Manatt Adds Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection and Technology Partner in San Francisco

By: Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP via Business Wire

February 04, 2025 at 09:00 AM EST

Tod Cohen brings decades of leadership experience at the intersection of AI, privacy and data security, technology law and government relations

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, a multidisciplinary, integrated professional services firm, today announced the arrival of San Francisco-based Partner Tod Cohen to the Firm’s Digital and Technology group. A leader in artificial intelligence (AI), data protection and technology-related law, and deeply knowledgeable in antitrust and intellectual property (IP) issues, Cohen has a proven record of success in guiding clients through regulatory challenges, policy development and compliance as they embrace technology to scale and grow.

“Tod has always been at the forefront of innovation, having worked at some of the most disruptive companies over the last two decades, and brings an impressive background across AI and data protection that will immediately benefit our world class privacy and data security team, led by Brandon Reilly, as well as our broader AI practice, which is led by Paul Luehr and Tim Andrews,” said Manatt CEO and Managing Partner Donna L. Wilson. “He is also an exciting addition to our San Francisco office—led by Venture Capital and Emerging Companies leader Rich McDerby—where Manatt has been a go-to legal and business advisor for clients over the last forty years. The synergies with Tod are endless, and we’re excited to continue expanding our capabilities across these sectors as well as within San Fransisco and beyond.”

Cohen focuses his practice on AI and privacy and data security, navigating global technology law, public policy and managing regulatory compliance, oversight and ethics. He has a sophisticated understanding of antitrust and competition law, content moderation laws, as well as intellectual property law, particularly with a focus on copyright and trademark issues. He has also worked with clients on electronic commerce, payments, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships and contracts, consumer protection and cybersecurity.

In the AI space, Cohen led his former firm’s AI practice focusing on the use of AI in multiple industries, such as health care, insurance and critical infrastructure. He also is growing the AI Coalition for Data Integrity. The Coalition works to protect companies and individuals from the unauthorized exploitation and use of their data. Cohen’s AI work spans the globe, from the new EU AI Act and Singapore AI laws to multiple U.S. state and federal jurisdictions.

“Tod brings extensive experience with cutting-edge technology companies and strengthens our already robust capabilities in AI and privacy and data security, addressing intricate regulatory challenges, policy development and compliance,” said Manatt Digital and Technology Leader Thomas Michael. “With a commitment to innovation and ethical governance in his work that reflects Manatt’s own, he is the perfect addition to our growing digital and technology team across the country.”

Cohen has experience serving as general counsel at StubHub and deputy general counsel at seminal technology companies, including Twitter, eBay and PayPal, as well as having leadership roles at the Motion Picture Association and the Business Software Alliance, all of which have been key disruptors in their industries. Heading global teams, Cohen managed global public policy and regulatory issues, in addition to global asset protection, law enforcement affairs, internal and external investigations, expanding markets, election law compliance and regulatory relationships.

“I was particularly drawn to Manatt’s innovative and collaborative approach to client service, as well as its philosophy of combining legal and business advisory services for clients,” said Cohen. “As AI and data issues permeate the key industries in which Manatt focuses, this blended professional services approach will be critical for clients as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with new technologies.”

Cohen joins the Firm’s roster of legal and consulting professionals who have also joined over the last year across core industry sectors, including Cross-Industry Corporate and Finance (Bill Broome); Digital and Technology (Tim Andrews and Lisa W. Rosaya); Financial Services (Warren Biro, Haley Fiallo, Mike Katz, Jessica Sklute, Troy Zander); Government and Regulatory (Richard Leib); Health Care (Haider Andazola, Patrick Brennan, Doug Brown, Tom Cassels, Pat Cerundolo, Richard Cho, Christina (Chrissy) Farr, Dr. Shamiram (Shami) Feinglass, Erin Estey Hertzog, Kendall Hussey, Jason Klimek, Anna Lansky, Ross Margulies, John O’Brien, Tina Papagiannopoulos, Lisa Sbrana, Melindah Sharma, Alexander Somodevilla, Joshua Tauber, Jerome (Jerry) Tichner, Mark Wietecha, and Shaina Zurlin); and Cross-Industry Litigation (Schuyler G. Carroll and Kareem A. Salem).

Cohen earned his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and his B.A. from University of Utah.

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is a leading professional services firm, providing integrated legal and consulting services to a global client base. With offices strategically located in California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento and Silicon Valley), New York (New York City and Albany), Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Boston, the Firm represents sophisticated clients—including Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies—across a range of industry sectors such as health care; financial services; entertainment; digital and technology; and energy, environmental and real estate. For more information, visit www.manatt.com.