Remembering Barry A. Cohen, KC

It is with great sadness that Torkin Manes announces the passing of one of its distinguished and core partners, Barry A. Cohen, KC, an instrumental contributor to the firm’s establishment. During this time of mourning, we acknowledge and pay tribute to Barry’s remarkable 54-year career.

Called to the bar in 1967, after completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Southern California, Barry hung a sole practitioner shingle announcing his expertise in business and real estate law, and was known to attract a client or two while doing his banking at the TD branch on the ground floor of his Bathurst and Eglinton office. In 1979, he joined forces with a small group of young, ambitious visionaries – Larry Torkin, Ron Manes, Joe Feldman and Lorne Wolfson – who shared the same determination and commitment to making their mark on Bay Street and competing with the establishment firms that dominated the Toronto legal community at that time. Establishment lawyers they were not!

As the firm grew, so did Barry’s practice, first developing a successful corporate commercial / real estate practice, then gaining expertise in banking and insolvency. Finally, halfway through his career, Barry decided to embark on a new path, where he reinvented himself as a bankruptcy and insolvency litigator. Barry donned his robes and never looked back.

Barry soon gained a reputation as a lawyer’s lawyer – one who not only loved the practice of law, but also equally reveled in shaping the next generation of lawyers who found themselves fortunate enough to be in his orbit. One of Barry’s many strengths was always creatively thinking about how to best serve his loyal and diverse client base, allowing him to foster strong relationships with younger lawyers keen to learn from a consummate file strategist and mentor who never lost his passion for the law.

The early core group of partners were collectively committed to investing and reinvesting in the firm, providing the essential foundation for it to grow, succeed and achieve recognition as a firm to be reckoned with. Barry retired in 2023, safe in the knowledge that Torkin Manes has become one of the legal community’s most respected group of professionals, known for delivering top-tier legal counsel and client service, and upholding the highest standards of the Bar.

Barry’s impact and legacy cannot be overstated and will be remembered by all who had the honour of working with and knowing him.

As a firm, we offer sincere condolences to Barry’s wife Melanie, to their children and grandchildren, as well as their extended family and many friends.

Details regarding the funeral can be found at the Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel website.