Jonathan Cohen

With a diverse practice that includes both litigation and transactional elements, Jonathan Cohen's focus at K&L Gates LLP is on the resolution of complex, multiparty disputes involving insurance and bankruptcy issues.

Jonathan has represented corporate and other policyholders with respect to a wide range of coverage matters.  He has represented numerous consumer brands companies, including food and beverage companies, in litigation and settlement to recover insurance proceeds for their losses and liabilities.  Jonathan also has worked at the forefront of insurance issues relating to mass-tort bankruptcies, representing corporate debtors and creditors, claimant committees and bankruptcy trusts in numerous proceedings and negotiations.  Additionally, Jonathan has advised corporate and other clients regarding global resolutions to mass tort problems, including settlement class actions, super-excess insurance products, and bankruptcy.

Jonathan has an active pro bono practice.  Jonathan authored amicus briefs in a dozen U.S. Supreme Court cases involving civil rights, criminal constitutional law, and other issues, including cases involving affirmative action in education and contracting, a case involving Native Hawaiians' land rights, and a case involving a voter identification requirement.  He also has drafted amicus briefs in the Maryland Court of Appeals and in U.S. Courts of Appeals in multiple civil rights and criminal cases.  He assisted a client in preparing testimony before Congress supporting the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act.  He authored a brief filed in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals successfully challenging the constitutionality of INS regulations on behalf of a Kosovar Albanian applying for political asylum.  Jonathan served as pro bono counsel in three immigration-related appeals in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  He negotiated a change in the policy of the Washington, D.C. police department regarding the unconstitutional use of a collateral requirement as applied to homeless individuals.  Jonathan also provided insurance-related advice with respect to the federal September 11 Victims' Compensation Fund.

Prior to entering private practice, Jonathan served as a law clerk for Judge Ferdinand Fernandez of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  Additionally, he assisted both Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court and Judge William Fletcher of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in preparing for their respective confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee.