Get To Know Martin D. Cohen
Current Role:
Firm Chairman and Founder
How long have you worked at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo?
I started the firm in 1967.
What is it like to work at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo?
It has been a very rewarding and diverse experience. After all these years, I’m still learning new things and continuing to try new things.
Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
I don’t remember why, but my high school yearbook indicated I was going to be a lawyer.
Who is/was your mentor? What was the greatest lesson you learned from him/her?
I have had many mentors but my dad was my first. He emphasized working hard and doing things right. He also placed no limits on my opportunities or how far I could go.
How did you choose your area of practice?
When I started to practice, I did a little bit of everything but enjoyed courtroom work and injury cases the most. After practicing for a few years, I won some of the biggest verdicts in the history of the county. Ultimately, I made the decision to limit my practice to litigation, mostly personal injury.
What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – that you learned this month?
I keep learning that life is all about good health. Nothing else matters. You have to take care of yourself.
What motivates you to work hard?
I enjoy working because I enjoy what I do. My career has given me the opportunity to do challenging work, start new businesses, invest in businesses, and do charity and community work. What is there not to like?
What is one thing that you want to learn/do professionally in the next year?
There is never one thing. I am currently learning about the cannabis industry and how I can increase business for the firm. I am also learning about community projects.
What do you like to do outside of the office?
I have had two major surgeries in the past 18 months. I am working on getting back to things I did before like tennis, golf, pickleball, and just walking more. I also enjoy the theatre, sports, reading, and PSU football and wrestling.
Name one fun fact about you that would surprise others?
I have started many businesses – some good, some bad. Some of them were a wrestling clinic (good), shoe repair chain (mediocre), and an independent theatre (disaster).
Where is your favorite place you have visited?
Italy, Sicily, and Istanbul.
What one piece of advice would you give to lawyers starting out today?
There is no one piece of advice. If you work hard there is no limit to your chances of success. Practicing law is not like baseball. There is no limit to the number of successful lawyers. Work hard, bring in business and answer your phone calls.
