Cohen Williams was founded in 2014 by three litigators who sought to build an elite team of trial lawyers that could tackle complex, high-stakes litigation in California. Since then, the firm has evolved into a thriving litigation boutique that secures critical victories for clients in state and federal courts nationwide. While we have maintained our reputation as go-to trial lawyers, particularly in the white collar criminal defense and complex commercial litigation arenas, we have also grown powerhouse appellate and employment practices to meet our clients' needs.
About
We provide value by assembling lean teams that prioritize efficiency and collaboration. As former federal public defenders and prosecutors, our lawyers have accrued the first-chair jury trial experience, insights, and credibility to prevail against even the toughest of odds. Although we prepare each case for the eventuality of trial, our primary goal is to achieve the best possible outcome with the least disruption to our clients' bottom line.
Our approach has earned top marks from clients and peers alike. Individuals and companies trust us to deliver results when they need them the most, whether in the courtroom, at the negotiating table, or before government regulators and agencies. The caliber of our talent has been widely recognized by the bench, the bar, and the press.
Community
Community engagement is a cornerstone of CW's practice. Firm lawyers invest substantial time and effort into serving their local communities—both personal and professional—through pro bono work and industry leadership.
We regularly partner with the ACLU and the Inner City Law Center to advocate for the rights of indigent, undocumented, and unhoused individuals in Southern California. A number of our lawyers also serve as members of federal indigent defense panels, accepting appointments under the Criminal Justice Act to represent those who cannot afford counsel. Following the George Floyd protests in 2020, we renewed our commitment to building a more just, equitable legal system by representing protestors arrested by the LAPD and pledging to help expand access to litigation against police misconduct.
Diversity
CW is dedicated to supporting and empowering professionals of every race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, and background. Since our inception, we have been intentional about creating a respectful, inclusive firm culture that instills a genuine sense of belonging for all.
Seventy-five percent of CW's lawyers and staff are women, people of color, and/or identify as LGBTQ, far exceeding state and national averages. We embrace our differences not because they set us apart, but because they bring us closer together. The diversity in our life experiences and perspectives—which reflects the breadth of clients we serve—allows us to generate creative, "outside the box" solutions to complicated legal challenges.