Executive Committee

David P. Cohen

Shareholder

Background

Experienced data privacy and homeland security advisor. Thrives where legislative, regulatory and legal issues converge. Seasoned business and political strategist.

David Cohen combines a legal and government relations practice to navigate sophisticated oversight, regulatory and legal matters at the intersection of business and government. A former tech executive, senior agency official and congressional staffer, David now develops business-minded solutions to clients’ pressing issues in highly regulated and politicized industries, including financial services, data privacy, cyber security, homeland security, and emerging technologies such as cryptocurrency and biometric security.

David leverages his business experience and understanding of Congress and each unique federal agency to gather the political intelligence his clients need most. He provides legislative and legal insight that informs smart corporate strategy and engages government stakeholders when an issue arises impacting a client’s bottom line. He has the legal prowess to advocate before consumer-focused regulators at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the political savviness to engage appointees at the Department of Homeland Security, and the legislative experience to propose sensible solutions to senior members and staff on the House Financial Services Committee.

Before returning to Brownstein, David served as chief administrative officer for CLEAR, a leading biometric technology company. Earlier, David served as chief of staff to three U.S. Customs Service Commissioners, was involved in the initial policy discussions surrounding the formation of DHS, and served as professional staff on the House Financial Services Committee. David also serves on the board of the Mizel Institute, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to promoting social justice and creating a safer and more inclusive world.

Practices:

Industries:

TRENDING ISSUES:

Representative Matters

  • Brokered an industry-supported version of legislation to re-authorize the EB-5 visa program for a real estate development, investment and wealth management client.
  • Worked with members of Congress and the administration to end the threat of a sanctions bill concerning human rights violations in a South Asian country.
  • On behalf of several of the largest multinational insurance providers, successfully managed a multi-year congressional investigation and legislative effort that would have exposed the industry to billions in potential liability.
  • Led a complicated internal investigation leading to a favorable federal and 48-state settlement for a national consumer financial service provider.

Insights & Publications

Insights & Publications

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., The George Washington University Law School
  • B.A., Cornell University

Previous Experience

Chief Administrative Officer, CLEAR

Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

Deputy National Political Director, AIPAC

Chief of Staff to Commissioners Robert Bonner, Ray Kelly, and Acting Commissioner Charles Winwood, U.S. Customs Service

Senior Policy Advisor to Commissioner Ray Kelly, U.S. Customs Service

Professional Staff Member, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

Whitewater Investigative Staff, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services

Admissions

  • Maryland

Memberships

American Bar Association

Maryland Bar Association

American Immigration Lawyers Association

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