Stephen A. Cozen's reputation precedes him. Indeed, attendees at this year's ACE conference may have recognized his name in the on-site brochure or in news releases detailing his involvement in developing the criteria for the $20 billion BP compensation fund. However, the Philadelphia-based founder and chairman of the Cozen O'Connor law firm began garnering acclaim long before the mere mention of the Deepwater Horizon disaster aroused sadness, derision, and inflamed tempers at dinner tables, offices and courtrooms.

Simply put, Cozen has an exemplary track record in property catastrophe litigation, especially with cases involving tremendous loss. Prior to being hired by Pay Czar Kenneth Feinberg to draft disbursement guidelines last year, the attorney handled the multi-billion dollar reinsurance and coverage claims arising from the Sept. 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks, along with litigation tied to the 1980 fire at the MGM Grand and the meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979.

His extraordinary work with these large-scale losses brought about a new distinction on June 15, 2011—namely the "opening act" at ACE. While delivering the distinguished keynote address to kick off the conference, Cozen explored the recent catastrophes that have befallen the U.S. and the resultant issues on the P&C insurance front. He also spoke to catastrophes in a broader global context—including supply chain bottlenecks, CBI, and other coverage considerations—focusing on the Fukushima Daiichi power plant accident.