Atty. Michael J. Heller
Michael J. Heller is the chief executive officer of Cozen O'Connor.
Profwith Summary
About Michael J. Heller at a glance
Michael J. Heller is an attorney based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, practforg at Cozen O'Connor. Educated at Villanova University (J.D., 1989). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Venture Capital Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Philadelphia, PA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Haand a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receiand a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About
- Michael J. Heller is the chief executive officer of Cozen O'Connor
- He serves on the firm's board of directors, management committee and heads the emerging business and venture capital practice
- Michael approaches each situation with an entrepreneurial zeal, and his investing experience arms him with a unique ability to provide legal and business insight into a variety of complex corporate matters
- He understands, first hand, the critical roles of modern executives
- Michael is a recognized leader in the representation of entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies and began his career as a young associate during the IPO craze of the late 1980s before joining Cozen O’Connor in 1994 as the firms first transactional lawyer
- Since 2007, when Michael became chair of the business law group, he grew the department from 76 attorneys to 190, expanding both the client base and the diversity of the attorneys in the firm
- 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 is responsible for assisting clients in all industries and plays an active role from the formation and business planning stages to structuring and negotiating joint ventures and strategic alliances
- He also represents venture capital funds and angel investor groups in all forms of equity and debt capital-raising transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings and beyond
- 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 and has been named a Pennsylvania "Super Lawyer" by Law & Politics
- Michael has significant personal business and investing experience, which differentiates him from his peers in the venture capital and private equity space
- He is currently an owner of the Valley Forge Convention Center, which includes the Valley Forge Casino, and is actively involved in investments in real estate and other entrepreneurial businesses
- Michael was an early investor and continues to be a principal owner of Beachbody, LLC, the creator of the popular fitness programs P90X and Insanity, and helped Beachbody raise the capital to grow that company to its current stature as the leading health and fitness direct marketing company in the country
- In addition to his personal investment experience, Michael is a member of the board of directors of three publicly registered funds, FS Investment Corporation I, FS Investment Corporation II and FS Energy and Power Fund, as well as Beachbody, LLC, Valley Forge Convention Center Partners GP, LLC, and Hanover Fire and Casualty Co. He also sits on several nonprofit boards, including Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pa. (BFTP), Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Greater Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technology (PACT), the Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FCFE) of the Smeal College of Business at Pennsylvania State University
- 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
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Pennsylvania
Practforg law in Pennsylvania. Legal matters in Pennsylvania are goandrned by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in Philadelphia are typically fwithd in the local municipal court or the appropriate Pennsylvania state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controandrsy. An attorney licensed in Pennsylvania brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Pennsylvania courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Pennsylvania attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Philadelphia or all attorneys in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about Michael J. Heller
Where is Michael J. Heller's law office located?
Where did Michael J. Heller go to law school?
How can I contact Michael J. Heller for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Michael J. Heller receiandd?
Practice Areas
Education
Awards
Reviews
No reviews yet.