Free Initial Consultation

(Main Office)

Cohen, Foster & Romine, P.A. is a civil litigation, commercial litigation, medical malpractice and criminal defense firm based in Tampa, Florida. Led by attorney Barry A. Cohen and incorporating the talents of a highly qualified team of legal professionals, CJF has heralded expertise in white collar crime, bank fraud, securities fraud, products and premises liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic personal injury. Cohen, Foster & Romine is committed to providing high-quality, effective legal services to their clients by utilizing the latest in technology, information gathering and in-house professional services. The firm holds an outstanding record of court victories and settlements, including several of the largest monetary recoveries and settlements in the state of Florida and the nation.

Statement of Practice

General Civil and Criminal Trial and Appellate Practice in all state and federal Courts. Personal Injury, White Collar Crime, Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Business Torts, HMO Litigation and Qui Tam Actions.

Rate Information

Free Initial Consultation

Address

Fifth Third Bank Building, Suite 1000
201 East Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33602-5829, (Hillsborough Co.)

Phone

Phone: 813-225-1655; Toll Free: 800-308-8426
Fax: 813-225-1921

Website

http://www.tampalawfirm.com

Office Hours

Monday: 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
Tuesday: 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
Wednesday: 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
Thursday: 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
Friday: 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
Saturday: By Appointment Only
Sunday: By Appointment Only

SENIOR ATTORNEYS

Kevin J. Darken (Senior Attorney) born Bronx, New York, June 24, 1960; admitted to bar, 1986, Massachusetts; 1987, District of Columbia; 1996, Florida, U. S. District Court, Middle, Southern and Northern Districts of Florida and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. Education: Yale University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1982); Harvard University (J.D., cum laude, 1986). Listed, Best Lawyers in America, White Collar Criminal Defense, 2009. Author: "Defending and Preventing Health Care Fraud Cases: An Attorney's Guide," Aspen Publishers (10th ed. 2009); "How to Make Money from False Claims Act Qui Tam Actions Arising From Medical Malpractice Presuit Investigations," Florida Justice Association Journal, July 2009; "Defending Unlicensed Practice of Medicine and Unlicensed Practice of Health Care Professions Prosecutions," Florida Bar Health Law Section Newsletter, July 2009; "Employees Beware of Criminal Sanctions for Unauthorized Access to Computer Information," Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Magazine, April 2002; "Preaching Compliance to Your Physician Clients," Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Magazine, October 2000; "Lessons for Lawyers from the Kickback War," Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Magazine, September 2000; "Understanding The New Federal Health Care Fraud Legislation," Florida Bar Journal, May 1997 and ABA Criminal Justice Magazine, Fall 1997; "Defending Against Allegations of Corporate Criminal Liability Under Bank of New England," Corporate Counsel's Quarterly, July 1993; "Avoiding Liability For Witness Tampering Under 18 U.S.C. 1512: Tips For Criminal Defense Lawyers," ABA Complex Crimes Journal, 1990. Speaker: "Criminal, Civil and Administrative Health Care Fraud Enforcement," Health Care Litigation Issues, Florida Bar Intermediate CLE Course, June 2001; "Criminal and Civil Damages and Amount of Loss," American Bar Association's Annual National Health Care Fraud Institute, May 2002; "Defense Strategies in Health Care Fraud Cases," Prosecution and Defense of Health Care Fraud, Florida Bar Intermediate CLE Course, September 2002; "United States v. Jennifer Barnett: A Case Study of a Successful Lack of Intent Defense in a Medicare Fraud Billing Trial," Georgia Bar's Annual Health Care Fraud Institute, March 2002; "Assistant U.S. Attorney, Middle District of Florida, 1991-1997. Health Care Fraud Coordinator, 1994-1997. Supervised Hillsborough County Joint Bank Fraud Task Force, 1994-1997. Member, Department of Justice National Health Care Fraud Working Group. Recipient, Inspector General's Integrity Award, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Member: Taxpayers Against Fraud Qui Tam Relator Attorney Network. Reported Cases: U.S. v. Gilbert, 136 F.3d 1451 (11th Cir. 1998) (reversing conviction for bankruptcy fraud on statute of limitations grounds); United States v. Bracciale, 374 F.3d 996 (11th Cir. 2004) (reversing fraud sentence based on improper loss calculation); United States v. ex rel. Ben Bane v. Breathe Easy Pulmonary Services, Inc., 2008 WL 4534128 (M.D. Fla. 2008) (denying defendants' motion to dismiss qui tam complaint based on public disclosure bar); United States ex rel. Ben Bane v. Breathe Easy Pulmonary Services, Inc., 2008 WL 4885468 (M.D. Fla. 2008) (denying defendants' motion to dismiss qui tam complaint for lack of particularity); United States v. ex rel. Ferrara v. Rosin, 2007 WL 2412848 (M.D. Fla. 2007) (dismissing counterclaims against qui tam relator). Practice Areas: White Collar Criminal Defense; Health Care Fraud; False Claims Act; Qui Tam Litigation; Whistleblower Litigation; Health Care Litigation; Medical Staff Credentialing; Professional Licensing; Antitrust; Criminal Appeals; Business Crimes; Federal Criminal Law; Fraud; Grand Jury Practice; Medicare and Medicaid; Medicare and Medicaid Fraud and Abuse; Asset Forfeiture and Freezes; Corporate Investigations; Tax Evasion; Computer Crime; Telemarketing Fraud; Civil Monetary Penalties; Securities Fraud; Environmental Crimes.Email: Kevin J. Darken

Michael L. Rubinstein (Senior Attorney) born New York, N.Y., February 21, 1943; admitted to bar, 1968, New York and Alaska; 2006, Florida. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., 1964); Columbia University (LL.B., 1967). Phi Beta Kappa. Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Recipient, U.S. Department of Justice Director's Award. Member: Anchorage and Hillsborough County Bar Associations. Practice Areas: White Collar Criminal Defense; Health Care Fraud; False Claims Act; Qui Tam Litigation; Whistleblower Litigation; Health Care Litigation; Medical Staff Credentialing; Criminal Appeals; Business Crimes; Federal Criminal Law; Fraud; Grand Jury Practice; Medicare and Medicaid; Medicare and Medicaid Fraud and Abuse; Asset Forfeiture and Freezes; Corporate Investigations; Telemarketing Fraud; Civil Monetary Penalties; Securities Fraud; Environmental Crimes.Email: Michael L. Rubinstein

ATTORNEYS

Karen E. Ell (Attorney) born Fairfax, Virginia, 1974; admitted to bar, 2001, Florida; U.S. District Court, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. Education: University of Miami (B.A., 1997); Florida State University College of Law (J.D., 2000). Research Internship, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1997. Karen Ell handles complex tort and commercial litigation matters on behalf of the firm. The majority of Karen's civil litigation practice focuses on representing consumers and those catastrophically injured. She has successfully litigated and resolved cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, premises liability, products liability, contract disputes, and first-party insurance coverage matters.

Karen began her legal career clerking for a respected plaintiff personal injury and medical malpractice firm while attending law school. She then gained invaluable experience defending insurance companies and big business in a variety of tort and contract disputes. Her legal experience includes representing both, the insurer and the insured in cases pertaining to complex aviation, premises, auto/trucking, motorcycle and mass tort cases. Karen has continued to remain involved in all facets of civil litigation, guiding cases from the pre-suit stage through jury trial. She takes great pride in standing up for consumers and obtaining justice for those most in need.

Karen's diverse background includes playing NCAA Division I Tennis, joining the United States Marine Corps, and taking on various leadership roles in national and local charities. She has also provided pro-bono legal services to non-profit groups and donated time to international human rights law projects. Member: Florida Justice Association; American Association for Justice.

Chinwe O. Fossett (Attorney) admitted to bar, 2000, Florida. Education: University of Florida (B.S., Journalism, 1997); Stetson University College of Law (J.D., 2000). Listed, Who's Who Among American Law Students, 2000. Recipient: Best Advocate Award, ABA National Criminal Justice Competition, Chicago, 2000; Best Advocate Award, Chester Bedell Memorial Mock Trial Competition, 2000; International Academy of Trial Lawyer's Award, 2000; Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award, 2000. First Place: ABA National Criminal Justice Competition, Chicago, 2000; Chester Bedell Memorial Mock Trial Competition. Second Place, Phi Alpha Delta Closing Argument Competition, 1999. Member, Stetson University College of Law Trial Team, 1999-2000. Member, Herbert G. Goldburg Criminal Law American Inn of Court, 2006—. Chinwe Okpechi Fossett is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law that is reputed as having one of the top trial advocacy programs in the United States of America. While attending Stetson, Fossett established herself as one of the country's premier student trial attorneys. In light of this, Fossett was twice selected as a member of the Stetson Trial Team and on those occasions, the team was victorious. Fossett won the prestigious Best Advocate Award for the America Bar Association (ABA) National Criminal Justice Competition in Chicago in 2000. Her team also won 1st Place in the ABA, National Criminal Justice Competition, Chicago, 2000. Furthermore, Chinwe's team won 1st Place in the Chester Bedell Memorial Trial Competition. In that competition, Chinwe was again named Best Advocate in the State of Florida. Chinwe was also honored as an outstanding advocate and litigator by being awarded both the International Academy of Trial Lawyer's Award and the Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award in 2000.

Ms. Fossett arrives at CFR by way of the 13th Judicial Circuit where she served as an Assistant State Attorney holding the position of Deputy Chief, Felony Division. Her exceptional trial skills in the courtroom have earned her accolades from judges, attorneys, victims and even defendants. She has professionally handled all the duties of a State prosecutor in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. In Hillsborough, she was promoted to Deputy Chief of a Felony Division where her caseload involved the most serious of charges including first-degree murders, kidnappings, sexual batteries, home invasions, robberies, and drug trafficking cases. She was also a member of the Arson division where she prosecuted several cases. Ms. Fossett's background includes experience with civil litigation, primarily litigating nursing home cases. Fossett has had over 70 jury trials and has enjoyed great success in her cases. Ms. Fossett will be handling cases with both the criminal and civil divisions at Cohen, Foster & Romine.

One of Chinwe's most memorable trials involved two defendants in a drug trafficking case. The opposing attorneys were father and son who consistently tried to intimidate and bully her. They underestimated her skills and in the end she convicted both their clients. Her reputation among attorneys and judges is one of excellence. One prominent Tampa attorney, after watching Fossett in trial, described her closing argument as phenomenal. A judge told Fossett that she "is the best cross examiner he had ever seen." And a now retired judge told Fossett, "It is always a joy to have you in my courtroom." Practice Areas: Criminal Law; Civil Law.

Natalie Khawam (Attorney) admitted to bar, 2006, Florida. Education: Beaver College (B.A., 1998); Temple University (M.B.A., 2002; M.S., 2002); Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 2005). Natalie specializes in Healthcare Law with a strong emphasis in Medicare & Medicaid. Supporting her specialized legal disciplines are graduate degrees including a MS in Healthcare Finance, an MBA in Healthcare and of course, a Law Degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Having worked at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Ms. Khawam posses an insiders view of the Healthcare Industry, and brings a unique perspective and understanding of Medicare reimbursement. Ms. Khawam's extensive background in Healthcare includes: analyzing Medicare & Medicaid fraud cases for The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ); drafting and proposing federal laws and regulations for CMS at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in Washington, DC; hospital administration at Holy Cross Hospital, Washington, DC; clinical research at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; and policy and legislative work for the leading trade association, Medicaid Health Plans of America in Washington, DC.

Natalie understands the nuances of Medicare, Medicaid and third party reimbursement. She brings a unique multi-dimensional perspective and a comprehensive skill set to help resolve any type of complex healthcare matter. Member: American Bar Association; America Health Lawyers Association; American College of Healthcare Executives.

Everett S. Rice (Attorney) born Roanoke, Virginia, September 3, 1944; admitted to bar, 1984, Florida. Education: University of South Florida (B.A., 1975); Stetson University College of Law (J.D., 1984). FBI, National Executive Institute, FDLE, Chief Executive Institute; Kwall and Rice, P.A.; Florida House of Representatives, 2004. Member: Clearwater and St. Petersburg Bar Associations. [Merchant Marine, 1964-1967]. Special Agencies: Served as Pinellas County Sheriff, 4 terms, 1988-2004; State Representative, District 54, 2004-2006; Former President, Florida Sheriffs' Association. Practice Areas: Criminal Law; Civil Practice; Premises Liability; White Collar Criminal Defense.

ASSOCIATE

Rohom Khonsari (Associate) admitted to bar, 2004, Florida. Education: Wake Forest University (B.S.); Tulane University School of Law (J.D.). Mr. Khonsari joined Cohen, Foster & Romine in 2007. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as a prosecutor in Pinellas County for over three years. In the Pinellas County State Attorney's Office, Mr. Khonsari handled and tried a broad range of felony cases. He handled some of the office's more high profile cases, including several DUI manslaughters and a homeless stabbing case. He participated in a specialized DUI manslaughter/vehicular homicide team with the Pinellas County State Attorney's Office and was recognized in 2007 by a local DUI advocacy group as a top prosecutor in Pinellas County in the field of DUI's. In addition, Mr. Khonsari responded to crime scenes and assisted law enforcement in some of their investigations, giving him a unique perspective for how law enforcement and prosecutors developed their cases. He brings this valuable insight and skills in defending a wide range of criminal cases.

Mr. Khonsari comes to the firm with the reputation as an excellent criminal trial attorney. He tried over thirty-five cases as a prosecutor, with twenty felony trials, including a second-degree murder, capital sexual battery, and kidnapping trial. The trial experience and skills he developed while with the State Attorney's Office gives him an innate ability to anticipate positions and actions taken in criminal cases by the government. He has integrated those skills and added insights to his tireless and tenacious defense of criminal matters.

Since joining Cohen, Foster & Romine, Mr. Khonsari has been instrumental in the successful resolution of many cases for clients. This includes being co-counsel for a DUI manslaughter case for a client who before joining the firm was offered seven years in prison. Mr. Khonsari assisted in resolving the case without a felony conviction and without prison time. While developing his own caseload, Mr. Khonsari has proven to be a valuable resource to both clients and the firm overall.

In a recent case, Mr. Khonsari successfully defended his client against elevated charges. In this nationally publicized case involving teen-aged girls and a videotape beating of another girl, the prosecution was seeking severe sanctions including charging them as adults with kidnapping and battery. If convicted under these charges, they would face up to 30 years in prison. Mr. Khonsari stood his ground on behalf of his 14-year-old client and negotiated a far more reasonable Juvenile sanction of probation. Languages: Farsi and English.