Overview
John Cohn develops and implements tax-efficient international business structures for multinational corporations, national oil companies, small businesses and individuals, giving clients practical solutions to complicated tax and structuring issues. Based in Dallas, he advises on international expansion, inbound investment and cross-border transactions.
John counsels U.S. entities expanding their businesses internationally and guides foreign companies and individuals doing business in the U.S. In the energy sector, he negotiates international energy acquisitions and dispositions and provides tax and transactional counsel on energy projects in Latin America, Africa and Asia.
John is highly regarded for his ability to identify the significant aspects of a complex situation and present them in an accessible manner. That clarity helps clients understand their options and make informed decisions on cross-border tax and structuring matters.
Representative Experience
- Counseling and tax planning for a foreign oil and gas company's acquisition of a U.S. refinery
- Counseling, structuring and tax planning for global oil and gas acquisitions and operations
- Advising foreign oil and gas companies on U.S. oil and gas joint ventures
- Negotiating the acquisition of an offshore Nigerian exploration and production (E&P) interest and related joint operating agreement
- Reorganizing a multinational drilling corporation, involving the creation of a publicly held foreign parent and related international tax planning
- Negotiating multiple transactions involving West African oil and gas interests
- Structuring of cross-border tax aspects of Canadian income trusts
Credentials
- Queen Mary University of London, LL.M.
- The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., with high honors
- The University of Texas at Austin, B.B.A., with highest honors
- New York
- Texas
- New York State Bar Association, Tax Section, 2005-Present; International Law Section, 2005-Present
- Dallas Bar Association, Tax Section, 1989-Present; International Law Section, 1991-Present; Pro Bono Activities Committee, 2013-Present
- State Bar of Texas, Tax Section, 1989-Present; International Tax Committee, 1991-Present
- American Bar Association, Tax Section, 1989-2020; International Law Section, 1991-2020
- Association of International Petroleum Negotiators
- International Bar Association, Taxation Section
- Dallas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Dallas Symphony Association, Board of Governors, 2002-Present; Executive Committee, 2014-Present; Nominating and Governance Committee, 2013-Present; Audit & Ethics Committee, 2006-2014; Finance Committee, 2002-2006; Planned Giving Council, 2004-2006
- AT&T Performing Arts Center, Board Member, 2011–2019; Programming Committee, 2012–2020; Community Engagement Committee, 2014–2016; Finance Committee, 2012–2014
- Dallas Jewish Community Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2015-Present
- Dallas Historical Society, Fellow and Trustee, 2007-2013; Finance Committee, 2007-2013; Collections Committee, 2010-2013
- Housing Crisis Center Inc., Volunteer Attorney, 1991-Present; Board of Directors, 1994-2002; President, 2000-2001; Vice President, 1996-1999; Underwriting Co-Chair, 1997
- The Best Lawyers in America guide, Tax Law, 2007-2026
- Holland & Knight Pro Bono All Star, 2021
- The Legal 500 USA, Industry Focus: Energy: Transactions; Tax: International Tax; Tax: U.S. Taxes: Non-Contentious, 2015-2016, 2019-2020
- Chambers USA – America's Leading Business Lawyers guide, Tax Law, 2007-2009, 2019
- Texas Super Lawyers magazine, Tax, International, 2006-2019
- Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, Tax: General, 2017
- Recommended Lawyer, Tax Directors Handbook: The Essential Guide to the World's Premier Tax Law Firms, 2014
- Margaret Wagers Enduring Service Award, Housing Crisis Center Inc., 2002
- Volunteer of Year Award, Volunteer Center of Dallas, 2000
- Volunteer of the Year, Housing Crisis Center Inc., 1994-1995