Alan Kenneth Cotler, Civil Rights Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Class Action, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratReed Smith LLP
Philadelphia, PA
Practicing civil rights in Philadelphia since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Alan Kenneth Cotler?
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Quick answer
Alan Kenneth Cotler is a partner based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Class Action, and General. Alan has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reed Smith LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Philadelphia, PA
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Class Action · General
- Handles Civil Rights, Class Action, and General matters from Philadelphia, PA.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Alan Kenneth Cotler: Alan Kenneth Cotler is a partner based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Class Action, and General. Alan has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reed Smith LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Alan takes on
Alan concentrates on civil rights, class action, general, government, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Alan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Class Action
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General
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Government
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Health Care
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Securities
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Business
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Civil Rights cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alan takes civil rights matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alan agrees to represent you.
Class Action cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alan takes class action matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alan agrees to represent you.
General cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alan takes general matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alan agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alan takes government matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alan agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alan takes health care matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Alan Kenneth Cotler — civil rights lawyer in Philadelphia
Alan Kenneth Cotler is a partner based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Class Action, and General. Alan has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reed Smith LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Alan Kenneth Cotler is a lawyer practicing administrative law, civil rights, health care and 10 other areas of law. Alan received a B.S. degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1972, and has been licensed for 49 years. Alan practices at Reed Smith LLP in Philadelphia, PA.
Working with Alan on a civil rights matter
Alan Kenneth Cotler is a lawyer practicing administrative law, civil rights, health care and 10 other areas of law. Alan received a B.S. degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1972, and has been licensed for 49 years. Alan practices at Reed Smith LLP in Philadelphia, PA.
Who Alan represents
Alan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, class action, and general matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. · 1977
University of Pennsylvania
B.S. Economics · 1972
Jurisdictions
Alan's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1979 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1978 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1977 · ACTIVE
Alan studied at J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.S. Economics in University of Pennsylvania.
Law school and academic background
Alan completed J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.S. Economics in University of Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Alan runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Alan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Alan Kenneth Cotler's office in Philadelphia
Alan's primary office is at 1717 Arch St., Ste. 3100, Philadelphia, PA, 19103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Alan Kenneth Cotler — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Alan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Philadelphia.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Alan Kenneth Cotler claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Alan Kenneth Cotler — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Alan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Alan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alan's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Alan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Alan
Alan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Alan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Alan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Alan Kenneth Cotler
How much does it cost to hire Alan for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Alan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Alan offer a free consultation?
Alan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alan's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Alan's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Alan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Alan take my case if I'm outside Philadelphia?
Alan is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Alan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Alan?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Alan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Alan accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Alan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania
Alan handles civil rights matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in Pennsylvania
If Alan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Philadelphia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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