Donald S. Cohen
  • Municipal Law, Energy, Oil & Gas Law, Business Law
  • Washington
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Biography

Early in his career, Don became a part of legal history when he served as counsel at the trial and appellate levels in the famous “snail darter” case (Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill, 437 U.S. 153 [1978]), litigated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The litigation resulted in a successful review by the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to practicing law in Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, Don has also taught law and served in senior administrative positions at the University of Puget Sound, University of Michigan, and University of Tennessee law schools.

Since joining GTH in 1982, Don’s practice has focused on telecommunications, energy, and other utility law, state and municipal law, and business litigation, including complex litigation. He serves as General Counsel to public utilities and consortiums of public utilities engaged in telecommunication and energy, including rural area broadband projects and renewable energy.

Education
Northwestern University School of Law
J.D. | Law
Honors: cum laude; Order of the Coif; Law Review
Northwestern University School of Law Logo
Washington University School of Law
B.A. | Psychology
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa; Omicron Delta Kappa
Washington University School of Law Logo
Professional Experience
Partner
Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP
Current
Associate Professor
University of Puget Sound School of Law
-
Acting Dean/Associate Dean
University of Puget Sound School of Law
-
Acting Dean, 1980; Associate Dean, 1979 and 1981
Assistant Dean and Director of Graduate Studies
University of Michigan Law School
-
Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor
University of Tennessee College of Law
-
Private Business
-
Attorney
Jenner & Block, Chicago
-
Awards
Washington Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers
2015-2019
Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers in America
2015-2018
AV Rated
Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
Citizen of the Year
City of Mercer Island
Professional Associations
Washington State Bar  # 12480
Member
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
American Bar Association
Member
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Federal Bar Association
Member
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
King County Bar Association
Member
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Washington
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
9th Circuit
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. Supreme Court
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Practice Areas
Municipal Law
Energy, Oil & Gas Law
Utilities
Business Law
Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
Additional Practice Areas
  • Telecommunications Law
  • Litigation
Languages
  • English
Websites & Blogs
Website
Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP Website
Contact & Map
Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP
600 University St
#2100
Seattle, WA 98101
Toll-Free: (800) 240-5051
Telephone: (206) 676-7531
Fax: (206) 676-7575