IN MEMORIAM: JIM COHEN

Kleinberg Kaplan Wolff & Cohen is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our founding partner, James “Jim” Cohen.

Together with Fred Kleinberg, Myron Kaplan, and Norris Wolff, Jim founded our firm and helped build it into the institution it is today. His vision, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence shaped the values and culture that continue to guide us. Jim chaired the firm’s Tax and Trusts and Estates practices and was widely regarded as a pioneer in the hedge fund industry, helping to define an emerging field and establishing the firm as a leader in the space. Over the course of his distinguished career, Jim earned the trust and admiration of clients, colleagues and the broader New York legal community alike.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was a generous mentor and a steadfast friend to many within our firm. He believed deeply in developing the next generation of lawyers and led by example, with integrity, warmth and good humor. He was also musically talented, and composed a song about KKWC that became the firm’s “unofficial” theme song.

“Jim was one of a kind,” said Andy Chonoles, the firm’s Managing Partner. “He helped create something truly special when he and his partners founded this firm, and his influence is woven into everything we do. Jim set a standard – for the quality of our work, for how we treat our clients, and for how we treat each other – that endures to this day. We are profoundly grateful for his legacy, and we will miss him dearly.”

Our thoughts are with Jim’s family, including his wife Joanne and their children, grandchildren, and loved ones. We mourn the loss of a remarkable lawyer, leader and friend, and we are honored to carry forward the legacy he helped create.