Law + Design = Cogent
Cogent Legal’s team understands the myriad legal and logistical hurdles attorneys face when getting a case ready for trial or in "settlement mode." The team provides highly individualized attention and customized service to meet the needs, time lines and budgets of attorneys on all types of cases. Read some client testimonials.
Morgan C. Smith, Esq., owner: Morgan founded Cogent Legal to build a distinguished firm that specializes in litigation presentations and case consulting. He began his career as a trial attorney in 1993 and was a founding partner at The Arns Law Firm of San Francisco, where he excelled at complex litigation, class actions, personal injury and products liability. As a trial attorney, he enhanced his case presentations by leveraging his passion for art, photography and computer-assisted graphics. Morgan and his partners tried many cases with multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. He also handled over 30 appellate matters in State and Federal court, with numerous amicus briefs before the California Supreme Court. Download CV. Email Morgan.
Non-Attorney Staff______________________________________________________
Dave Nugent, senior producer: Dave is an expert in litigation production, design and consulting. For over 12 years, he has crafted winning litigation media presentations for trial and ADR, ranging from single hardboards to DVD-deliverable interactive programs and videos. Dave’s experience covers all major practice areas, from high-stakes national profile cases to Superior Court matters. Prior to developing his specialty in litigation presentations, Dave worked as an award-winning writer-director-producer of film and video, managing educational, broadcast, documentary, corporate and commercial productions from pre-production through to post-production and delivery. Email Dave.
Jonathan Tolliver, 3D graphic designer: Jonathan's ability to create 3D models benefits from his nine years of experience in the construction trade as a carpenter. He obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of Portland. His education includes significant training in architectural Computer Assisted Design ("CAD"). Jonathan's background in construction and CAD design makes him a qualified expert to provide a foundation of the admissibility of his work. Jonathan can re-create any physical item of any complexity and put it in a format that allows endless use in litigation, from mediation to trial. Download CV. Email Jonathan.
Carin L. Cain, medical illustrator: Carin has an in-depth understanding of anatomy and physiology, cell biology and the life sciences, and 11 years of experience designing graphical materials and conceptual diagrams for lay audiences. Carin's professional and educational background make her a qualified expert to provide a foundation of the admissibility of her work. With a Master’s degree in Biomedical Communications from the University of Toronto, she can easily comprehend technical, scientific and medical content and communicate effectively with professionals from various disciplines such as engineers, attorneys, research scientists and medical experts. Download CV. Email Carin.
Sarah Lavender Smith, communications director: Sarah manages communications for Cogent Legal’s team and assists owner Morgan Smith (her husband) in the areas of client development and administration. Sarah’s professional background is rooted in print journalism and branched out to include magazine feature writing, manuscript editing and blogging. In 2009-10, Sarah and Morgan traveled around the world with their two children and developed a family travel blog that was syndicated by Lonely Planet. In addition to her work for Cogent Legal, Sarah blogs about her twin passions of travel and trail running at The Runner’s Trip. Email Sarah.
Anna Reeser, associate in design and communications: Anna brings graphic design and writing experience to Cogent Legal’s team. She holds BAs in English and Art Practice from UC Berkeley. Anna was Editor-in-Chief of the Cal Literature & Arts Magazine for two years and has also worked at the National Writing Project, where she gained experience in user interface design. Anna’s design and communication aesthetic favors clean compositions that elucidate rather than overshadow content. In addition to her work at Cogent Legal, Anna is an Editorial Intern at Counterpoint Press and maintains an art and writing practice. Her work and blog can be viewed at www.annareeser.com. Email Anna.