Robert Cohen Email & Phone Number

New York, Ny, Us

New York, Ny, Us

Taylor & Cohen LLP is a butique law firm that specializes in complex litigation. Together, we have 30 years of experience litigating sophisticated and high-stakes cases in federal and state court. Our lawyers came from the among the top law firms in the country, where they honed their skills working on multi-million and multi-billion dollar litigations.We represent large businesses and individuals, plaintiffs and defendants, in a wide array of matters, from contract and commercial disputes to civil rights and government ethics cases. Our work covers all forms of dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, trials and appeals. Our client base is as diverse as our litigation practice and includes a Michelin Star chef, a playwright and screenwriter, employees, private equity firms, small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs.Our pro bono expertise includes civil rights litigation on behalf of persons impacted by mental health issues, immigration matters, and employment and civil rights litigation on behalf of transgender persons

Appointed to serve as a Commissioner on the New York State Joint Commission for Public Ethics ("JCOPE"). From 2011 to 2022, JCOPE was New York State’s chief ethics agency. JCOPE was led by 14 Commissioners who were appointed by the Governor and Legislative Leaders of the New York State Senate and Assembly. JCOPE's day-to-day operations were handled by a staff of more than 50 people, including attorneys, investigators,auditors, filing specialists, and administrative staff.JCOPE had jurisdiction over more than 250,000 officers and employees at New York State agencies and departments, the four statewide elected officials (Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller), members and employees of the Legislature, and registered lobbyists and their clients.JCOPE performed a variety of functions. It promulgated regulations under the State’s ethics and lobbying laws and oversaw mandatory disclosure regimens for certain individuals and entities under its jurisdiction. JCOPE also had audit and enforcement functions, including the ability to undertake investigations, issue subpoenas and impose penalties and fines for violation of the State ethics and lobbying laws. Finally, JCOPE provided information, education, and advice regarding ethics and lobbying laws.

Hired at the inception of JCOPE as part of the senior leadership team reporting to the Director. Managed a team of 3-5 attorneys together with additional dotted-line reports. Developed and implemented, in conjunction with the Director and other senior leadership, priorities, goals, and processes for the new Commission.Frequently delivered presentations to, and provided legal advice for, the Commissioners on a variety of regulatory, legal, and investigative matters. Drafted, for consideration by and approval of the Commissioners, statewide regulations (including new regulations for one of the country’s most comprehensive lobbying disclosure laws) and formal advisory opinions interpreting and applying New York State ethics and lobbying laws and regulations. Led, with the Director of Investigations, major investigative matters, including a months-long investigation into Vito Lopez, a former Assemblyman from Brooklyn who served in the Assembly for nearly 30 years. The investigation and subsequent report led to his resignation from office.Developed statewide educational materials used by thousands of persons as part of mandatory ethics and lobbying compliance training. Developed and presented CLE-accredited workshops on various new regulations issued by JCOPE.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Wide-ranging, substantive experience in state and federal courts encompassing all phases of complex commercial litigation, including depositions, evidentiary hearings, dispositive motion practice, arbitrations, and appeals. Caseload included a broad spectrum of issue areas, including: securities and insider trading litigation; merger, acquisition, joint venture, and partnership disputes, fraud; breach of contract; trade secret misappropriation; bankruptcy adversary proceedings; and civil rights cases. Significant experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in multibillion and multimillion dollar commercial litigations.Worked with in-house legal teams and C-level executives developing litigation strategies to align with business needs.Extensive pro bono representations in immigration and civil rights cases. Additional pro bono commitments included: Founder and Coach of the Peace & Diversity Academy Mock Trial Mentoring Program (2006-2011); Firm Coordinator for the New York City Corporation Counsel Pro Bono Deposition Program (2009-2012). Kirkland & Ellis International Pro Bono Partner of the Year (2008)Kirkland & Ellis Pro Bono Service Award for 200+ hours of annual pro bono legal work (2005-2011)New York City Corporation Counsel Pro Bono Deposition Program, Firm Coordinator (2009-2012)Peace & Diversity Academy High School Mock Trial Mentoring Program, Founder and Coach (2006-2010)

Supervised junior Legislative Assistants and interns. Continued to maintain responsibilities as Congressman Pastor's primary aide for legislative and constituent-related matters concerning natural resources and environment (with a concentration on western water rights and related issues), Native American affairs, energy, transportation, and small business development.

In addition to Legislative Assistant responsibilities, served as Congressman Pastor's primary assistant in his role as a member of the Committee on Appropriations and the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. Attended Appropriations Subcommittee hearings and Conference Committee hearing.; Drafted bill and committee report language. Prepared budget analyses and questions for Congressman Pastor to be used at Congressional hearings. Met with federal agency executives, business leaders, and constituents on appropriations-related matters.

Served as Congressman Pastor's primary aide for legislative and constituent-related matters concerning natural resources and environment, Native American affairs, energy, transportation, and small business development.

J.D. (With Honors)

B.A., Mathematics (Cum Laude); Minor In Diplomatic History