Biography
Vincent H. Cohen, Jr. is Global Managing Partner of Dechert and member of the leadership team responsible for setting strategic priorities and driving the firm’s focus on client service, innovation and diversity and inclusion. He is also a member of the Policy Committee, which consists of 14 elected partners who oversee management of the firm worldwide. Mr. Cohen’s efforts in these areas continue to position Dechert as a leading global law firm advising asset managers, financial institutions and corporations on issues critical to managing their business and their capital – from high-stakes litigation to complex transactions and regulatory matters.
In addition to Mr. Cohen’s elevation to Global Managing Partner, he continues to serve as Regional Chair of the U.S. white collar practice and focuses his practice on high-stakes litigation on behalf of individuals and corporations. As an experienced trial lawyer and investigator, he represents clients in sensitive government and internal investigations, government enforcement matters, and complex civil and criminal litigation on a domestic and international scale.
Mr. Cohen’s experience includes defending companies and individuals in investigations and prosecutions relating to anti-bribery and anti-corruption matters, insider trading and market manipulation, fraud and anti-money laundering. He works together with clients to respond to domestic and cross-border investigations and proceedings in a coordinated fashion. As the former acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, he provides in-depth knowledge of global regulatory authorities and frequently represents clients before the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as state attorneys general, state and local prosecutors, and other government and regulatory bodies. This level of expertise enables Mr. Cohen to navigate highly complex and sensitive matters. In addition, Mr. Cohen supports clients in managing investigations relating to cybersecurity breaches, working closely with government authorities to minimize exposure.
Clients recognize him as “the consummate professional” and note that he is “very bright and pragmatic with his advice” (Chambers USA 2022). Mr. Cohen was selected for inclusion in Martindale-Hubbell’s 2022 AV Preeminent Attorney - Judicial Edition and was named one of Washington, DC’s Best Lawyers: Criminal Defense-White Collar 2021 by Washingtonian. In 2018, 2022 and 2024, he was listed as one of Savoy Magazine’s “Most Influential Black Lawyers.” Mr. Cohen was honored with the 2018 Diversity Leader Award by Profiles in Diversity Journal for his commitment to diversity. The award series honors companies and individuals who create, develop and promote programs that support diversity and inclusion.