"The Robing Room: NY State Judges

Hon. Devin P. Cohen	See Rating Details
Civil Court
Kings (Brooklyn) County	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 5.6 - 17 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 1.0 - 1 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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Only items marked with (*) are averaged into the displayed overall rating.

General Rating Criteria

* Temperament		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Scholarship		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Industriousness		(1=Not at all industrious,10=Highly industrious)
* Ability to Handle Complex Litigation		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Punctuality		(1=Chronically Late,10=Always on Time)
* General Ability to Handle Pre-Trial Matters		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
* General Ability as a Trial Judge		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
Flexibility In Scheduling		(1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)

Criminal Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation		(1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
General Inclination Regarding Bail		(1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Plea Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved, 10=Very Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pretrial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)

Civil Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation		(1=Not at all Evenhanded,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Involvement in Settlement Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved,10=Very Involved)
General Inclination		(1=Pro-defendant, 10=Pro-plaintiff)

Comments

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What others have said about Hon. Devin P. Cohen

Comments

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY13611
Rating:7.0

Comments:
I disagree with most of the comments. He can be condescending and likes to talk a lot but as long as you know your case back and forth you'll be fine. He doesn't suffer fools. Cohen is working hard in the new Labor Law Part and really making an effort to settle cases at mediation.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY13599
Rating:1.0

Comments:
` Without question, the worst trial judge in Kings County. Admittedly pro-plaintiff, he displays that bias at every opportunity. Judge's attitude and rulings were so consistently bad, that I actually had to explain to my client, that Devin Cohen was just a lousy human being and a terrible judge and was not bribed by the Plaintiffs. He has no grasp of the rules of evidence and refuses to be educated. He interferes frequently in the trial, and displays outright animosity to defense attorneys and their clients in front of the jury. The fact that he is on the bench is an embarrassment to all.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY13286
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I just wonder if this arrogant, incompetent judge thinks we're all so stupid we won't recognize comments posted by his mom. "Professional", my foot.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY13236
Rating:1.7

Comments:
Devin Cohen is an example of that phenomenon which is sadly not rare enough: a jurist who is both wholly under-qualified for his position and possessed of a horrible judicial temperament.

His most memorable quality is his arrogance, which is so undeserved and incompatible with his level of scholarship and accomplishment.

Amongst his other memorable qualities is his total lack of dignity. I have literally seen this man, in a black robe, on the bench, refer to counsel, arguing substantive motions, as "bro" and "dude."

I wonder if my opinion might be slightly altered if I appeared before Justice Cohen on a motor vehicle negligence case, which I believe was his area of practice, before ascending to the Bench. I have, however, only appeared before him on commercial matters. Though he wrote a lengthy decision to justify his incorrect conclusions, his rambling opinion displayed a total lack of understanding of the subject-matter on which he was ruling.

It looks like he's, thankfully, been removed from JCP but I wonder if there is a Part in which he could possibly prove to be an asset to the judicial system. I struggle to imagine what it might be but am an optimist.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY13135
Rating:2.3

Comments:
He is truly ignorant. His one good quality is that he isn't biased he is a jerk to everyone. He took over JCP during covid and is taking credit for the cases moving at a quicker pace than during a lockdown pandemic. He wastes everyone's time and is the most ineffective Judge at settling cases. He also has to tell us how successful he was in private practice. I have been doing this a long time he wouldn't be a judge if he had a successful practice.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NY13126
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Unprofessional, didnt go by evidence or filed court papers. His decision was either subjective or simply he didnt take the time to read all court papers or worst which was my impression that the other party who is very rich had a connection to him. The judgment was already written and decided prior oral argument !

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY13099
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Ill-tempered, arbitrary, disrespectful, callous, sadistic -- just the qualities you want in a judge when you want a judicial system that makes trial-by-combat look civilized by comparison.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY13081
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I agree with those who believe that the positive comments were written by the Judge or his cronies. I’ve been an attorney for 32 years and I’ve encountered a lot of arrogant jurists. Judge Cohen is in the Top 5 most arrogant judges I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. He’s rude, impetuous, dismissive, arrogant, wisecracking and worst of all, a know it all. He’s never wrong, even when he clearly is. He’s probably a loyal party hack so he’s going to be around for a long while.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY12612
Rating:2.0

Comments:
Although he ultimately closed the case without finding for either side, in the matter before him his understanding of the issues, dealings with the parties, and general demeanor did not inspire confidence that he is able to dispense justice consistently or even-handedly. Particularly if there is any complexity in the issues, as an experienced litigator I would hope not to have further cases with him.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY12603
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I don't know if he's an idiot or he refuses to do any analysis. He denied a motion saying that we didn't submit any evidence showing X, where we have an entire section of our brief discussing X. He decided a complex contract issue of in two sentences, without even discussing any of the evidence inconsistent with his determination. Awful.

Litigant

Comment #: NY12045
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Does not know how to apply the most simple rule. Denied a paper for final judgment in a case that has been going on for 10 years because service on the last defendant not done by a licensed process server. TEN YEARS, its a default and its AN ONGOING CASE, a licensed process server for a mailing a paper. I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP. I MEAN THIS IS SCARY

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY11328
Rating:9.3

Comments:
Hard working, intelligent, fair, professional, and caring, are some words to describe Judge Cohen.

Other

Comment #: NY10170
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Coen was not even handed in his treatment of the 2 lawyers. Over and over he put down the lawyer for the city, rolling his eyes, acting exasperated, berating him. He made the city lawyer look stupid. It is hard to believe he did not prejudice us the jurors against the city's position. He clearly preferred the plaintiff's lawyer who was more experienced but so what? every professional has to start somewhere.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY9837
Rating:9.1

Comments:
Had a trial recently before him. This guy is the real deal. Worked hard in the courtroom and simultaneously outside to settle case. Pretty much on point in evidentiary rulings. Extremely even handed so garners respect of both sides. An asset to the bench.

Litigant

Comment #: NY9831
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Seems to have issues with pro se people that tell him things like an order is not effective until it is served with a VALID notice of entry.

Opines that things in David Siegel's New York Practice are not worthy of note despite,LITERALLY, hundreds of appellate division and court of appeals decisions quoting Siegel.

Also pretends to have mastery of the common law which, according to CPLR 4511, is controlling, statute or no, by virtue of berating person who says he is bound by the common law.

Can't wait to put 20 common law cases in play going forward.

I just hope his law clerks re-educate him quickly as he is up for re-election in 3.5 months.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NY9717
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
follow up to earlier post...did I forget to mention that it appears he is being reversed on 90% of the appeals taken from his decisions? That's about right given his courtroom demeanor and conduct...

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY9716
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Agree with 6/18/17 post and believe 6/28/16 post was written by the judge or his supporters...Awful, vindictive, ignorant of the law...trying to split the baby in cases where there is nothing to split...accused lawyer of being manipulative, reneged on rulings, CLEARLY HAS NO PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY8894
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Can't believe this ill-tempered, nasty, no patience weasel of a person will get 14 years to spill his venom on the citizens of Kings County as well as the lawyers who'll be practicing before him. Unfortunately once you're on the Democratic ticket in Kings your election is guaranteed, otherwise whoever his opponent will be I'd back her/him financially in a heartbeat.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY7889
Rating:9.9

Comments:
In over 25 years as a trial lawyer, Judge Cohen ranks in the top 1% of judges who understands and appreciates not only his role as the trial judge, but also the roles of all the parties in the case and he knows how hard to lean on either side to help bring about a just result for all parties. He lets you try your case but is very involved in settlement negotiations as well.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY7474
Rating:1.3

Comments:
Seems to be more concerned with buttressing his own ego than dealing with the matters before him. This often leads to complications in cases that are completely unnecessary and that provide no benefit to either side.

Other

Comment #: NY7144
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Disrespectful judge. He curses at attorneys arguing cases and already decides cases before reviewing papers or hearing argument. I have overhead him tell an attorney to Shut the F**k up and that you have d**k, with reference to opposition papers to a motion and would not permit the attorney to raise valid arguments.

This is conduct unbecoming of a judge and is in violation of the rules of judicial conduct. I would highly recommend he not become a Supreme Court judge after his civil term expires.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY6905
Rating:10.0

Comments:
The "Real Deal" Scholarship, demeanor and a great person. I wish all judges would be as fair and "civil" as Judge Cohen. Saw him coming up years ago and knew he would make a fantastic Judge. Wish I practiced in Brooklyn more often.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NY6241
Rating:9.8

Comments:
I would try a case in front of him any time. Few judges are as well versed on the rules of evidence and able to make the right ruling quickly. A good fair judge who will let you try your case.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY6238
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Excellent judge. Extremely knowledgeable, great temperament, and seems even-handed in settlement negotiations. Lets you try your case. I try most of my cases in Kings Supreme and was sent here due to a backlog. I wish he were in Supreme. An asset to the bench.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NY6237
Rating:10.0

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NY5312
Rating:8.7

Comments:
I have tried over 130 cases, Judge Cohen is in my top ten. He treats attorneys with respect. Fair to both sides. Excellent on rules of evidence. Tries to facilitate settlement. His experience as a former trial attorney is appparent in his rulings and demeanor on on the bench. Very respectful to the jury and made them aware of their important role in the process. (Particularly important since this trial lasted almost four weeeks!)