6 Cohen Defense Group Lawyers Recognized as Top Lawyers in Sacramento Magazine and as Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Every August, Sacramento Magazine publishes its list of the region’s top lawyers.   This publication comes on the heels of July’s publication of Super Lawyers Magazine’s 2021 Northern California edition. 

Cohen Defense Attorneys Selected by Sacramento Magazine

At Cohen Defense Group, we are pleased that 5 of our attorneys were selected for Sacramento Magazine’s list of Top Lawyers:

See the full list from Sacramento Magazine here

How the Sacramento Magazine Selection Process Works

Sacramento Magazine contracted with a professional research firm to ask Sacramento area attorneys to nominate three colleagues they would recommend in their area of law.  These nominees are then evaluated on several criteria including legitimacy of licenses and good standing with The State Bar of California. Attorneys who receive the highest number of votes are featured in the final list.

Cohen Defense Attorneys Selected by Northern California Super Lawyers

We extend our congratulations to 3 of our lawyers recognized by Northern California Super Lawyers:

  • Barry Zimmerman who was selected a Super Lawyer.
  • Matthew Friedman who was selected as a Rising Star in criminal defense.
  • Zachary Merliss who was selected as a Rising Star in DUI defense.

How the Northern California Super Lawyers Selection Process Works

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

The patented selection process starts with a peer nomination process, followed by independent evaluation of the nominees by a third-party research firm and peer evaluations by a blue ribbon panel of highly credentialed attorneys, all of which lead to the final selections.

The magazine recognizes the top 5% of nominees as Super Lawyers. 

Super Lawyers Rising Star candidates must be 40 years old or younger or have been practicing for 10 years or fewer. Only the top 2.5% of Rising Star nominees are selected for inclusion.

Barry Zimmerman

2021 Northern California Super Lawyer

2021 Sacramento Magazine Top Lawyer

Barry Zimmerman

For 35 years, Barry has been one of only a handful of lawyers to handle both personal injury and criminal defense cases.  Since 2017, Barry has headed the litigation department of the Cohen Defense Group, the largest private practice criminal defense firm in Placer County.  As one of Cohen Defense’s senior attorneys, Barry handles many of the firm’s most complex and serious cases. Barry is certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California and has a record of not guilty verdicts in cases ranging from attempted murder to driving under the influence.

“Recognition by my peers in Sacramento Magazine and Northern California Super Lawyers is a reflection of my more than 30 years of successfully practicing law. It is an honor to work with such a dedicated team of professionals and exceptional attorneys at the Cohen Defense Group. Our collaboration and collective approach to the practice of law is unmatched and unrivaled.”

Zachary Merliss

2021 Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star in DUI Defense

2021 Sacramento Magazine Top Lawyer 

Zachary Merliss

Zach’s litigation talents are particularly well-suited to clients facing DUI and drug charges.  As one of the newest lawyers in our group, Zach has quickly established himself as major player in DUI defense. Zach has an eagle eye for police misconduct and litigates it at every stage. He has also been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, an organization which extends membership to only the most qualified attorneys of each state. 

“I am passionate about the constitutional protections against police intrusions, I know the legal protections that extend from the cases, and I use those protections to defend my clients.”

Matthew Friedman

2021 Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star Criminal Defense

Matthew Friedman

Matthew has quickly become a client favorite often earning the highest reviews from his clients. Matthew loves finding the weak spots in prosecution cases and challenging police actions by moving to keep evidence out of court. Matthew has significant experience in DUI law, handling misdemeanor offenses, and representing the firm’s clients who suffer from mental health disorders.  He has a string of recent successes in obtaining judicial diversion, veteran’s diversion, and mental health diversion such that he regularly consults with other lawyers who are looking to divert their clients from the criminal process.

“It is an honor to be selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. The award is driven by peer recognition, and it is great to know that I am respected by my colleagues. I will continue working to improve my skills as an attorney and hope to remain a Super Lawyer for the years to come.”

Susan Gellman 

2021 Sacramento Magazine Top Lawyer 

Susan Gellman

Susan has represented clients with zealous advocacy and fierce compassion for more than 30 years.  After successfully trying numerous cases in the Philadelphia Defender’s elite Special Defense Unit and defending capital murder cases in the deep south, Susan moved to El Dorado County where she litigated high profile cases including the Jaycee Dugard case.  Susan’s addition to the Cohen Defense Group in 2018 added her unique, client-centered approach to the firm.

“I am honored to be recognized by my peers as a “Top Lawyer” in the Sacramento area and I will continue to fight for my clients to remain worthy of that recognition.”

Alison Cohen

2021 Sacramento Magazine Top Lawyer 

Alison Cohen

Alison is the most experienced juvenile delinquency attorney in Placer County. With 20 years of practice, she has helped minors with cases ranging from low-level misdemeanors to serious felonies. Allison has successfully diverted cases out of court, protected clients from transfer to adult court, and worked to ensure that juvenile records get sealed whenever possible. 

“I am thrilled to see so many of the Cohen Defense Group’s attorneys recognized by the Sacramento magazine as Top Lawyers. We care deeply about our work and strive to provide the best representation possible for our clients. I take pride in being featured as a Top Lawyer and I feel fortunate to work with such an amazing team.”

David Cohen

2021 Sacramento Magazine Top Lawyer 

David Cohen

David has been practicing criminal defense in Placer County for 25 years having represented clients in all manner of cases in front of over 25 different Placer County Judges and Commissioners.  David has served as the Conflict Public Defender for Placer County since 2017 and has built a team of lawyers capable of handling any criminal case in California.

“My inclusion in this list is a testament to the quality of the team I have built here at the Cohen Defense Group.  I am honored to have so many of our attorneys recognized by these two publications. The best lawyers are supported by the best team, and the lawyers and staff of the Cohen Defense group are here to help when you need it the most.”

4 Cohen Defense Group Lawyers Recognized by Sacramento Magazine and Northern California Super Lawyers

About David Cohen

David Cohen HeadshotDavid Cohen is a criminal defense attorney with over 25 years experience in the Placer County criminal justice system. He has handled thousands of cases, from misdemeanors to murders, but his focus is on DUI cases. He is a brilliant advocate for his clients, recognizing they have everything to lose, and fighting to put them in the best possible position going forward.