David Cowen

David Cowen is a litigation partner in Honigman’s Investigations and White Collar Defense practice group who helps companies, universities, executives, and individuals navigate government investigations, white collar defense matters, complex civil litigation, and allegations involving reputational harm. A former federal and state prosecutor with more than 15 years’ experience, he is known for his strategic, discreet, and results-driven approach to high-stakes matters.

Before joining Honigman, David served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan and the District of New Mexico, where he led investigations and prosecutions involving white collar crime, violent crime, immigration offenses, and complex conspiracies. He also served as a Deputy District Attorney and was appointed a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, giving him experience overseeing state and federal investigations simultaneously. His white collar background includes prosecuting pandemic-related fraud, wire and mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, environmental crimes, and matters involving RICO and VICAR. He has first-chaired dozens of jury trials, argued hundreds of motions, successfully argued before a U.S. Court of Appeals, and managed high-profile crises, including child abductions, human trafficking, school shootings, officer involved shootings, and internal government misconduct.

Clients often turn to David as their first call when the stakes are high and answers are needed quickly. Drawing on his experience inside government, he understands how enforcement agencies—including federal and state prosecutors and regulators—build cases, assess risk, and make decisions. That perspective allows him to quickly identify exposure, deliver practical guidance, and steady clients through uncertainty. He frequently leads short- and long-term internal investigations, advises on whether to cooperate with the government, including voluntary disclosures, assists clients respond to complex subpoenas, and joins litigation teams nearing trial that require demonstrated courtroom experience.

Practice Areas

Prior Experience

• The United States Attorney’s Office, Assistant United States Attorney
• Office of the District Attorney, Eleventh Judicial District, Division I, Deputy District Attorney

Education

Admissions

Court Admissions

Press Releases

Alerts