Cozen O'Connor issued the following announcement on Aug. 28.
Cozen O’Connor is proud to announce that six of the firm’s lawyers have been recognized as “Lawyers of the Year” in their respective practices by Best Lawyers in America.
A. Martin Wickliff, Jr. – Employment Law – Management (Houston)
Bruce W. Ficken – Litigation – Construction (Philadelphia)
Geoffrey Ferrer – Transportation Law (New York City)
James Forsyth – Tax Law (Pittsburgh)
Susan N. Eisenberg – Litigation – Labor and Employment (Miami)
Thomas A. Lisk – Administrative/ Regulatory Law (Richmond)
To earn this distinction, these six lawyers received the highest annual ratings from peer attorneys in their respective practices nationwide — for excellence in their legal abilities, professionalism and integrity. They will be featured in various regional and national publications.
In addition, 138 Cozen O’Connor lawyers, including the six “Lawyers of the Year,” have been selected as Best Lawyers and will be included in the 2020 edition of the Best Lawyers in America.
The six “Lawyers of the Year” are:
A. Martin Wickliff, Jr. focuses his practice on labor and employment law and has substantial experience handling cases in such diverse industries as airline, banking, chemical, clothing, construction, energy, entertainment, financial services, grocery, health care, hospitality, insurance, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, railroad, restaurant, retail, sales, transportation, waste disposal, and wholesale. Martin’s trial and appellate experiences also include all types of traditional labor disputes, including union elections and injunction matters before the National Labor Relations Board, labor arbitrations, collective bargaining, and mediations as well as matters before the OFCCP and OSHA. He has also been involved in the implementation and monitoring of compliance and prevention programs, including HR audits, training, and internal investigations.
Bruce W. Ficken chairs the firm’s Construction Law Group and is a recognized authority in representing clients in construction and commercial litigation, as well as managing risk in construction projects. As lead counsel, he has successfully conducted more than 60 major trials in the United States and in international arbitrations. For several years, Bruce has served as co-chairman of the Construction SuperConference, held annually as one of the leading conferences in his field. He is co-editor and co-author of Construction Litigation, (Editions I and II) published by the Practising Law Institute, and Hazardous Waste Disposal and Underground Construction Law, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Geoffrey Ferrer is vice chair of the firm's Transportation & Trade Practice. He focuses on U.S. and non-U.S. flag shipping matters and all aspects of asset-based lending, including ship and aircraft finance and equipment leasing. He routinely advises vessel owners and operators, as well as financial institutions in connection with U.S., Marshall Island, Liberian and Vanuatu maritime and corporate laws. He also provides maritime advice in connection with shipping related mergers and acquisitions, as well as securities offerings. In addition, he represents clients in maritime lien and mortgage enforcement actions, as well as in marine casualty and general commercial disputes.
James Forsyth focuses his practice on business and corporate tax matters and the taxation of pass-through entities. He represents publicly and privately held enterprises in analyzing the federal, state, and local income tax consequences of corporate transactions, including corporate reorganizations, divisions, debt restructurings, joint ventures, and other business transactions. James devotes a significant amount of his practice to resolving taxpayer disputes with the Internal Revenue Service and with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Jim is the author of BNA Tax Management Portfolio 765-4th “Stock Rights and Stock Dividends - Sections 305 and 306.” BNA Tax Management Portfolios are often cited in federal tax cases as containing the most persuasive thinking on cutting-edge topics.
Susan N. Eisenberg has more than 25 years of experience representing employers in all aspects of employment matters and is widely recognized as one of the leading employment law attorneys in Florida. Susan has extensive jury and non-jury trial experience involving sex, race, religion, age, and disability harassment and discrimination issues. She also litigates non-compete and confidentiality issues as well as accessibility issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Susan is the office managing partner of Cozen O'Connor's Miami offices and chairs its Shareholder Nominating Committee. She is a frequent lecturer, author, and bar association leader.
Thomas A. Lisk focuses his practice on regulatory matters before agencies, boards, and commissions of the commonwealth of Virginia, including the State Corporation Commission. Tom is a registered lobbyist in Virginia, providing legislative representation of business interests and trade associations before the Virginia General Assembly since 1980. Tom represents clients in matters relating to beverage alcohol regulation, antitrust, election law, franchise, gaming and lottery, health care, insurance, Internet regulation, professional and occupational regulation, and issues related to privatization of governmental services.