Career
John Cohen's documented professional career centres on his partnership at Bowman Gilfillan Hayman Godfrey Inc, a law firm based in Johannesburg. His practice is described as general practice, covering corporate, commercial, taxation, real estate and deceased estates law.
The firm traced its origins to Bowman Gilfillan Hayman Godfrey, which was established in 1902. In 1998 it merged with Findlay & Tait, founded in 1885, and John & Kernick, founded in 1923, to form Bowman Gilfillan. The combined firm later developed into the Bowmans group, which is headquartered in Johannesburg and operates offices in several African countries.
During the period when the firm operated under the Bowman Gilfillan Hayman Godfrey name, South African law practices were organized largely around partnerships that combined corporate advisory work with general private practice, including estate administration. Johannesburg was the commercial centre of the country, which made it a natural base for a firm serving business and private clients.
