Packel, Eric A.

Gerard Cohen serves as Senior Business Advisor and Special Counsel for the Corporate Group. Mr. Cohen advises on business matters ranging from logistics, regulatory compliance and complex contractual relationships. Having founded, developed and managed the largest independent wine warehousing company in the United States he is widely recognized in the distilled spirits industry and the transportation industry as a leading advisor. His knowledge of wholesale and supplier licensing, commercial leasing agreements, multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance, international and domestic agreements, federal label approval and state brand registration, industry franchise laws, trade practices and Customs matters provide a very sophisticated level of business acumen, acuity and practical counsel.

Mr. Cohen has spent many years advising the industry and many years working inside it. His deep understanding of the issues, and his “insiders” perspective, enables Cohen Law Services to provide comprehensive, highly practical legal counsel to hospitality and alcohol beverage suppliers, distributors, and retailers from around the world. Cohen Law Services can assist clients in distribution strategies, and product recall, and help them navigate the complexities of international, federal, and state licensing applications. Our law firm provides guidance on all matters involving the state licensing authorities, custom duties and regulations pertaining to custom bonded warehouses including taxation, merchandise eligible for warehousing, the entry and withdrawal from custom bonded warehouses, liability of importers, alcoholic beverage control transportation permits, and federal and state regulations pertaining to the general warehousing of alcohol, distilled spirits and non alcoholic beverages.

In addition to his business endeavors and advisory position with the firm, Mr. Cohen is a dedicated philanthropist and supporter of the fine arts. He serves as trustee of the Huntington Theatre Company, the Boston Lyric Opera, and is a major contributor to the Boston Ballet. Additionally, Mr. Cohen has strong ties to Boston University serving on the distinguished University’s Board of Overseers as well as establishing the Gerard H. Cohen Award at the School of Law, which each year honors a member of the school’s administrative staff for distinguished service. Mr. Cohen serves as the Co-Chairman of the National Development Committee for the Boston University School of Law Alumni Association as well as serving as a Member of the Deans’ Advisory Board for the Law School. Mr. Cohen’s support for Boston University earned him induction in to the select Owen D. Young Society. He is a recipient of the Boston University School of Law Silver Shingle Award and was presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award, Boston University’s highest honor.