Donald S. Cohen
  • Municipal Law, Energy, Oil & Gas Law, Business Law
  • Washington
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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.

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
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Washington
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9th Circuit
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U.S. Court of Federal Claims
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
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U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
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U.S. Supreme Court
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Languages
  • English
Professional Experience
Partner
Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP
Current
Associate Professor
University of Puget Sound School of Law
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Acting Dean/Associate Dean
University of Puget Sound School of Law
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Acting Dean, 1980; Associate Dean, 1979 and 1981
Assistant Dean and Director of Graduate Studies
University of Michigan Law School
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Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor
University of Tennessee College of Law
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Private Business
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Attorney
Jenner & Block, Chicago
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Education
Northwestern University School of Law
J.D. | Law
Honors: cum laude; Order of the Coif; Law Review
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Washington University School of Law
B.A. | Psychology
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa; Omicron Delta Kappa
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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
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American Bar Association
Member
Current
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Federal Bar Association
Member
Current
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King County Bar Association
Member
Current
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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