firm’s Huntington, West Virginia office and was elected to multiple terms on the firm’s executive committee. He serves his community through leadership positions in his church and with organizations dedicated to the arts and economic development. Chris is named among The Best Lawyers in America® and Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. He is also a fellow of both the West Virginia Bar Foundation and the American College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.