Bradford S. Cohen

Brad Cohen's practice emphasizes business planning related to complex corporate and partnership transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, financing and business succession planning, income tax planning, and estate tax planning, all on an integrated basis.

He is a member of JMBM’s Trusts & Estates Group which is recognized by U.S. News & World Report / Best Law Firms® with a National First Tier ranking in Trusts & Estates Law. 

Brad is best known for his business and tax advice related to the music, motion picture, television, emerging media technology, and sports industries.  One of the focuses of his practice is coordinating the relationships among the entertainment, advertising and nonprofit industries. In addition, he advises real estate industry clients in sales, acquisitions, deferred exchanges, and financing, including structuring of Qualified Opportunity Zone funds. 

He has incorporated his personal commitment to philanthropy into a key element of his legal practice, providing multi-faceted counsel to clients regarding their involvement in charitable endeavors, including developing strategic plans, outlining the associated tax benefits and identifying the appropriate corporate brands and sponsorships. Brad acted as principal counsel representing the lead donor who financed the acquisition, delivery and permanent exhibition of the Space Shuttle Endeavour located at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. He also advises clients on tax controversy, executive compensation (including deferred compensation) and tax aspects of marital settlement negotiations. 

Brad was also a lobbyist before the United States Congress for the Tax Reform Research Group. He is also an Ironman Triathlon finisher.

His clients include ultra-high net worth individuals and their closely held businesses. In addition to his numerous music client representations, Brad currently serves as general counsel to Grateful Dead Productions. He has also represented studios, record companies, production companies and sports teams, as well as high-profile performing artists and behind-the-scenes individuals. Brad's clients have also included former presidents of the United States and a United States senator.

Brad is President of the Motion Picture Tax Institute and a past Chair of the Entertainment-Tax Subcommittee of the Tax Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He was a delegate to the Los Angeles County Bar Association Tax Section Washington, DC Delegation and a former Chairperson of the Taxation Section of the Century City Bar Association.

He is on the planning committee for the Cal CPA Education Foundation's Entertainment Industry Conference.