Arthur’s clients include major conduit bond issuers of revenue bonds, focusing in the area of economic development, as well as national and regional investment banking firms and not-for-profit educational institutions. His legal advice is often sought not only in the transactions in which he has provided legal services, but also for those in which parties’ expectations or commitments failed to be realized. He has negotiated prominent tax benefit transactions on behalf of governmental agencies pursuant to which job commitments from large employers are tied to the conferral (and recapture) of local tax exemptions. Arthur takes particular pride in his ability to successfully understand, structure, negotiate and timely close highly complex transactions, and in so doing, achieve his clients’ objectives while earning other counsels (and their clients) respect and cooperation. Arthur served as underwriters’ counsel for financings for One Bryant Park in Times Square, and 7 World Trade Center, in a combined collateralized mortgage backed security and tax-exempt financing of major commercial office buildings.
Having worked in Lower Manhattan his entire career, including during the tragedy of 9/11, Arthur was deeply motivated and proud to act as underwriters’ counsel for the financing of the reconstruction of Tower 7, Tower 4 and Tower 3 of the World Trade Center; all of these financings were highly complex in their real estate and contractual structure, and presented novel issues and challenges.
Arthur regularly lectures and teaches before varied audiences, and takes great pride in both disseminating valuable information, while using his sense of humor to keep his audience awake and interested.
Professional Memberships
- National Association of Bond Lawyers
- Council of Development Finance Agencies
- New York State Economic Development Council
- New York State Bar Association
Lifetime Achievement Award, Council of Development Finance Agencies (2016)
Super Lawyer in the New York Metropolitan Area for Government Finance (2006-2017, 2019-2023)
Marquis Who's Who in America and Distinguished Humanitarian (2017)
Continental Who's Who Pinnacle Professional Member (2017)
Practices
- Bond Counsel
- Borrower's Counsel
- Private Placements
- Project Finance
- Real Estate Counsel
- Underwriters' Counsel
Industries
Education
- City College of New York, B.A., magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
- Brooklyn Law School, J.D., magna cum laude, Articles Editor of The Law Review
Bar Admission
- New York
Recent News & Publications
- Hawkins Attorneys Named to New York Metro Super Lawyers List
Hawkins is pleased to announce that six of the firm's attorneys have been selected to the 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyers list.… - Seven Hawkins Attorneys Named to New York Metro Super Lawyers List
Hawkins attorneys were again recognized in the New York Metro Super Lawyers list for Government Finance and General Litigation.… - Hawkins Attorneys Named to New York Metro Super Lawyers List
Hawkins attorneys comprise half of the 2020 New York Metro Super Lawyers list for Government Finance.… - Arthur Cohen is Recognized by Continental Who's Who
Arthur Cohen is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Law in recognition of his role as Pa…