Cozen O'Connor attorney takes job as first general counsel for footwear apparel company

An intellectual property attorney at a large Philadelphia law firm has announced he is leaving his position for a gig with a former client.

The Center City firm of Cozen O’Connor announced via news release Jan. 16 that intellectual property group member Scott B. Schwartz will leave the law firm to join long-time client Dansko LLC as that company’s first-ever general counsel.

Schwartz has worked closely with Dansko, which specializes in footwear, socks and apparel, for the past five years, managing the Pennsylvania-based company’s intellectual property issues while overseeing other legal matters for the company, the news release states.

“As Dansko continues to grow, so has the sophistication of their legal issues, from defense of the Dansko brand to corporate and litigation matters,” Schwartz said in a statement. “After working with the company for so many years and developing a strong appreciation for their outstanding executive team, it seemed like a natural fit.”

Dansko officials seem pleased with their new counsel’s decision to join the team.

“We are delighted to bring Scott on board full time,” Dansko cofounder and chief executive officer Mandy Cabot said in a statement. “Our needs as a company have expanded over the years and the time is right for us now to have in-house counsel.

“Scott has a great balance of legal expertise and business acumen, not to mention that his dedication and commitment to Dansko over the years has been second to none,” her statement continues. “We are very happy to have him on board.”

Cozen O’Connor CEO Tad Decker said his firm is sorry to see Schwartz go, but it wishes the attorney the best of luck in his new endeavor.

“We are proud of the excellent work the firm has done for Dansko and look forward to continuing our relationship with Scott as a client,” Decker said in a statement.

Cozen O’Connor, which was established in 1970 and today ranks among the 100 largest law firms in the nation, employees 575 attorneys who assist clients with everything from risk management and business-making decisions.

The firm specializes in litigation, corporate and regulatory law. It has 21 offices across two continents.