(May 2, 2011, Pittsburgh) - Reed Smith LLP today announced the formation of its newest practice group, focusing on e-discovery and records management issues, to be led by David R. Cohen, who joins the firm today as a partner. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Cohen formerly co-founded and served as co-chair of the e-Discovery and Technology Analysis practice group at K&L Gates. Cohen brings to the firm more than 25 years of complex commercial litigation experience, with a long-term focus on e-discovery, automated litigation support and records management issues.
"With the increased prominence of e-discovery issues in litigation, we determined that the addition of an e-discovery practice group would both complement our existing litigation practice and provide additional value to our clients," said Colleen Davies, Chair of Reed Smith's global Litigation Department. "We are fortunate to already have a number of litigators who are quite experienced in e-discovery, and we're delighted to be able to add someone with Dave's national reputation and prominence to lead this new practice group."
Cohen serves as national discovery counsel in many cases, represents companies in complex litigation matters and also counsels clients on records management and litigation readiness. In addition to representing clients in Pennsylvania, Cohen advises a number of global clients and has been admitted to courts pro hac vice in 15 different jurisdictions.
"Reed Smith's strong national and international commercial litigation practice, the firm's innovative approach, and its commitment to providing client value, make this a great fit for me and my clients, including companies in the financial, technology, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, energy, construction and retail industries," Cohen said. "This is an ideal platform for me to serve those clients, while also enhancing Reed Smith's service offerings to its existing clients."
Cohen is past Chair of the Allegheny County Bar Association's Technology Utilization Committee and Past Chair of the Litigation Technologies Subcommittee of the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association. He serves on the Advisory Board of Georgetown's Advanced E-discovery Institute, is a technology columnist for Inside Counsel magazine, and formerly taught pre-trial tactics at Duquesne Law School. He has authored a number of articles and book chapters, and is a frequent presenter, locally, nationally and internationally, on issues relating to e-discovery, technology and litigation tactics. He also has helped to train judges and mediators on e-discovery issues, including at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Business Court Judges at George Mason University this past December, and training sessions for E-Discovery Special Masters and Judges in the Western District of Pennsylvania earlier this year. Cohen has been approved to serve as an E-Discovery Special Master as part of the new Western District Program.
George Stewart, Managing Partner of Reed Smith's Pittsburgh office, noted that, "We are also pleased to add a lawyer who has been so actively involved in the Pittsburgh community." Cohen formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society of Pittsburgh, has performed pro bono work for KidsVoice, is past president of the Harvard Law School Association of Western Pennsylvania and the Kenyon College Alumni Association, and a past president of Temple Emanuel of South Hills. He currently serves on the Board of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Anti-Defamation League and is a member of the Mount Lebanon Democratic Committee.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,600 lawyers in 22 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute-resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy trade and commodities, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
U.S.: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Princeton, Northern Virginia, Wilmington, Silicon Valley, Century City, Richmond
Europe: London, Paris, Munich, Greece
Middle East: Abu Dhabi, Dubai
Asia: Hong Kong, Beijing