t|e General Counsel Partner Harold M. “Sonny” Cohen Named Atlanta Franchise Law “Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America

ATLANTA, August 18, 2022 – t|e General Counsel, the fractional general counsel practice powered by Taylor English Duma LLP, is pleased to announce that Harold M. “Sonny” Cohen was recognized as the Atlanta Franchise Law “Lawyer of the Year” in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Cohen has significant experience leading legal teams and advising clients on corporate, franchising, governance, real estate, and a wide range of other legal and business matters. With more than 30 years of experience, his success advising companies and boards can be attributed to a solid understanding of the role of strategy, talent and culture in the success of a business.

Prior to joining t|e General Counsel, Cohen spent 22 years as part of the in-house team at AFC Enterprises contributing to the success of the then private-equity owned holding company with global brands such as Popeyes, Seattle's Best Coffee, Cinnabon and Church's Chicken. He assumed numerous leadership roles in the organization, including serving as Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, until the sale of the company in 2017.

Cohen played a leading role in the mergers and acquisitions activity of AFC Enterprises, and in 2001, was an integral part of the company’s initial public offering. He played a vital part of the successful transformation of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, a $3 billion revenue global restaurant chain, and oversaw the company’s $1.8 billion sale to Restaurant Brands International, at a record multiple for a public restaurant company transaction.

Cohen earned his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and his law degree from Georgetown University Law School.

Best Lawyers in America was first published in 1983 and is the oldest and most respected legal referral guide in the U.S. Best Lawyers annually surveys thousands of top attorneys, who confidentially evaluate the legal abilities of their professional peers.