With over three decades of legal experience, David Cohen has built a career defined by curiosity, resilience and accountability. Currently the National Leader (Canada) and Global Co-Leader of Gowling WLG’s Financial Industry Group, Cohen has helped shape the landscape of restructuring and specialty finance law in Canada and beyond.

Called to the Ontario Bar in 1992 and named partner in 1998, Cohen has spent his career advising on complex financing and restructuring transactions, including asset-based lending, debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing and in/out of court restructuring. 

“I love what I do,” Cohen says. “It’s not about doing what I love — I’d be fishing all day if that were the case — but rather loving the work itself. That’s where the passion comes from.”

Throughout his tenure, Cohen has taken on leadership roles within his firm and across the industry. At Gowling, he has served as department head, head of firm finances, leader of the restructuring group and now heads financial services efforts nationally and globally. Externally, he has chaired the Canadian Bar Association’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Section and served as President and Chair of the Turnaround Management Association worldwide.

Cohen is a strong advocate for turnaround professionals and the role they play in saving businesses and jobs. He has championed DIP lending and creative financing as tools for recovery. He is also a writer, educator and long-time mentor to young professionals in the field.

He believes leadership is built on a leader’s accountability, trust and consistency: “What you say and what you actually do must always line up.” For Cohen, the goal isn’t legacy but impact — making things better for the next generation.

“Be present. Have your impact today. Tomorrow takes care of itself.”

His influence continues to ripple across the legal and financial sectors, shaped by passion, principle and purpose.