| ► Attorney Gary Cohen of Stamford, CT; greedy loser |
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Attorney Gary Cohen of Stamford, CT; greedy loser 
The state of Connecticut provided Gary Cohen with a law license in 1968.
The Statewide Grievance Committee found Gary guilty of the following misconduct
Gary was hired to represent a client in his divorce action filed in Connecticut. Shortly after the divorce action was filed, the wife filed her own divorce action in Nevada. The client and the wife had no children, but had considerable assets.
The fee agreement called for a fee of $450 per hour along with a $20,000 retainer, which was described as a “minimum” fee which would be retained by Gary if the representation concluded prior to the client incurring $20,000 in fees.
The dual divorce actions involved a “race” to victory in that it would be economically advantageous for Gary’s client to obtain a divorce judgment in Connecticut rather than Nevada. Due to the size of the estate, it was estimated the Dave’s client would be entitled to about $15 million if the Nevada case went to judgment first, but could expect considerably more in Connecticut.
Subsequently, both sides nt’s wife being given sole ownership of Zimmerman Properties, Inc. that was valued at about $26 million. Gary then presented the proposed settlement to his client who was reluctant to accept it.
Gary then told his client for the first time that there were issues regarding service of the divorce action in Connecticut, which if discovered by the wife’s attorney, would jeopardize the ability of the Connecticut court to assert jurisdiction over the marital assets. Thereafter, the client reluctantly accepted the settlement. Gary then told his client that the settlement would also include a $300,000 “bonus” for him. The client objected to any such payment to Gary. Gary then told the client it was an appropriate amount. Gary went on to tell the client that if he didn’t agree to the $300,000 payment, he would “get on a plane” and the mediation would be over.
The client then contacted Chicago attorney, Andrew Eichner to assist him in the matter. Eichner then contacted Gary who told him that if the case went to judgment in Nevada, it would be a bad result for his client. Eichner pointed out to Gary that the client had already paid him $150,000 in fees and agreed to continue to pay him his hourly fee. Gary responded by saying he would leave if the bonus wasn’t paid.
Gary then called the client and told him he was upset that he was trying to replace him with attorney Eichner. Gary reminded the client that he would receive $12 to $15 million less if the divorce went to judgment in Nevada. The client then agreed to accept the settlement offer along with payment of the $300,000 bonus to Gary.
Upon returning home, the client sued Gary for return of the $300,000 bonus. That lawsuit was ultimately settled while pending an appeal filed by Gary.
As a consequence of his misconduct, the apologists for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Statewide Grievance Committee punished Joseph by gifting him with a complimentary reprimand.
As we speak (ca. December 2012) Gary practices with the Law Offices of Gary I. Cohen PC at 1100 Summer Street in Stamford, Connecticut.
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