The Committee on Appellate Courts of the California Lawyers Association has chosen Hal Cohen as its fifth inductee into the Appellate Lawyer Hall of Fame.
Called by his Hall of Fame nominator “the finest appellate lawyer you’ve never heard of,” Cohen was an attorney at the Supreme Court for over 50 years, including stints as the court’s chief supervising attorney and the head of chambers for Chief Justice Ronald George.
To get a sense of Cohen’s talents and his extraordinary influence on the court and California law, it’s worth reading the related articles below and the nomination and recommendation letters from Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, former Chief Justice George, Court of Appeal Justice — and former Supreme Court extern and law clerk — William Dato, and appellate lawyer — and former longtime Supreme Court attorney — Greg Wolff.
When inducted, Cohen will join prior Hall of Fame members Ellis Horvitz, Jon Eisenberg, Dennis Riordan, and Wendy Lascher.
Horvitz & Levy partner Dean Bochner chairs the Committee on Appellate Courts.
Related:
“An extraordinary and influential California Supreme Court staff attorney”
There is no one, no one, better deserving of this honor than Hal. One of the most brilliant people and one of the kindest people it has been my pleasure to know. Norm Vance
Everything everyone says about Hal’s brilliance and kindness and importance to the development of California law is absolutely true. No one better deserves this honor. Congratulations Hal!