At LEOAC, we believe it is important for donors and recipients to know the background of our team so you know a little about us.  Links to our biographies are located on the right.

Steve Cohen, Associate Counsel

Originally from New York City and now residing and practicing law in Buffalo, New York, Steven M. Cohen has been successfully trying civil and criminal cases, including numerous civil rights and constitutional law cases, for the past 20 years. Recently he became litigation chair of Hogan - Willig, Suburban Western New York's largest general practice law firm.

The scrapbook in his waiting room features Mr. Cohen’s victories in dozens of high profile cases in state and federal courts throughout the country. He has represented law enforcement officers from numerous agencies, defending them against false accusations in civil, criminal and administrative proceedings.

Admitted to practice in the State of New York, he has been admitted pro hac vice to conduct trials in six other states. Mr. Cohen is frequently brought in as special trial counsel by other law firms in civil rights and complex litigation cases.

Mr. Cohen first associated with Andy Ramirez as a result of the Robert Rhodes criminal case. Mr. Ramirez was sought out by Mr. Cohen as an expert witness in the follow up civil case brought by CBP Officer Rhodes against the US Government for their malicious conduct in prosecuting him for doing his job.

Steven M. Cohen is a Co-Founder of LEOAC and lives in Williamsville, New York with his wife Pamela and sons Scott and Marc.

Recent High Profile Cases

USA v. Robert Rhodes - Successfully defended Customs and Border Protection Officer Robert Rhodes against charges brought by a Chinese National that he violated her civil rights while stationed at the Rainbow Bridge in July of 2004. This case attracted international attention.

Robert Rhodes v. Dept. of Homeland Security - Successfully represented CBP Officer Robert Rhodes against the US Dept. of Homeland Security in an arbitration that resulted in Rhodes getting his job back with full retroactive benefits.

Mark Zito v. Niagara Power Coalition - Successfully represented Mark Zito against the Niagara Power Coalition for his commission in obtaining a $1.2 Billion power deal.

Lynn DeJac v. State of New York - Following Ms. DeJac’s release after spending more than 13 years in prison for a crime she did not commit, I am now representing her against the State of New York for wrongful imprisonment.

City of Buffalo Police Dept. v. Detective Dennis Delano - Represented Detective Delano in his arbitration in which the City of Buffalo is seeking his termination from the Police Department following his utilization of the media to help bring light to the Girard murder case that was being covered up by authorities to protect the reputation of political figures.

Ann Marie Reeb v. Starpoint Central School District - Represented Ann Marie Reeb in the First Amendment case against the school district that prevented her from speaking out at school board meetings in criticism of policies and practices.

People v. Francis Harrington - Represented Francis Harrington in a criminal case that held that the jurisdiction of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority Police was limited off BMHA property. This case was instrumental in the ultimate dissolution of the BMHA Police Force on the grounds that it was not a lawful police department, but a limited peace officer force, and they had been grossly exceeding their lawful authority for years.

Rust v. Turgeon/Dissolution of Roycroft Campus - Represented one of the two owners of the Roycroft Arts and Crafts Campus based in East Aurora, New York in the dissolution and division of assets of this nationally renowned institution. The dissolution included both tangible and intellectual property.

One Niagara LLC/Frank Parlato/David Ho - Represented Hong Kong billionaire David Ho in the real estate scandals involving the One Niagara property in Niagara Falls, New York and the corruption of the Aqua Falls project by Frank Parlato.

Erie County/Aurora Highway Dept. Scandal - Represented Patrick Kennedy, foreman of the Aurora Barn, in the Highway Department scandal that resulted in the conviction and termination of Douglas Naylon and Ronald Sutton.

Jackson/Lewandowski v. Dr. Ivan D’Souza - Represented plaintiffs against OB/GYN Dr. Ivan D’Souza who lost his medical license after being charged with sexual assault of patients.

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