Michael Cohan

10/24/24 • 16 min

In this episode of Celebrating Justice, Michael Cohan from Cohan Law Firm takes listeners through his remarkable journey from working at a high-profile firm on the 75th floor of the Empire State Building to launching his own personal injury practice in New York City.
He discusses the challenges he faced when starting out, working from Starbucks with nothing more than a laptop and determination. Michael shares how his competitive spirit and commitment to helping those often overlooked in the system have driven his success. He explains his frustration with inefficiencies in the legal system and his efforts to innovate through technology and client communication.
In his Closing Argument, Michael passionately addresses the stigma surrounding personal injury lawyers, calling for a renewed sense of responsibility, integrity, and client care in the profession. He reminds his peers that clients are not case numbers but people whose lives depend on their dedication.
Key Takeaways:

Building a law firm from scratch requires perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to start small.
"Bad cases" can become life-changing victories when approached with dedication and the right mindset.
Strong client communication can set a firm apart and create a better client experience.
The legal industry must adopt new technology to improve efficiency and client service.
Lawyers should remember that their clients are people, not files, and should treat them with the care they deserve.

Visit Website
Instagram
YouTube
Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

Building a law firm from scratch requires perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to start small.
"Bad cases" can become life-changing victories when approached with dedication and the right mindset.
Strong client communication can set a firm apart and create a better client experience.
The legal industry must adopt new technology to improve efficiency and client service.
Lawyers should remember that their clients are people, not files, and should treat them with the care they deserve.

Visit Website
Instagram
YouTube
Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

Previous Episode

Jason DeSouza

In this episode of Celebrating Justice, we dive into the career and advocacy of Texas-based trial lawyer Jason DeSouza. From his beginnings in Toronto, Canada to settling into San Antonio, Texas, Jason shares his journey from considering tax litigation to becoming a champion for personal injury clients in underserved communities.
He recalls his transition to plaintiff work, driven by his passion for fighting against insurance companies and corporations that mistreat individuals who lack resources. Jason recounts powerful client stories, including how he once lent his personal car to a client in need and emphasizes how his blue-collar upbringing and family experiences motivate him to serve those who are often neglected by the system. In his Closing Argument, Jason highlights the reality of how corporations and insurers devalue human lives and explains his commitment to exposing their negligence in court.
Key Takeaways:

Fighting for the Underserved: Jason’s mission is to represent those overlooked or mistreated by big business and insurance companies.
Career Shift to Personal Injury Law: His passion for advocacy and competition led him away from tax law into personal injury, where he could make a real impact.
Client Dedication: Jason goes above and beyond for clients, including lending his car to one in need.
Maintaining Personal Connections: Despite managing a growing firm, Jason ensures every client receives direct attention and support.
Exposing Corporate Negligence: In his closing argument, Jason stresses his commitment to holding corporations accountable for prioritizing profits over people.

Visit Website
Instagram
YouTube
Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

Next Episode

Matt Nakajima

In this episode of Celebrating Justice , Matt Nakajima of Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima shares how his mother’s dreams and struggles inspired him to become a voice for those in need. Her unfulfilled wish to practice law, after a severe car accident and subsequent hearing loss, drove Matt to pursue justice on behalf of others. But his own path was far from easy, including a fight that took him all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court. Supported by two pro bono lawyers, Matt learned the importance of perseverance, later choosing to help everyday people rather than large corporations.

In his "Closing Argument," Matt reflects on why advocacy matters: “As trial lawyers, we are the last line of defense against corporate greed and injustice.” He encourages fellow lawyers to take on challenging cases, emphasizing the collective power in fighting for justice.

Key Takeaways:

Inspired by His Mother's Strength: Matt’s career is rooted in his mother’s desire to advocate for others after her own struggles.
Perseverance Defined His Path: He overcame a difficult battle for his law license with the support of mentors, shaping his commitment to clients.
Authenticity in Practice: Matt prioritizes genuine connections with clients over marketing, building a reputation through word-of-mouth.
Call to Action: Matt urges fellow attorneys to remember their purpose, encouraging them to fight for clients even in tough cases.

Visit Website
Instagram
YouTube
Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

Celebrating Justice - Michael Cohan

Transcript

Michael Cohan: I've generally been a very argumentative person. Those, you see all those, those were bad cases too. This personal injury field is just littered with trash. I'm sorry to say it, but people that are on social media, throwing their settlement checks around, and like making memes and jokes about people faking injuries, and I think it's horrible.

Narrator: Welcome to Celebrating Justice, presented by The Trial Lawyers Journal