PHILADELPHIA, February 18, 2025 – Cozen O’Connor today announced prominent lawyer David A. Ebby, one of the country’s leading real estate attorneys and a longstanding friend to many throughout the firm, has joined its international Real Estate Group. Further, Ebby’s daughter Bailey Ebby will join the Real Estate Group on February 24. David Ebby comes to the firm from Faegre Drinker and joins as a shareholder, while Bailey, who joins the firm from Duane Morris LLP, will be an associate. Both will work out of Cozen O’Connor’s Philadelphia office.
David Ebby advises and represents lenders in all facets of construction and permanent lending, including leasehold financing and large multistate portfolio loans. With a client portfolio that includes some of the country’s largest insurance companies, he regularly closes commercial mortgage loan transactions exceeding $100 million. Ebby also represents clients in real estate litigation, including workouts, foreclosures, landlord/tenant matters, and disputes involving brokerage commissions, partnerships, and agreements of sale.
“I am so pleased to welcome David and Bailey to the Cozen O’Connor family,” said Michael J. Heller, the firm’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “With clients that range from retail landlords to global Fortune 500 enterprises, David brings a real estate and construction track record that’s essentially unmatched. And, like so many others here, I consider him to be a close personal friend. I’m very much looking forward to working with him.”
A member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers and recognized by Chambers USA every year since 2004 and Best Lawyers® every year since 2007, Ebby has closed deals in nearly every state in every asset class, including industrial, office, retail, hospitality, and multifamily. His national mortgage lending practice has earned him the trust and confidence of some of the country’s foremost lenders, including Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Jackson National Life Insurance Company/PPM America, State Farm Life Insurance Company, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, WSFS Bank and Santander Bank.
“I’ve worked across the table from David for years and I too consider him a good friend and esteemed colleague,” said Jonathan W. Knipe, co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate Group. “As a practice group, we are widely recognized for our ability to complete complex real estate transactions utilizing the most current and sophisticated deal structures. Both David and Bailey bring that level of business acumen to the firm, and I’m thrilled to have them join us.”
“Cozen O’Connor’s dedication and commitment to real estate and real estate finance has made it one of the leading practices in North America,” Ebby said. “Having worked alongside many of the attorneys here on a range of matters and transactions, I can attest to that first-hand. Being able to join this organization and work alongside many good friends, as well as my daughter Bailey, is truly a privilege.”
David Ebby earned his J.D. at Villanova University School of Law and his B.A. at Amherst College. Bailey Ebby earned her J.D. at Drexel University, Thomas R. Kline School of Law, and her B.A. at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 925 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 serves its clients’ needs through 33 offices across two continents.
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