Over the decades, Cohen has represented defendants from across northern and western Wisconsin, from circuit and appellate courtrooms all the way to the state’s Supreme Court. He has built a practice in the Chippewa Valley, which now includes three other attorneys: Karleigh Miller, Christopher Wilhelm, and Alicia Linzmeier. He has also built a reputation as a dogged defender of clients facing a gamut of criminal charges, from driving while intoxicated to violent crime and sexual assault.

“I don’t represent the people that I represent because I agree with what they do or are accused of doing,” Cohen said. “My job is to make sure that regardless of the situation, before they receive consequences from the government that affect their liberties, their rights to due process are guaranteed to them by the Constitution are upheld. It’s really that simple.”

“I’ve represented people in every profession that you could probably think of: doctors, lawyers, judges, police officers, accountants, veterinarians, chiropractors,” he said. “You name it, I’ve represented them.

That does not mean in any way, shape or form that they are bad people or that they are have some character flaw.”

Of course, knowing the law and providing a successful defense isn’t a simple matter. It requires years of experience, which Cohen has accumulated in countless cases. It also requires a willingness to put in the time necessary — whether early in the morning, on weekends, or even while on vacation — to prepare for the courtroom.

“My clients know that we are attentive to their cases,” he said. “Judges know that I’m prepared. Prosecutors know that I’m prepared when I walk into court and I make my arguments. It is not B.S. People know that I know what I’m talking about. They may not agree with my argument. They may make a different decision, but they don’t say, ‘Well, that’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard of.’ ”

Cohen’s dedication in the courtroom has earned him the respect of his colleagues in the legal community. Among other things, he currently serves as president of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, is a founding member of the Driving Under the Influence Defense Lawyers Association, has served on the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s Professional Review Committee, and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for the past five years. Cohen has also been an active member of the Chippewa Valley community, serving on the board of a youth soccer association, presiding over his Rotary Club, volunteering as a scoutmaster, and much more.

Cohen’s dedication to the community reflects his dedication to his clients — whoever they may be. “I’ve represented people in every profession that you could probably think of: doctors, lawyers, judges, police officers, accountants, veterinarians, chiropractors,” he said. “You name it, I’ve represented them. That does not mean in any way, shape or form that they are bad people or that they are have some character flaw. It simply means that everyone potentially has a situation that they may be faced with where they need the assistance of someone like me.”

Whatever the client, and whatever they are accused of doing, Cohen and his team will work to resolve the situation, whether that’s through settling before a trial or by going before a jury.

“I never take a case thinking, ‘Well, let’s just cut a deal,’ ” Cohen said. “You start thinking like that you’re already working for the government — your client’s already halfway into the jail cell. My job is to make sure they never go there.”

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