Apr 2020–Present
Current role
Arbitrator, Mediator, Expert Witness
Jeffrey B. Cohen ADR, LLC
Bethesda, Maryland
About
Jeff Cohen is an arbitrator, mediator, and occasional expert witness. He is a neutral arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and a Public Arbitrator for FINRA. He is a former Chief Counsel of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the federal agency that insures, traditional, private pension plans. In that capacity, he directed the work of 50 attorneys and served as lead counsel for the agency in major bankruptcy proceedings and ERISA litigation. Before his appointment as Chief Counsel, he was Deputy General Counsel of PBGC for many years. He returned to private practice in 2007, from which he retired on June 30, 2025.
In 2006, he was named a “Dealmaker of the Year” by the American Lawyer for his work on behalf of PBGC in the United Airlines and other major bankruptcy cases. He has been listed each year from 2010 to 2025 as a DC Superlawyer (Top 100 lawyers in DC, 2017) and in Best Lawyers in America. He is a fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel.
Roles
Apr 2020–Jun 2025
Former role
Of Counsel
Tawshunsky Law Firm, PLLC
Washington, District of Columbia
Attorney
Focus on ERISA and employee benefits law.
May 2010–Mar 2020
Former role
Partner
Bailey & Ehrenberg
Washington, District of Columbia
Attorney
Focus on ERISA litigation and employee benefits in bankruptcy issues for diverse clients. Served as arbitrator and expert witness.
Jan 2007–May 2010
Former role
Partner
Ivins, Phillips & Barker
Washington, District of Columbia
Attorney
Focus on ERISA litigation and counseling for corporate clients.
Jan 2005–Jan 2007
Former role
Chief Counsel
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), Office of Chief Counsel
District of Columbia
Attorney
As Chief Counsel, directed the work of 50 attorneys representing the agency in ERISA litigation and bankruptcy proceedings. Implemented a new office as part of a reorganization of the legal functions within the agency. Advised the Executive Director and various departments on legal issues arising under ERISA.
Jul 1989–Dec 2004
Former role
Deputy General Counsel
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), Office of General Counsel
District of Columbia
Supervised and conducted litigation at all levels of the federal court system (bankruptcy courts, district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States) on behalf of agency with independent litigation authority. Supervised approximately 25 attorneys. Provided advice to agency officials and coordinated with other agencies.
Jan 1985–Jun 1989
Former role
Principal (1988 to 1989), Associate (1985-1988)
Seifman, Semo & Slevin
Washington, District of Columbia
Focus on ERISA litigation and counseling.
Aug 1980–Jan 1985
Former role
Assistant General Counsel
UMWA Health & Retirement Funds
Washington, District of Columbia
Attorney
Focus on ERISA litigation and counseling for group of multiemployer pension and health plans in the coal industry.