Introduction
Cohen & Marzban Law Corporation is a U.S.‑based full‑service law firm headquartered in New York City. The firm was established in the early 1980s and has since expanded to multiple offices across the United States. With a staff of over 250 attorneys and more than 150 support professionals, the firm offers legal services in corporate law, litigation, real estate, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Cohen & Marzban is recognized for its client‑focused approach, its commitment to ethical practice, and its emphasis on fostering a collaborative internal culture.
History
Founding and Early Years
The origins of Cohen & Marzban Law Corporation trace back to 1983, when two attorneys, David Cohen and Farhad Marzban, met while working at a boutique corporate law firm in Manhattan. Both partners shared a vision of creating a firm that prioritized comprehensive legal support for emerging businesses. They formally incorporated the firm in 1985 under the name Cohen & Marzban Law Group.
During its formative decade, the firm focused on serving startups in the technology sector, as well as small to medium enterprises seeking guidance on regulatory compliance. The early client roster included a series of early‑stage companies in the burgeoning biotech industry, which helped the firm establish a reputation for innovative legal solutions.
Growth and Expansion
By the early 1990s, Cohen & Marzban had attracted a growing number of clients in the financial services sector. The firm opened its first satellite office in Boston in 1994 to better serve the regional market and to provide specialized counsel in securities law. This expansion marked the beginning of a strategic effort to diversify practice areas beyond corporate law.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the firm adding new practice groups in intellectual property and real estate. In 2001, Cohen & Marzban established its Intellectual Property Practice Group, led by senior attorney Susan Li, to address the increasing demand for patent and trademark services among technology clients.
Recent Developments
In 2010, the firm adopted a structured partnership model, bringing in a new generation of partners while retaining founding members David Cohen and Farhad Marzban in advisory roles. This shift facilitated the expansion of the firm’s domestic footprint, leading to the opening of offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas by 2015.
2020 marked a milestone as Cohen & Marzban achieved a total of 50,000 hours of pro bono work, demonstrating its commitment to community service. In 2023, the firm announced a strategic alliance with a major international law firm to provide cross‑border legal services, enhancing its capacity to serve multinational clients.
Key Personnel
Founders
David Cohen, an alumnus of Columbia Law School, specialized in corporate governance and securities law. After gaining experience at a leading financial institution, Cohen co‑founded the firm with a focus on advising emerging businesses on compliance matters.
Farhad Marzban, a graduate of Harvard Law School, brought expertise in real estate and commercial litigation to the partnership. Marzban’s background in municipal law enabled the firm to develop a strong presence in real estate development and land use cases.
Current Leadership
In the current partnership structure, the managing partners are Maria Gomez and Thomas Lee. Gomez oversees the Corporate and Securities Practice Group, while Lee manages the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group. Both partners hold dual roles in the firm's strategic planning committee and are actively involved in mentoring junior attorneys.
Executive committees comprise representatives from each practice group. The firm's Chief Operating Officer, Rebecca Turner, manages day‑to‑day operations, financial reporting, and resource allocation. The Human Resources Director, Patrick O’Neill, leads initiatives on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Practice Areas
Corporate Law
Cohen & Marzban offers a comprehensive suite of corporate legal services, including entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, securities offerings, and private equity transactions. The firm advises on both domestic and international transactions, with particular expertise in navigating the regulatory frameworks of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice.
Litigation
The Litigation Practice Group represents clients across civil and criminal matters. Key areas include securities litigation, antitrust disputes, class action defense, and intellectual property infringement cases. The group’s attorneys frequently participate in appellate advocacy, providing strategic representation at federal and state courts.
Intellectual Property
Established in 2001, the Intellectual Property Practice Group handles patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The group specializes in technology, biotechnology, and creative industries. It offers services ranging from filing and prosecution to litigation and licensing negotiations.
Real Estate
Real estate counsel focuses on commercial leasing, development transactions, environmental compliance, and zoning issues. The firm assists developers, investors, and owners with acquisition, disposition, and financing of properties, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory affairs cover compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, and other governmental bodies. Attorneys advise on data privacy, consumer protection, and environmental stewardship, helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments.
Employment and Labor
The firm provides counsel on employment contracts, workplace discrimination, wage and hour disputes, and labor relations. The practice group assists employers in developing policies, handling litigation, and managing compliance with labor statutes such as the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Notable Cases
- In 2012, Cohen & Marzban successfully defended a biotechnology firm in a patent infringement lawsuit that threatened the company’s product launch. The firm secured a favorable judgment, preserving the client’s market entry.
- The firm represented a mid‑size retailer in a class action securities lawsuit in 2015. The settlement amounted to $15 million, and the case set a precedent regarding insider trading disclosures.
- In 2018, the firm guided a real estate developer through a complex zoning dispute that involved environmental impact assessments and community opposition. The developer secured the necessary approvals, leading to a $200 million mixed‑use project.
- In 2020, a client’s data privacy policy was subject to regulatory scrutiny. Cohen & Marzban’s counsel helped the company redesign its privacy framework to comply with new federal privacy standards, avoiding potential penalties.
Firm Culture and Values
Cohen & Marzban places a strong emphasis on collaboration, integrity, and continuous learning. The firm promotes a “practice‑first” approach, encouraging attorneys to specialize deeply while maintaining cross‑functional teamwork. This culture fosters a sense of community among staff, and the firm’s internal communication platforms regularly feature updates on legal developments and firm initiatives.
Ethical practice is embedded in the firm’s operations. All attorneys undergo annual ethics training, and a dedicated Compliance Committee monitors adherence to professional standards. The firm’s Code of Conduct outlines expectations for client confidentiality, conflict of interest avoidance, and professional behavior.
Work‑life balance is also a priority. The firm offers flexible scheduling, remote work options, and a robust wellness program that includes mental health resources, gym memberships, and regular stress‑management workshops.
Diversity and Inclusion
Cohen & Marzban maintains an inclusive environment by actively recruiting attorneys and staff from diverse backgrounds. The firm’s diversity initiatives include mentorship programs for women and minorities, sponsorship of community events, and partnerships with law schools that promote underrepresented students.
Annual reports indicate that the firm’s attorney demographics are approximately 40% female, 30% African American, 20% Hispanic, and 10% Asian. These numbers reflect the firm’s commitment to building a workforce that mirrors the communities it serves.
The firm’s Diversity Committee evaluates progress toward inclusion goals and recommends policies to enhance representation at all levels, from junior associates to senior partners.
Awards and Recognition
- 2021 – Recognized by Legal 500 as a top‑tier firm in Corporate Law.
- 2022 – Named by Chambers & Partners as a leading firm in Intellectual Property Litigation.
- 2023 – Received the National Law Journal’s “Excellence in Pro Bono” award for its extensive volunteer work.
- 2024 – Ranked in the 100 Best Law Firms for Work‑Life Balance by the American Lawyer.
Community Involvement and Pro Bono Work
Cohen & Marzban has a structured pro bono program that allocates a minimum of 5% of total attorney hours to volunteer legal services. The firm partners with local nonprofits, providing counsel on matters ranging from contract drafting to intellectual property protection.
Notable pro bono engagements include a collaboration with a community housing initiative that secured legal representation for low‑income families, and a partnership with a digital literacy nonprofit that helped secure trademark protection for its educational platform.
Internship programs are offered for law students, providing them with hands‑on experience in corporate, litigation, and intellectual property practices. These internships also serve as a pipeline for future talent recruitment.
Financial Performance and Rankings
Financial statements indicate that Cohen & Marzban’s revenue grew from $75 million in 2018 to $105 million in 2023, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.8%. Profit margins have consistently remained above 18% over the past five years.
In the 2023 National Law Review Rankings, the firm achieved a rating of “Excellent” across five of its six practice groups, reflecting strong client satisfaction scores and high retention rates.
The firm’s financial transparency includes annual disclosures to partners detailing revenue, expenses, and investment plans. These reports guide strategic decisions regarding office expansion, technology investments, and talent development.
International Presence
Although headquartered in the United States, Cohen & Marzban has extended its reach through a strategic alliance with a prominent European law firm. This partnership allows the firm to offer cross‑border services in areas such as international trade, foreign investment, and comparative regulatory compliance.
Through the alliance, Cohen & Marzban attorneys collaborate with international counterparts to advise clients on joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions involving entities in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. The firm’s international lawyers also provide translation services and localized legal research to support multinational operations.
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