White Collar Defense Litigator Celia Cohen Joins Ballard Spahr in New York

Celia Cohen—an accomplished litigator with experience as a federal prosecutor, assistant general counsel at a global financial institution, and, most recently, in private practice—has joined Ballard Spahr in its New York office, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Ms. Cohen is a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Litigation Department and White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations Group. She represents financial institutions, business technology companies, and other corporate clients for regulatory compliance, white collar defense, internal and government investigations, and related civil actions. The strategic addition of Ms. Cohen comes amid an evolving regulatory and enforcement environment, with increased focus on white collar and securities matters, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrency risks. She joins a contingent of nationally recognized white collar litigators based in Ballard Spahr’s New York office, as well as in firm offices across the country.

Ms. Cohen is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York who has tried a number of high-profile matters. She understands how the Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), and other federal agencies conduct investigations and make enforcement decisions. As in-house counsel at JPMorgan Chase for more than five years, Ms. Cohen was the head of internal investigations within the Government, Investigations, and Regulatory Enforcement group and supervised investigations across all lines of business. In private practice, she has more than 15 years of experience, including as head of the financial institutions sector nationwide for a global law firm.

“Celia Cohen is a powerhouse litigator and adviser,” Mr. Stewart said. “She adds even greater depth and breadth to Ballard Spahr’s outstanding white collar defense and corporate compliance practice. Celia’s background and perspective are a valuable resource for clients in today’s uncertain regulatory and enforcement environment.”

“Celia’s experience with the government and the financial services industry gives her special insight into client challenges and the best, most practical solutions,” said Henry E. Hockeimer, Jr., leader of Ballard Spahr’s White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations Group. “She is a terrific addition to the team.”

Ms. Cohen’s experience includes both domestic and cross-border matters. She has represented banks and other clients for inquiries from the SEC, DOJ, FINRA, Office of the Comptroller of Currency, Federal Reserve Bank, Office of Foreign Assets Control, and other state and federal agencies. She has successfully handled matters involving insider trading, market manipulation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the False Claims Act, fraud, bribery, money laundering, and antitrust.

“My background and experience complement Ballard’s strength and national platform in litigation, investigations, and compliance, especially in the financial services industry,” Ms. Cohen said. “I am impressed by the firm’s commitment to providing outstanding legal services, exceptional client service, and a culture of inclusion and collaboration.”

For media inquiries, please contact Bill Shralow at 215.864.8195.