Firm Profile

Founded in 1987 by Jerry Coughlan, Robert F. Semmer and Michael L. Lipman, the firm has represented clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to sole proprietors and individuals. The law firm has deliberately retained its small size and limited its practice to litigation and trial practice in substantive areas in which the lawyers have experience. The “boutique” nature of the firm emphasizes high quality personal service by experienced lawyers rather than wholesale delegation to inexperienced lawyers.

Coughlan, Semmer & Lipman engages exclusively in trial practice, including complex civil and white collar criminal litigation.

Three of our attorneys are former Federal prosecutors and two have extensive experience as public defenders. Collectively, the attorneys at Coughlan, Semmer & Lipman have tried more than 300 cases to verdict and judgment including well over 200 jury trials. Three of the lawyers have over 35 years of practice; one over 25 years, and two over 15 years. The most junior lawyer has eleven years experience. The firm employs a non-traditional structure in that it designates only lawyers, not partners or associates. Depending on the nature of a matter different lawyers are the lead lawyers, although most cases involve some participation by two lawyers and a paralegal.

The firm’s practice encompasses civil trial practice before federal and state courts in connection with commercial disputes, professional liability claims, and matters involving professional discipline.  The firm is experienced in handling virtually any type of governmental litigation or claim, civil, criminal or administrative, including grand jury investigations and the parallel civil litigation frequently associated with those matters.

The firm has enjoyed an AV rating by Martindale Hubbell since its inception.