Cozen O’Connor is debuting a new practice group focused on institutional responses to sexual and gender-based harassment and violence, hiring five Philadelphia lawyers, including four attorneys from Pepper Hamilton.

Gina Maisto Smith will chair the group at Cozen O’Connor and Leslie Gomez will be the vice chair. They are making the switch from Pepper Hamilton along with partner Megan Traversari and counsel Lauren Carella. Partner Maureen Holland is joining the group from Hamburg & Golden.