Atty. Michael J. Heller
Michael J. Heller is the chief executive officer of Cozen O'Connor.
Corporate Law & More Attorney · Serving Philadelphia, PA
Profile Summary
About Michael J. Heller at a Glance
Michael J. Heller is a business attorney based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, practicing 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). Serves clients in Philadelphia, PA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael J. Heller
- 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
Practice Areas Explained
Michael J. Heller's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael J. Heller handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Philadelphia.
Business & Corporate Law in Philadelphia
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael J. Heller is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Pennsylvania →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Philadelphia
Practicing law in Pennsylvania. Legal matters in Pennsylvania are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Philadelphia are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Pennsylvania state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Pennsylvania brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive 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.
Philadelphia Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Philadelphia-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Pennsylvania attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Philadelphia or all attorneys in Pennsylvania.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Philadelphia Choose Michael J. Heller
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael J. Heller's practice in the field of business.
Focused Business Practice
Concentrating on business means Michael J. Heller's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Philadelphia
A Philadelphia-based practice means Michael J. Heller attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael J. Heller Handles in Philadelphia
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael J. Heller has experience with under Pennsylvania law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael J. Heller directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Michael J. Heller Online
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Michael J. Heller's Practice Areas & Specializations
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