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22 Years, Countless Cases: The Edward Cohn Method of Criminal Defense

3 min readMay 19, 2025

Edward F. Cohn sits at his desk in Tucson, reviewing case notes for an upcoming hearing. The office walls display his legal credentials alongside remnants of his former life — a photo of him performing with his sister in their rock band from years ago. This juxtaposition captures the essence of what makes Cohn’s approach to criminal defense distinctive after 22 years of practice.

The legal profession needs more attorneys like Edward Cohn who bring diverse life experiences to their practice. His background in music and performance has translated into an authentic courtroom presence that resonates with juries and judges alike

Cohn’s path to legal practice defied convention. Before entering Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, he spent a decade as a singer-songwriter and guitarist in a rock band with his sister. This musical background, combined with a challenging childhood primarily raised by a struggling single father, forged Cohn’s resilient character.

“He was always robbing Peter to pay Paul,” Cohn recalls of his father’s financial struggles. “It made me a survivor and street smart.”

At law school, Cohn’s determination manifested in academic excellence:

  • Made the Dean’s list every semester
  • Received Certificates of Merit in four classes
  • Graduated cum laude
  • Served as Senior Associate Editor for Law Review

These achievements laid the foundation for a legal career spanning three states — Arizona, Massachusetts, and Michigan — where Cohn has built a reputation for taking cases other attorneys avoid.

His practice focuses on criminal defense with specialization in protective orders and constitutional law matters. This specialized approach has earned Cohn multiple industry recognitions:

  • AV Preeminent rating since 2022
  • USA Today recognition as a top attorney
  • Client Choice Award from AVVO in 2020 and 2024
  • Platinum Client Champion from Lawyers.com in 2024 and 2025
  • Member of National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for six consecutive years

What truly sets Cohn apart isn’t the accolades but his methodology. The “Cohn Method” of criminal defense centers on four principles:

1. Comprehensive case preparation. Each case receives thorough investigation regardless of perceived complexity. “Most cases resolve through negotiation, but preparing as if every case will go to trial leads to better outcomes,” Cohn explains.

2. Strategic negotiation. Cohn leverages his preparation to negotiate from a position of strength, often securing favorable outcomes without trial.

3. Genuine client connection. “My background helps me relate to everyday people,” says Cohn. “I don’t judge clients. I understand them.”

4. Constitutional vigilance. Cohn scrutinizes every case for potential constitutional violations, reflecting his commitment to protecting fundamental rights.

What distinguishes Edward Cohn is his rare combination of legal precision and human connection. Many attorneys master either the technical aspects of law or client relations. Cohn excels at both, making him particularly effective in criminal defense where clients face their most vulnerable moments.

Everyone deserves quality representation, especially when facing the overwhelming power of the state.”

Beyond legal work, Cohn demonstrates civic responsibility through nine years as a licensed foster care provider alongside his wife. His commitment to environmental sustainability manifests in his personal veganism.

Looking forward, Cohn plans to expand his firm’s digital footprint while maintaining its core focus on personalized criminal defense.

“Criminal defense isn’t just about legal knowledge,” Cohn emphasizes. “It requires understanding human motivation, recognizing patterns, and connecting with clients in meaningful ways.”

For defendants navigating Arizona’s criminal justice system, the Edward Cohn Method offers more than legal representation — it provides advocacy rooted in life experience, technical expertise, and genuine empathy. Twenty-two years after leaving music for law, Cohn continues to find new ways to amplify the voices of those who might otherwise go unheard in courtrooms across three states.

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Peter Noah
Peter Noah

Written by Peter Noah

Passionate about impactful storytelling, I navigate the digital realm to shed light on important issues and engage readers.

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