The University of Pittsburgh School of Law mourns the passing of our colleague and friend, Professor Charles C. “Chuck” Cohen, who died on August 27, 2025.
For more than five decades, Professor Cohen dedicated his career to teaching, mentoring, and shaping generations of Pitt Law students. He taught Business Organizations, Corporate Governance, and related courses to thousands of future lawyers, leaving a lasting influence on corporate practice both locally and nationally. His ability to bridge theory and practice enriched Pitt Law’s curriculum and inspired countless students. His legacy endures through the recent publication of his casebook, Corporate Law and Governance: Principles and Practice (Aspen Press), co-authored with Professor Peter Oh.
A proud Pittsburgh native, Professor Cohen earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He went on to co-found Cohen & Grigsby (now Dentons Cohen & Grigsby), where he became one of the region’s most respected attorneys in corporate governance, securities regulation, and business combinations. Over nearly 60 years of practice, he served as a pillar of the Pittsburgh legal community.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chuck will be remembered for his generosity, wisdom, humor, and deep devotion to family and community. He is survived by his wife, Michele McKenney; his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.
Professor Cohen’s impact on Pitt Law—as a scholar, mentor, colleague, and friend—will endure in our classrooms, our profession, and our community. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.