Lexology Index Names Susan Grueneberg and David Heffernan to Its Thought Leaders Global Elite 2025 List

Lexology Index has named Susan A. Grueneberg, a member of Cozen O'Connor's Franchising Practice, and David Heffernan, chair of the firm's Transportation & Trade Group, to its Thought Leaders Global Elite 2025 list. Susan was selected for Franchising, and David was selected for Transport-Aviation Regulatory. Thought Leaders: Global Elite brings together the insight, experience, and wisdom of some of the world's foremost lawyers in a single report, featuring Q&As with dozens of eminent practitioners across multiple practice areas. Individuals included in the report obtained the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel, and other market sources in the most recent research cycle.

Grueneberg leads Cozen O'Connor's Franchising team and is a nationally recognized leader in the franchise law bar. As a certified franchise specialist with more than 30 years of experience, Susan is a trusted dealmaker, advocate, and regulatory guide. Through her multidisciplinary practice, Susan represents franchisors, developers, sub-franchisors, and multi-unit franchisees, ranging from cutting-edge startups to Fortune 500 companies. Susan advises on corporate transactions, including franchise M&A, structures and registers new franchise programs, conducts franchise compliance audits, and assists with federal and state regulatory compliance. She also represents clients in franchisor-franchisee relations, defends government enforcement actions and investigations, and serves as an expert witness for franchisors in trials and arbitrations. Additionally, Susan is ranked Band 1 in Business-Franchising (Nationwide) by Chambers USA.

Heffernan serves as chair of Cozen O'Connor's Transportation & Trade Group and co-chair of the firm's preeminent Aviation Industry Team. He is consistently ranked in Chambers and Partners USA, listed in The International Who's Who of Aviation Lawyers, included in the Legal Media Group's Guide to the World's Leading Aviation Lawyers, and admitted to The Legal 500's U.S. Aviation and Air Travel "Hall of Fame." David represents major U.S. and foreign airlines (passenger and cargo); aviation trade associations; aircraft, engine, and equipment manufacturers; aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) businesses; air travel distribution companies; and air/ground express delivery and logistics companies. He also advises non-aviation businesses, including banks, private equity funds, other aviation industry investors, and corporate owners/users of aircraft.

About Lexology Index

Lexology Index, formerly Who's Who Legal, provides comprehensive data-led research into the leading lawyers and experts used by law firms and companies globally.

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.