Dan L. Cogdell

Dan Cogdell: Experienced White-Collar Criminal Defense Attorney in Texas

For nearly four decades, Dan Cogdell has established himself as a leading litigation attorney and a formidable advocate for corporations and individuals facing complex white-collar criminal defense and related disputes. Mr. Cogdell’s unparalleled experience – encompassing over 300 trials in 16 states – consistently delivers exceptional results, earning him prestigious recognition within the legal community, including a Fellowship in the American College of Trial Lawyers and multiple rankings in Chambers USA and Best Attorney USA.

As a partner in the Litigation Practice Group and a key member of the corporate compliance and white-collar defense team, Mr. Cogdell specializes in defending against high-stakes allegations across a broad spectrum of offenses, including securities fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, government investigations, tax evasion, and obstruction of justice. He possesses an in-depth understanding of the strategic nuances and rigorous standards demanded by federal and state law enforcement, combined with a strategic approach to protecting his clients’ rights and reputations. His intimate knowledge, honed through early experience as a briefing attorney for the esteemed Judge John Onion, former presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, significantly benefits his clients.

Mr. Cogdell’s track record is truly exceptional. Notably, he achieved the only acquittal in the original trials related to the collapse of Enron Corp., demonstrating his strategic brilliance and courtroom prowess. More recently, he represented the head of logistics for Arkema in litigation following the 2017 chemical plant explosion in Crosby, Texas, successfully navigating a complex legal landscape. His victories extend beyond high-profile cases, encompassing numerous dismissals of charges, jury verdicts, and appeals, consistently protecting individuals facing allegations of fraud and related offenses.

He skillfully represents a diverse clientele, including business executives and owners, athletes, medical professionals, and other individuals from industries such as banking and finance, energy, entertainment, healthcare, sports, and utilities. Furthermore, he provides critical legal counsel to appointed and elected government officials facing corruption investigations, leveraging his relationships and legal expertise to achieve favorable outcomes.

Mr. Cogdell’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the courtroom. He is a frequent speaker before bar associations and industry groups, and has served as a guest lecturer at numerous law schools, including Harvard Law School and The University of Texas School of Law. His insightful commentary on emerging legal and criminal justice issues has been featured on national networks such as NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Court TV, and the BBC, solidifying his reputation as a respected legal analyst. His dedication to his craft is further evidenced by his participation in long-distance motorcycle races, a discipline he credits with fostering the focus, balance, and endurance necessary for successful representation.

Key Credentials and Achievements:

Practice Areas: Mr. Cogdell’s primary focus is on Criminal Defense, specializing in General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, and Appellate Practice. He also possesses a Special Focus on Environmental Crimes, Federal investigations, Government Investigations, Securities Fraud, State-level litigation, Tax-Evasion Defense, Violent and Nonviolent Crimes.

Awards and Recognition: Dan Cogdell has been repeatedly recognized for his exceptional legal skills and dedication. He is a Lawyer of the Year: Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Houston, 2011), has been Recognized: Criminal Defense: General Practice, and Recognized: Criminal Defense: White-Collar. He holds an AV Preeminent® peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell and has been listed in Best Attorney USA since 1995. He was named Alumnus of the Year by the South Texas College of Law (2017) and an Impact Alumni of the Year (2014) by the same institution. He received the Lawyer of the Year Award in 1989 from the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association.

Education and Affiliations:

Education: Dan Cogdell received his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law, Houston, where he graduated and was named an Alumnus of the Year (2017). He is affiliated with numerous organizations, including the State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Harris County Bar Association, Dallas County Bar Association, South Texas College of Law, University of Houston Law Center, Texas Tech School of Law, The University of Texas School of Law, Harvard Law School, and the AT&T Legal Conference (Dallas).

Bar Admissions: He is admitted to practice in all state courts of Texas and before several federal courts.

Contact Information: To discuss your legal needs and how Mr. Cogdell’s expertise can benefit you, please contact his office directly.