Austin Wolf to Receive Career Service Award From Greater Bridgeport Bar Association

Bridgeport, CT, April 14, 2008 - Austin K. Wolf, co-founder of Cohen and Wolf, P.C., will be honored with the Career Service Award by the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association (GBBA).

Mr. Wolf, one of Connecticut's leading land use attorneys, will receive the award at the GBBA's Annual Dinner on May 12 at Testo's restaurant in Bridgeport.

"Austin Wolf has been a leader in the Bridgeport legal community for years," said Douglas P. Mahoney, president of the GBBA. "He has grown his firm into one of Bridgeport's finest and is recognized by many as one of the deans of the Connecticut bar for planning and zoning issues. We at the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association could not be happier to bestow our highest honor on Mr. Wolf."

The Career Service Award is presented to that member of the GBBA who exemplifies "the highest standards of the Bar, including excellence in their work, courteousness, honor, and professionalism." In a special proclamation, the GBBA stated to Mr. Wolf:

"Your years of dedication as a leader in the community and in the workplace laid the foundation for an extraordinary and distinguished career as an attorney- at- law and as a model to all of us in the legal profession. You have served our community with great honor and distinction by making numerous contributions that have enhanced the quality of life for all of the area's citizens, not to mention the great enjoyment of the large crowds which have come to witness your wit, insight and commanding oratory at public presentations."

"Austin is a pre-eminent lawyer who is a model to the legal community and his colleagues about how to practice law and comport oneself as a lawyer," said Irving J. Kern, Managing Partner at Cohen and Wolf. "Austin is one of the best lawyers around, not just because he is a brilliant practitioner, advocate, planner and advisor, but also because of his extensive involvement over the years in the community and his dedication to the profession. He mentored a generation of young attorneys, myself included, and continues today to lead and inspire the next generation."

After a stint in the United States Marine Corps during the Second World War, Mr. Wolf returned to continue his education at Yale University and at the Harvard Law School. Mr. Wolf's stature as the "dean of the land use bar" in Connecticut was recognized in 2007 when he was honored with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award by the Connecticut Bar Association's Planning & Zoning Section. The Firm's preeminent land use and zoning practice has made Cohen and Wolf a central player in real estate throughout Fairfield County.

Mr. Wolf, whose career accomplishments span the last six decades, has successfully represented both developers seeking approval for high profile projects and neighborhood groups opposed to development plans. He has played a major role in the revitalization of Bridgeport, helping to make some of Bridgeport's urban renewal projects a reality. Most recently, he was instrumental in gaining approval of the $500 million plan to build five high-rise residential buildings at the former Remington Shaver site at the eastern end of Seaside Park. He successfully represented the Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development in its quest for approval from the Bridgeport land use boards to convert the former Park City Hospital to mixed use housing for the elderly and disabled.

A longtime resident of Fairfield, Mr. Wolf was Chairman of the Fairfield Committee to Review Zoning & Subdivision regulations and Vice- Chairman of the Fairfield Committee to Review the Town Plan of Development. He is a former President of Congregation Rodeph Sholom (1964-66).

Austin Wolf co-founded Cohen and Wolf in 1951 along with Herbert L. Cohen. Cohen and Wolf has grown from its two founding partners into one of Connecticut's leading law firms with more than 50 attorneys and offices in Bridgeport, Danbury, Westport and Orange.

Mr. Wolf's practice covers the areas of land use planning, zoning, wetlands, real estate development, and industrial and commercial leasing. He is admitted to practice in Connecticut; the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut; and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit.

Austin Wolf has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1986. He served on the Board of Editors of the Connecticut Bar Journal and as a Fellow of the Connecticut Bar Foundation. Mr. Wolf is also a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and past member and officer of the American Inns of Court. He received a Certificate of Commendation from the State of Connecticut's Judicial Department, twice. He frequently speaks on real estate- and land use-related topics to both legal and business audiences.

Mr. Wolf received his B.A. in 1948 from Yale University and LL.B., cum laude, in 1951 from Harvard Law School. He is a long-time resident of Fairfield, Connecticut.

The Greater Bridgeport Bar Association, Inc. (GBBA) was established in 1880, one of the oldest, continuously active bar associations in the United States. GBBA membership currently exceeds 700 attorneys and represents a variety of professional areas, including government lawyers, judges, law school faculty, private practitioners and corporate counsel, paralegals and legal administrators. Throughout its history, the GBBA has promoted excellence in the legal profession, defended the interests of its members, and has sought to advance the cause of a society ruled by law.

Cohen and Wolf, P.C. For more than half-a-century, Cohen and Wolf has successfully represented businesses, individuals and municipalities in matters involving litigation, corporate and securities law, real estate, land use and zoning, tax, employment and labor, municipal law, personal injury, family law, estate planning, elder law and asset protection planning. The firm's team of more than 50 experienced lawyers is based in its four Connecticut offices: Bridgeport, Danbury, Westport and Orange. For more information please visit: www.cohenandwolf.com.

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