Temple University Beasley School of Law recently named Attorney Taylor Cohen as an Adjunct Professor for his hard work and dedication in co-teaching Partner Sam Pond‘s workers’ compensation class.
Taylor has been assisting Sam in teaching Workers Compensation & The Practice of The Profession of Law, a course increasing in popularity by the year. “Last Fall, there were 11 students; this year the class grew to 33,” Taylor notes. The course boasts a diverse curriculum that includes foundational knowledge requirements for developing the necessary analytical skills enabling recognition of workers’ compensation issues and defenses, the application of compensation law, and prestigious guest speakers such as major local attorneys and Governor Tom Wolf. Sam and Taylor focus on teaching from a practical standpoint. “Sam has so many years practicing, and that’s all I do,” explains Taylor, “so we teach from practical learning—what a lawyer should do.”
How does it feel to be back at Temple as a teacher as opposed to a student?
It feels awesome. I’m very humbled and honored with the opportunity to be an adjunct professor after graduating only two years ago. Temple University is a great place to be with all the learning and deep thinking—plenty of time to reflect and theorize, instead of always going 100 miles per hour at the Firm.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Interacting with students. We have such a dynamic group of students who are so invested in it—so interested in the material and so interactive. I also love giving back to the legal community. It’s rare that you have a professor like Sam Pond who is so smart and so good at what he does. He’s the top of the mountain—so [the students] get that. But they also get me as a professor—someone who’s newer to this. They get someone they can relate to, someone who was sitting in their seats just two years ago.
With professorship under your belt, what do you envision for the future of your career?
Staying at Pond Lehocky, it would be amazing to have a career similar to any of the Partners at the Firm. I’d also like to continue with teaching the course, and I may teach a course solely focused on trial advocacy or the business of law with Sam and the executive team. I really like doing research, analyzing, and helping to shape the future of the legal community.
Any words of wisdom for those who may follow in your footsteps? For your students?
Something the Partners always say is, “If you love what you do, it’s not a job.” So make sure when you’re looking for a job, find something you enjoy and people you’ll enjoy doing it with.
