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Steven Michael Cohen

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About Steven

From New York City originally and now residing and practicing law in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Cohen has been successfully trying civil and criminal cases, including numerous civil rights and constitutional law cases, for the past 20 years. In addition to corporate clients and individuals, he regularly represents local, state and federal law enforcement officers from numerous agencies, defending them in civil, criminal and administrative proceedings.

 

Admitted to practice in the States of New York and Pennsylvania, he has been admitted pro hac vice to conduct trials in six other states. Mr. Cohen is frequently brought in as special trial counsel by other law firms in civil rights and complex litigation cases. Steven M. Cohen has appeared on local and national media, including Good Morning America, Dateline NBC, CNN and Geraldo Rivera to discuss cases he has been involved with.  Mr. Cohen is a co-founder of the Law Enforcement Officers Advocate's Council (LEOAC) and lives in Williamsville, New York with his wife Pamela and sons Scott and Marc.

 

In addition to his admission to practice in the States of New York and Pennsylvania, he is admitted in the following federal courts: Western District of New York, Northern District of New York, United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, DC, the United States Tax Court, The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York.

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Practice areas

Criminal defenseCivil rightsLitigation
  1. Litigation: 40%

    33 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Civil rights: 30%

    33 years, 200 cases

  3. Criminal defense: 30%

    33 years, 500 cases

Photos and videos

891473 1339688835

891473 1339694043

891473 1339694057

Contact

HoganWillig - Main Office

2410 North Forest Rd.
Amherst, NY, 14068

HoganWillig - Buffalo Office

155 Summer Street
Buffalo, NY, 14222

HoganWillig - Lancaster Office

43 Central Avenue
Lancaster, NY, 14086

HoganWillig - Lockport Office

770 Davison Road
Lockport, NY, 14094

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
PAActive201111/08/2021
NYDue to Register within 30 Days of Birthday198908/27/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers5
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Upstate New York Super Lawyer- Civil Rights LawSuper Lawyers2018
AV Preeminent Rated - Peer ReviewMartindale-Hubbell2017
AV Preeminent Rated - Judicial ReviewMartindale-Hubbell2017
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2017
Best LawyerBest Lawyers in New York State2017
Legal Elite of Western New YorkBusiness First2016
Top Lawyers in New YorkNew York Times2016
AV Preeminent Judicially RatedMartindale-Hubbell2016
AV Peer Review RatingMartindale-Hubbell2016
Super LawyerSuper Lawers2016
Best Lawyers in New York StateBest Lawyers2016
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2015
Top Attorneys in New YorkNew York Times2015
Best LawyersBest Lawyers in New York State2015
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2015
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2014
Top Attorneys in New YorkNew York Times2014
Best Lawyers in New York StateBest Lawers2013
Top Attorneys in New YorkNew York Times2013
Top Attorneys in New YorkNew York Times2012
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2012
Super Lawyer 2008 - 2011Super Lawyers2011
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2010
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2009
Who's WhoStrathmore's Who's Who in Law1998
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Litigation ChairHoganWillig2009 - Present
Managing PartnerLorenzo & Cohen1989 - 2009
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember2010 - Present
United States Court of Federal Claims Bar AssociationMember2010 - Present
Western New York Trial Lawyers AssociationMember1995 - Present
American Association for JusticeSustaining Member1992 - Present
American Trial Lawyers AssociationSustaining Member1991 - Present
NYS Trial Lawyers AssociationMember1989 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember1989 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Elder LawWinning the Will Contest Before Probate2004
Erie County Bar JournalIRC Section 1244: An Entrepeneur's Hedge Against Losses1993
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
State University of New York at Buffalo School of LawJuris Doctorate1987
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
New York State Bar AssociationExpert Witnesses: Frye, Daubert and Emerging Standards, 20102010
Civil Rights SymposiumUnjust Conviction and Wrongful Incarceration: When the System Fails, 20092009
STEP Conference, Rochester, NYLegal Issues in EMS, 1992-20082008
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
USA v. HolleyNot guilty of any felonies.
USA v. RhodesNot guilty verdict

Reviews

(18)5.0 stars
5 Star
94%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
6%
Review Steven Cohen

He was there for my legal issue's.

5.0 stars

Posted by

Due to the nature of my legal issue's, I consulted Mr. Cohen for his professional opinions on my civil right's suits. He was honest, albeit, an hour truly isn't enough time for any attorney to be able to get the jist of any suit. One quick glance or reading isn't enough time...HOWEVER, since Mr. Cohen's area of expertise is civil rights litigation. His advice was worth the money spent. It's too bad that he's a firm lawyer. I'm sure if he had a private practice, he would have taken the cases on a contingency basis. I would DEFINTELY hire or consult with him. Well worth the money spent!
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This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

My Lawyer

5.0 stars

Posted by

Mr. Cohen has been my family's attorney for over 20 years. Steve is an attorneys attorney. Not only does he know the law, but he is well versed in all areas of law. He consulted with me & was able to coordinate all legal aspects of my business purchase. I am proud to not only consider Steve my attorney, but also a close family friend.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The Best

5.0 stars

Posted by

Having little experience with lawyers, I feel blessed to have hired Steven Cohen for my legal matter. He does what I feel lawyers are suppose to do, protect and guide you with his knowledge, professionalism and confidence. I thank also the HoganWillig team for the kindness and patience given towards me during this stressful time.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Clearly one of the Best Lawyers.

5.0 stars

Posted by

Knowing Steve for almost 20 years, I would absolutely recommend him for your legal work - 100%. His immediately response and legal expertise he demonstrated in court resulted in a positive and successful resolution.

Strongly Recommended For Business And Personal Matters

5.0 stars

Posted by

When you put your legal troubles in Mr. Cohen's hands, he gives you 100%. He has an uncanny ability to always get the best results possible for his clients, which he has always obtained for all of my cases and legal matters.

An effective, caring attorney

5.0 stars

Posted by

Steve has represented both myself and my family in several different matters. He has always been exceptionally prepared and fought to protect our interests with incredible energy and diligence. He is one of the best attorneys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing & employing.

Volunteer Fire Service

5.0 stars

Posted by

The team Steve built is outstanding. With regards to the volunteer fire service they are first class with a sound understanding of the unique nature of volunteer fire service. They are always available, respond quickly with a solid understanding of the applicable laws and how they affect the fire company.

Steve Cohen's Review

5.0 stars

Posted by

Steve was very interested our problem and showed GREAT concern.

Steven M Cohen -Rapids Voluteer Fire Company lawyer

5.0 stars

Posted by

Mr Cohen has been our fire company legal counsel for the past 15 years. He has represented us very diligently in all matters brought to his attention . He has always keep our interests protected to which our general membership has been extremely happy with. Each and every concern we have has been and still is dealt with in an efficient and timely manner. We highly recommend Steve for any legal issues one may encounter!
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A lawyer you can trust. Honest and hard-working.

5.0 stars

Posted by

Steve Cohen is our family attorney and has handled a number of cases for our family over the 20+ years I've known him. He has professionally handled my personal injury suit, writing of my Will, the estate settling of my in-laws, civil matters both personal and business as well as just being a trusted friend and legal adviser. He is straight forward and takes all his cases seriously. He is passionate about his work. I have never known a more trustworthy attorney.
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Attorney endorsements

(26)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
Lawyer Paul Michael Pochepan

Paul Pochepan, Litigation Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Robert W. Michalak

Robert Michalak, Civil rights Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Paul Michael Pochepan

Paul Pochepan, Litigation Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Robert W. Michalak

Robert Michalak, Civil rights Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer J Michael Kelleher

J Kelleher, Litigation Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Leonard Gary London

Leonard London, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 26, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Jeffrey J. Tyrpak

Jeffrey Tyrpak, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 26, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Catherine Aughey

Catherine Aughey, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 25, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Ryan Charles Johnsen

Ryan Johnsen, Litigation Attorney on Jul 28, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Glenn Pincus

Glenn Pincus, Unknown Attorney on Jan 25, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Michael Kuzma

Michael Kuzma, Civil rights Attorney on Jun 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I strongly endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cohen is the kind of attorney I want in my corner. He is a fighter for social justice and does not shy away from the tough cases. If you want an attorney who will zealously represent you, Steve is the one for you!

Lawyer Michael S. Waddington

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Steven. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Lawyer Jason Aaron Urbaniak

Jason Urbaniak, Discrimination Attorney on Jan 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I've had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Cohen on a discrimination matter and his expertise and experience helped me reach an informed decision. I endorse him.

Lawyer Matthew L. Kolken

Matthew Kolken, Litigation Attorney on Jan 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Steve is one of the good guys. He works exceptionally hard for his clients, and always puts their interests above his own.

Lawyer Doreen Elizabeth Letty

Doreen Letty, Litigation Attorney on Sep 26, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

No photo

Cheryl-Lane Bechakas, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 26, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

No photo

Carol Farrar, Civil rights Attorney on Sep 26, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Carly Wilsman Speyer

Carly Speyer, Litigation Attorney on Sep 26, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Bruce A. Ikefugi

Bruce Ikefugi, Litigation Attorney on Sep 26, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Ashlea Lindyn Palladino

Ashlea Palladino, Litigation Attorney on Sep 26, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Amanda Jean Kelly

Amanda Kelly, Civil rights Attorney on Sep 26, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Nelson F. Zakia

Nelson Zakia, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 26, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

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