Mark C. Cogan

Mark C. Cogan is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney based in Portland, Oregon. With over 40 years of experience, he has built a distinguished career representing individuals in some of the most serious and complex criminal cases, including Ballot Measure 11 offenses, DUII, sex crimes, and federal charges. Known for his aggressive advocacy and strategic defense, Cogan has argued cases at nearly every court level, including the United States Supreme Court.

Cogan earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1982. He also holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Oregon, where he was part of the Honors College.

Beginning his career in New York, Cogan served as a trial attorney with the Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Division and its Narcotics Defense Unit. There, he gained invaluable experience handling felony cases and developing cutting-edge defense strategies. His early work included civil rights litigation with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, where he contributed to cases on the death penalty, school desegregation, and Title VII.

After relocating to Oregon, Cogan launched his own practice and became a force in defending clients across the state. His background includes service as a legislative lobbyist for student rights and leadership in organizations like the Lawyers’ Committee on Nuclear Policy.

Licensed in Oregon, New York, and multiple federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, Mark C. Cogan is a member of the National and Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Associations, the Oregon State Bar, and the Multnomah Bar Association. His decades of success, fearless courtroom approach, and unwavering dedication to justice make him one of Oregon’s most respected criminal defense lawyers.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Attorney, Mark C. Cogan, P.C.
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Oregon State Bar Association
• Member, Multnomah Bar Association

Licensed State

• Oregon
• New York

Education

• New York University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Oregon
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges