Howard Cohen

Howard Cohen’s story is one of resilience and service, spanning continents, courtrooms, and even the high seas.  He has worked with Appellate Defenders, Inc. (“ADI”) for more than four decades, served as an appellate judge for the Navy and Marine Corps, and made lasting contributions to California law.

Howard’s path began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was born and raised.  A dual Canadian and American citizen, he has never lost his love of the St. Louis Cardinals, a passion he now shares with his daughters and grandchildren.

After graduating from Princeton University, Howard entered the Navy through the ROTC program and served four years of active duty during the Vietnam War.  Though he aspired to go to law school earlier, he was not permitted to leave active duty until 1969.  He had just three days to travel from Vietnam to Los Angeles to attend his first day at UCLA School of Law.

Howard’s legal career started with a clerkship for Judge Enright, who became his first mentor.  He then joined Defenders, Inc.—the precursor to today’s Public Defender’s Office—where his writing talents stood out as he became a “one-person motions department.”  After several years in civil litigation, Howard realized he preferred criminal law.  So, in 1984, he joined ADI, where he has been an integral member ever since.

Howard’s Navy career also continued after Vietnam.  In 1980, he was recommissioned in the JAGC Naval Reserve. He served until 2002 and retired as a Captain.  His last position was as an appellate judge for the Navy and Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals.

In addition to his appellate work, Howard has helped shape California law itself.  The California Supreme Court adopted his proposed Rules of Court, including the current depublication rules and the requirement that all judge–jury communications in a criminal case be included in the record.

Howard’s numerous accolades began in his youth, when he earned the prestigious “Eagle Scout” rank in Boy Scouts.  During his Naval Reserve Service, he was awarded both the Defense and Navy Meritorious Service Awards.  In recognition of his contributions to the legal community, he has been named Public Lawyer of the Year and currently serves as a Master member of both the San Diego Appellate Inn of Court—where he was on the inaugural board—and the Enright Inn of Court.  He became a certified appellate law specialist in the first year of its inception and is rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell.

Howard’s impact on the appellate community is unmistakable.  His career reflects both discipline and creativity, forged from a life of service in the Navy and the law.  Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, often while cheering on the Cardinals, and he has annually attended the UCLA Bruin Woods Family Camp (as a UCLA Law alum) for 40 consecutive summers.