Santa Monica, Calif., January 20, 2026 – International law firm Cozen O’Connor today welcomed Brian Faerstein, a former federal prosecutor and trial lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in high-stakes investigations, enforcement matters, and litigation, to its White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice. Faerstein most recently served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and joins Cozen O’Connor as a member, based in the firm’s Santa Monica and Los Angeles offices.
As an assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles — where he most recently served in the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section and previously in the Northern District of California in San Francisco — Faerstein directed complex, high-profile matters under significant public scrutiny. His matters spanned public corruption and civil rights, complex fraud and financial crimes, money laundering, environmental offenses, and other significant federal crimes, often with regulatory and public safety dimensions. Faerstein tried some of the Los Angeles office’s most consequential cases in recent years, including matters involving bribery and corruption at Los Angeles City Hall, law enforcement civil rights violations, and a manslaughter prosecution arising from a catastrophic boat fire off the California coast. He also held coordinator roles managing civil rights matters and sensitive third-party litigation issues.
“As a former federal prosecutor in California, Brian brings a unique, critical perspective to every case,” said Barry Boss, co-chair of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department. “Whether managing an internal report of potential misconduct or a full-blown government investigation, he can help our clients identify persuasive arguments, narrow the scope of inquiries, limit exposure, and negotiate favorable resolutions. He’s a rock-solid addition to our practice and I’m thrilled to welcome him aboard.”
Before entering government service, Faerstein spent a decade at two leading global law firms representing corporations and individuals in complex litigation, internal investigations, and DOJ and SEC enforcement matters. His private practice experience included conducting internal investigations with cross-border and regulatory dimensions, counseling on enforcement risk, and litigating complex disputes for corporate and individual clients, including criminal and civil jury trials.
“As part of one of the world’s largest economies, our California-based clients need and increasingly rely on experienced litigation counsel to guide them through what are often highly complex investigations and legal disputes,” said Duane M. Montgomery, managing partner of the Santa Monica office. “Brian is a dedicated litigator with substantial experience in both civil and criminal matters. He is a tremendous addition, both to our clients and our Santa Monica and Los Angeles offices.”
Faerstein has received recognition for his public service and prosecutorial work from federal agencies and professional organizations; most recently, he and three colleagues were named the 2025 Prosecutors of the Year by the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
“I’m excited to be joining Cozen O’Connor and I’m looking forward to helping Barry and Stephen Miller continue to grow this practice,” Faerstein said. “As part of one of the country’s highly regarded White Collar practices, I can help clients navigate investigations and enforcement matters, manage risk, and keep their businesses on track.”
Faerstein earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and his B.A. in history from the University of Pennsylvania.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 1,000 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 35 offices across two continents.