Howard Cohen

He's very prepared, thorough and nimble in the way he thinks things through. He's excellent on his feet and gets great results.

Chambers and Partners

Howard Cohen

  • Called in 1999

Criminal Fraud

Howard is regularly instructed by large insurer clients to defend claims where there are suspicions of fraudulent conduct, usually within the context of road traffic litigation. He was recently instructed to represent an alliance of insurance companies against a swathe of claims arising out of a “fraud ring” in East London. This resulted in each of the claims being either struck out or discontinued.

He is an expert in the area of exemplary damages, which he now seeks and often wins against fraudulent Claimants.

When successful Defendant insurers wish to take matters further, Howard has a detailed knowledge of the new CPR 81 dealing with contempt of court proceedings. He recently successfully defended the first application ever made to bring committal proceedings under that provision against a suspected fraudulent Claimant.

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Notable Cases

MacBurnie v Liverpool Victoria
Recently settled a substantial lower limb amputation case for £1.7 million. Expert evidence comprised Orthopaedic, Amputee Rehabilitation, Prosthetic, Accommodation and Care. The matter settled at JSM.

Stanley v Tower Hamlets LBC [2020] EWHC 1622 (QB)
Successfully set aside judgment entered immediately following the national lockdown in March 2020 in circumstances which were deemed to be unfair.

Chowdhary v Network Rail Infrastructure
Settled the Claimant’s £1.5 million claim for widespread chronic pain and quasi-neurological symptoms, following a conference with experts in all 6 disciplines. Drafted a detailed Counter-Schedule of Loss which led to a settlement at less than half the sum claimed.

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Ogiehor v Belinfantie [2018] EWCA Civ 2423
Successfully defended a litigant in person’s 2nd appeal to the Court of Appeal against an Unless Order and related costs award, resulting in Defendant’s costs of over £110,000 being awarded

Royal & Sunalliance Insurance Company Ltd v Kosky (2013)
Successfully defended the first ever application for permission to bring committal proceedings for contempt of court under the new CPR 81 in the High Court.

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If you would like to instruct Howard Cohen or would like help or advice in doing so, please call and talk to our excellent clerking team, led by Chief Executive/Director of Clerking, Paul Cray. Our phone number is +44 (0)20 7583 9241. Alternatively, please email us at chambers@farrarsbuilding.co.uk

For more information about our clerking team, please click here for the clerks page.

Appointments & Memberships

  • Appointed Recorder (Crime – South Eastern Circuit) – June 2020
  • Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
  • Personal Injury Bar Association
  • London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association
  • South Eastern Circuit

Education & Qualifications

  • Winner of Wilfred Getz Scholarship, Gray’s Inn
  • BVC, Inns of Court School of Law, London
  • M. Phil (Criminology), Trinity Hall, Cambridge
  • MA Hons, Jurisprudence, St. Catherine’s College, Oxford
  • City of London School for Boys

Directory Quotes

Howard Cohen predominantly acts for defendants in high-value personal injury cases and is well regarded for his expertise in claims arising from railway accidents. His personal injury practice is complemented by his recognised expertise in motor insurance fraud.

“He has a great eye for detail and innovation.” “He is down to earth with clients and has a calm demeanour.” “Howard is a very experienced pair of hands.” “He is an understated yet thorough and courteous advocate.”

Chambers UK 2025 – Leading Junior, Personal Injury

“Howard is a go-to barrister for fraud cases.” “He has a keen eye for detail, is technically strong and is able to produce comprehensive and clear paperwork.” “Howard is a genuine pleasure to work with.”

Chambers UK 2025 – Leading Junior, Motor Insurance Fraud

‘Howard knows his cases inside out. Attention to detail is second to none as he quickly grasps the facts of the matter. His advocacy is excellent, a very quick thinker, so very good on his feet.’

Legal 500 2025 – Leading Junior, Personal Injury

“He is very approachable, highly intelligent and able to advocate very effectively at trial.” “Howard’s drafting is excellent. His counter schedules in particular are the perfect base to commence negotiations.” “Howard is an excellent advocate with attention to every detail. He is extremely mindful of clients’ needs.”

“He has a fluent narrative style.” “Howard is meticulous in his approach, and his pleadings are powerful.”

Legal 500 2024 – Leading Junior, Personal Injury

“Howard is incisive, straight forward and a compelling advocate.”

Chambers UK  2023 – Ranked in Personal Injury & Motor Insurance Fraud, Tier 1

“Howard is a genial and capable opponent, who focuses on the material issues in the case and works hard to find solutions to disputes.”

Legal 500, 2023 – Leading Junior, Personal Injury

“Skilled at drafting robust counter schedules and is a pragmatic and skilled negotiator in joint settlement meetings.” “He is absolutely great and adds meaningful value to a case. He is responsive, always available, timely and prompt.”

Chambers UK 2022 – Ranked in Personal Injury & Motor Insurance Fraud, Tier 1

“He’s very prepared, thorough and nimble in the way he thinks things through. He’s excellent on his feet and gets great results.” “A very good and busy insurance fraud practitioner.”

Chambers UK 2021 – Motor Insurance Fraud Tier 1

“He deals with cases very quickly and efficiently.” “A very practical and sensible opponent.”

Chambers UK 2020 – Personal Injury