David P. Franklin

Of Counsel

Pittsburgh

(412) 620-6543

(412) 275-2390

Dave has a diverse corporate practice, counseling privately held and publicly owned companies in a variety of industries. He handles an array of matters on behalf of his clients, including acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, real estate sales and leasing, and complex commercial contracts.

Dave also practices in the sports and entertainment fields and has been actively involved in the development and structuring of cutting edge licensing and sponsorship agreements, celebrity endorsement contracts, and stadium and arena naming rights projects. He has handled several high-profile transactions in the sports and entertainment fields, including the drafting and negotiation of the multi-year naming rights and sponsorship agreement for the NFL stadium in Pittsburgh and the NHL arenas in Buffalo, N.Y.; Newark, N.J.; and Pittsburgh. Dave also represents country clubs and other golf properties in the negotiation of complex host agreements with the United States Golf Association.

Dave earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Richmond and his law degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is an assistant lacrosse coach at Mt. Lebanon High School.

Experience

News

Cozen O’Connor Advises Philadelphia Union in a Multi-Year Partnership Agreement With Penn Medicine

March 01, 2024

Cozen O’Connor advised the Philadelphia Union, a professional soccer club that competes in Major League Soccer, in a multi-year partnership with Penn Medicine, a leading academic medical center.

Steelers, Kraft Heinz in Discussions About Extending Stadium Naming Rights

March 15, 2022

David Franklin discusses the 20-year naming rights agreement between the Steelers and Kraft Heinz in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Cozen O’Connor Expands Pittsburgh Office with the Addition of David P. Franklin and Paul D. Steinman

January 14, 2020

New hires mark another milestone for fast-growing Pittsburgh office

Events & Seminars

Past Events

Industry Sectors

Education

  • University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D., 1992
  • University of Richmond, B.A., 1989

Awards & Honors

AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell

  • Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court -- Western District of Pennsylvania

Miracle League of the South Hills, Board of Directors

Mt. Lebanon Lacrosse Association, Board President

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Former Board Member

The First Tee of Pittsburgh, Former Board Member

CASA of Allegheny County, Former Board Member