Alexander I. Cohen

Member

Recent Publication:

Parsing SEC's Emerging Trend Of Section 204A Enforcement [Law360]

Alexander Cohen and Emily Fulginiti contributed an Expert Analysis to Law360, discussing the SEC’s focus through heightened enforcement efforts and enhanced examination surveillance on the industry’s compliance with Section 204A of the Adviser’s Act.

Alex concentrates his practice on representing individual and corporate clients amidst government and internal investigations, as well as advising clients on compliance issues relating to the federal securities laws and SRO rules.  In addition to regularly representing clients before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Alex brings substantial experience handling complex securities and commercial litigation matters. He has provided legal representation for large private corporations, publicly traded companies, financial institutions, and affiliated individuals in complex civil litigation proceedings across state courts, federal district courts, and various arbitral forums involving claims such as breach of contract and fiduciary duties, misappropriation, and fraud. 

Before joining Cozen O'Connor, Alex spent almost a decade at a global law firm where he was an integral part of their securities enforcement and regulatory practice. There, he was responsible for leading and managing high stakes investigations for some of the largest financial institutions in the world.  Alex was on secondment for approximately one year during this period to the legal department of a major financial institution, where he developed a unique understanding about the needs of his clients and the critical role of outside counsel in his matters.

Alex earned his B.A., summa cum laude, from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and as a student, participated in an undergraduate program at RU’s historic Eagleton Institute of Politics where he learned about cutting edge issues in politics and government from scholars and leading figures in federal and state public office as well as political campaigns. After college, Alex went on to the University of Virginia School of Law to earn his J.D., where he served on the editorial board of the Journal of Law & Politics and worked on cases for inmates seeking post-conviction relief through The Innocence Project. During law school, he obtained valuable experience by clerking for the appellate group of the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, participating in volunteer teaching opportunities at local high schools in Albemarle county through UVA’s Street Law program and joining the law school’s first-ever soccer program called Barristers’ United.

Alex has remained passionate about community investment and development while practicing law in New York City. He has served on the board of directors of The City Tutors, Inc., since its founding in 2020 as well as assisted the organization with key corporate and tax issues during its start-up period. The City Tutors is a nonprofit organization based in Queens, New York that provides academic and professional development support services to underserved neighborhoods across New York City and boasts a volunteer corps. of more than 800 professionals, educators and city residents who participate in remote and in-person programs sponsored by the organization.

Experience

News

Cozen O’Connor Lands Securities Enforcement Regulatory Attorney Alexander I. Cohen, Further Expanding its Securities Litigation & SEC Enforcement Practice in New York City

June 03, 2024

Cohen, who comes to the firm from Sidley Austin LLP, joins the firm as a member and will work out of its rapidly growing New York City office.

Publications

Parsing SEC's Emerging Trend Of Section 204A Enforcement [Law360]

November 13, 2024

Alexander Cohen and Emily Fulginiti contributed an Expert Analysis to Law360, discussing the SEC’s focus through heightened enforcement efforts and enhanced examination surveillance on the industry’s compliance with Section 204A of the Adviser’s Act.

Breaking Down the SEC Examinations Process: Key Considerations for Registrants, Part 1 [Alert]

November 06, 2024

In this two-part legal update, Alex Cohen and Zach Weiss discuss key information SEC registrants should know heading into the upcoming review cycle.

Navigating the Future: Key Takeaways & Insights from the 2024 Securities Enforcement Forum Central [Alert]

October 24, 2024

Alex Cohen and Emily Fulginiti share key takeaways from the Securities Enforcement Forum Central, highlighting recent trends in SEC enforcement actions and areas of focus for registrants.

SEC Asserts Enforcement Authority for Inadequate 204A Policies and Procedures Despite No MNPI Misuse [Alert]

October 17, 2024

Alex Cohen and Emily Fulginiti discuss the SEC's crack down on Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) who fail to properly handle Material Non-Public Information (MNPI). Even if the RIA doesn't misuse the information, inadequate policies can lead to hefty fines.

A Helpful Reminder for Broker-Dealers Subject to Examination by the SEC [Alert]

July 02, 2024

Joe Dever and Alex Cohen discuss the SEC’s Division of Examinations' recently released risk alert, which highlights the examination process for broker-dealers, outlines risk-based factors for selecting firms and determining review scope, and provides a Sample Initial Information Request List targeting regulatory requirements and key risk areas.

Supreme Court Declares Unconstitutional SEC’s Admin Courts Hearing of Fraud Cases When Seeking Civil Penalties [Alert]

July 02, 2024

Joe Dever and Alex Cohen discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in SEC v. Jarkesy, which declared the SEC’s use of in-house administrative courts for seeking civil penalties against securities fraud defendants unconstitutional, limiting the SEC’s enforcement powers and raising questions about other agencies' authority.

Education

  • University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 2015
  • Rutgers University, B.A., summa cum laude, 2011
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court -- Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court -- Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court -- New Jersey

The City Tutors, Inc., Board of Directors (2020-present)