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Gerry Farmer Cohen

Adjunct Instructor in the Sanford School of Public Policy
Sanford School of Public Policy

Overview


Gerry Cohen is an adjunct instructor at the Duke Sanford School.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (1971), Juris Doctor (1974), and Master of Arts in Political Science (2004), all from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also received a graduate certificate in Technology and Communications from the then School of Journalism and Mass Communications at UNC-Chapel Hill in 2007.

He was a central staff employee of the North Carolina General Assembly from 1977 to 2014, serving four years as a staff attorney, 31 years as Director of Legislative Drafting, and two years as special counsel. While on legislative staff, in addition to supervisory duties, he was responsible for legislation on election law, local government law, redistricting, amendments to the state constitution, and legislative rules. He also was a registered lobbyist for three years after retiring from the North Carolina legislative staff.

He currently serves on the Wake County Board of Elections, one of five members determining early voting and polling place locations, reviewing absentee ballots, and approving poll workers. Previously he served as a poll worker and special registration commissioner. While a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill he was elected to the Chapel Hill Town Council and served two terms. He also served on the Raleigh Transit Authority.

He has been admitted to the North Carolina State Bar, 1975; Supreme Court of the United States, 1993; Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1995; and the Eastern District of NC 1996.

He received the Ernest F. Ball Award for Excellence in Municipal Law, North Carolina Association of Municipal Attorneys, 2006

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Adjunct Instructor in the Sanford School of Public Policy · 2020 - Present Sanford School of Public Policy

Education, Training & Certifications


University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · 2004 M.A.
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · 1975 J.D.
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · 1971 B.A.