Westside Story

As close to September 11th as possible, The Legal Runaround, a 5k race sponsored by the Atlanta Bar to benefit the families of fallen and injured Atlanta police officers, is held at a local park—originally Piedmont, currently Westside. Most of the participants are attorneys and their families, plus the latest class of police recruits. 

“We usually have somewhere between 200 and 250 runners,” says Louis R. Cohan, a business litigator at Cohan & Levy, who has chaired the event for more than 25 years. “First the race, then awards. And last but not least a 50-yard Tot Trot for children. It’s fun, and it fosters a good relationship between the community and the police department.” 

So did it originate in the aftermath of 9/11? “No, it started in the ’80s,” Cohan says. “The Atlanta Police Department was facing criticism for not being able to solve [the Atlanta child murders] crimes faster, and so Charlie Shaffer started this race to support the APD and to let them know that many in the community, including the Atlanta Bar Association, valued and appreciated them.”

Cohan says the event has raised more than $200,000. “I work with a great team that includes the Atlanta Bar staff, the race director, generous sponsors, and volunteers to make this all happen every year.” A big part of his charity work is fundraising. Sponsors include law firms, law firm vendors, law firm clients and others. “We’ve got this great core group, and they come through for the APD every year. Some confirm their donations before I even ask.” 

Cohan’s son-in-law is a Cobb County police officer, but Cohan’s involvement began long before then, because he’s long thought that the men and women in blue are underpaid and underappreciated. “Police officers are among a small group of people who run in when the rest of us are running away,” he says.

During race days, along with prizes, there are snacks—including the official pastry of the police. “Yes, we have donuts,” Cohan says. “We definitely have donuts.”