Allyson T. Cohen focuses her practice on municipal law, land use, and zoning matters, representing municipalities, property owners and applicants in navigating the legal issues surrounding land development and property use.

With experience in municipal litigation, zoning disputes and land use appeals, Allyson assists clients with matters involving zoning hearing boards, code violations, variances, conditional use applications and special exceptions.

For Allyson, the appeal of land use and zoning law lies in its direct impact on people’s everyday lives. Whether advising a municipality on a zoning matter or guiding a property owner through the process of constructing an accessory dwelling unit, she appreciates the opportunity to use her legal knowledge to help shape the communities where people live and work.

Originally from Merrick, New York, her interest in land use began during her undergraduate studies, when she developed a fascination with agriculture, farming practices and the relationship between land and public policy. That interest led her to earn a master’s degree in Food and Agriculture Law and Policy before pursuing her law degree at Vermont Law and Graduate School.

Prior to joining Gawthrop Greenwood, Allyson practiced municipal law, land use, zoning, and civil litigation at a Chester County law firm where her experience includes drafting motions, pleadings and other litigation documents, as well as working on matters involving Pennsylvania’s Municipalities Planning Code and other laws governing local government operations.

During law school, Allyson served as a staff editor of the Vermont Law Review and Vermont Journal of Environmental Law, participated in the National Moot Court Competition Team, served on the Moot Court Advisory Board, and was president of the Jewish Law Student Association. She also received the Academic Advancement Award and was recognized as Best Oralist in the Debevoise Moot Court Competition.

Allyson’s legal experience also includes internships with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and the Rutland County State’s Attorney’s Office in Vermont, as well as work with the South Royalton Legal Clinic.

A resident of Chester Springs, Allyson enjoys running and playing pickleball. An avid equestrian, she especially enjoys exploring the area’s riding trails on horseback.