Howard Cohen

He's very prepared, thorough and nimble in the way he thinks things through. He's excellent on his feet and gets great results.

Chambers and Partners

Civil Fraud

Howard has vast experience of dealing with fraudulent claims and claims in which fundamental dishonesty is alleged. He is ranked as a Leading Junior in the Motor Insurance Fraud section of Chambers and Partners 2018 and recently went to the Court of Appeal in the case of Ogiehor v Belinfantie [2018] EWCA Civ 2423 arising out of an allegation of fraud.

Howard successfully defended the Respondent in the first application for contempt of court arising from the new CPR 81 in the case of RSA v Kosky [2013] EWHC 835 (QB) and regularly advises insurers on issues relating to surveillance, fundamental dishonesty, Section 57, exemplary damages and contempt of court.

He also has experience of defending against fraud rings, acting for a co-operative of insurers in the case of Tasneem v Morley [2014] LTL, 28/1/14 against a total of 16 Claimants alleging injury following 9 separate road traffic accidents.

Each claim was struck out with exemplary damages awarded.

Howard regularly gives seminars and training on issues arising from fraudulent claims to solicitors, insurers and local authorities.

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Notable Cases


MacBurnie v Liverpool Victoria
Recently settled a substantial lower limb amputation case for £1.7 million. Expert evidence comprised Orthopaedic, Amputee Rehabilitation, Prosthetic, Accommodation and Care. The matter settled at JSM.

Stanley v Tower Hamlets LBC [2020] EWHC 1622 (QB)
Successfully set aside judgment entered immediately following the national lockdown in March 2020 in circumstances which were deemed to be unfair.

Chowdhary v Network Rail Infrastructure
Settled the Claimant’s £1.5 million claim for widespread chronic pain and quasi-neurological symptoms, following a conference with experts in all 6 disciplines. Drafted a detailed Counter-Schedule of Loss which led to a settlement at less than half the sum claimed.

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Ogiehor v Belinfantie [2018] EWCA Civ 2423
Successfully defended a litigant in person’s 2nd appeal to the Court of Appeal against an Unless Order and related costs award, resulting in Defendant’s costs of over £110,000 being awarded

Royal & Sunalliance Insurance Company Ltd v Kosky (2013)
Successfully defended the first ever application for permission to bring committal proceedings for contempt of court under the new CPR 81 in the High Court.

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If you would like to instruct Howard Cohen or would like help or advice in doing so, please call and talk to our excellent clerking team, led by Chief Executive/Director of Clerking, Paul Cray. Our phone number is +44 (0)20 7583 9241. Alternatively, please email us at chambers@farrarsbuilding.co.uk

For more information about our clerking team, please click here for the clerks page.

Appointments & Memberships


  • Appointed Recorder (Crime – South Eastern Circuit) – June 2020
  • Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
  • Personal Injury Bar Association
  • London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association
  • South Eastern Circuit

Education & Qualifications


  • Winner of Wilfred Getz Scholarship, Gray’s Inn
  • BVC, Inns of Court School of Law, London
  • M. Phil (Criminology), Trinity Hall, Cambridge
  • MA Hons, Jurisprudence, St. Catherine’s College, Oxford
  • City of London School for Boys

Directory Quotes


Howard Cohen predominantly acts for defendants in high-value personal injury cases and is well regarded for his expertise in claims arising from railway accidents. His personal injury practice is complemented by his recognised expertise in motor insurance fraud.

“He is very approachable, highly intelligent and able to advocate very effectively at trial.” “Howard’s drafting is excellent. His counter schedules in particular are the perfect base to commence negotiations.” “Howard is an excellent advocate with attention to every detail. He is extremely mindful of clients’ needs.”

“He has a fluent narrative style.” “Howard is meticulous in his approach, and his pleadings are powerful.”

Legal 500 2024 – Leading Junior, Personal Injury

“Howard is incisive, straight forward and a compelling advocate.”

Chambers UK  2023 – Ranked in Personal Injury & Motor Insurance Fraud, Tier 1

“Howard is a genial and capable opponent, who focuses on the material issues in the case and works hard to find solutions to disputes.”

Legal 500, 2023 – Leading Junior, Personal Injury

“Skilled at drafting robust counter schedules and is a pragmatic and skilled negotiator in joint settlement meetings.” “He is absolutely great and adds meaningful value to a case. He is responsive, always available, timely and prompt.”

Chambers UK 2022 – Ranked in Personal Injury & Motor Insurance Fraud, Tier 1

“He’s very prepared, thorough and nimble in the way he thinks things through. He’s excellent on his feet and gets great results.” “A very good and busy insurance fraud practitioner.”

Chambers UK 2021 – Motor Insurance Fraud Tier 1

“He deals with cases very quickly and efficiently.” “A very practical and sensible opponent.”

Chambers UK 2020 – Personal Injury