NEW YORK, August 10, 2026 – Michael Schmidt, co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Labor and Employment Department, chair of the office managing partners, and co-office managing partner of the New York office, has been named one of Crain’s New York Business’ Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law.
Since 2017, Crain’s New York Business’ Notables program has recognized more than 5,000 outstanding leaders across industries in New York City. Honorees are selected through a peer nomination and editorial review process.
Mike is a trial lawyer who represents employers in federal and state courts, in arbitration, and before government agencies on issues including discrimination, wage and hour, leave obligations, breach of contract, whistleblowing, and restrictive covenants. He provides in-person and web-based employment law training to corporate executives, managers and supervisors, HR professionals, and other employees on employment law requirements; harassment, discrimination, and retaliation; social media use; accommodation and leave-related issues; and other customized topics unique to the organization. He is also a legal and business counselor providing day-to-day advice to employers on all employment law issues from hiring to firing. Mike drafts and reviews employment agreements, severance agreements, reduction-in-force plans, employee handbooks, non-compete and non-solicit agreements; and other documents used in conjunction with the employer-employee relationship. He is the founder and host of the Employment Law Now podcast, which covers developments and trends in employment law and is available on iTunes and Spotify. Mike also serves as the chairman of the board of directors of After-School All-Stars of New York, the New York chapter of a national charitable organization that provides after-school and summer programs for inner-city youth.
About Cozen O'Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O'Connor has more than 1,000 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O'Connor services its clients' needs through 35 offices across two continents.