The Justice Robert Benham Award, named for a member of the Georgia Supreme Court, is an honor that spotlights Georgia judges and lawyers who have made significant contributions to their communities and who demonstrate positive contributions as members of the Georgia State Bar beyond their legal work in the areas of social service, education, faith-based efforts, sports, recreation, fine arts or politics.

“Justice Benham has built a legacy of public service within the legal profession, and it is incredibly moving to learn that you are receiving an award in his name,” Cohilas said. “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award.”

A Georgia native, Cohilas served as the chief assistant district attorney for the Dougherty Judicial Circuit before entering private law practice. He currently serves as a partner at the Albany-based Watson Spence firm, for which he represents clients in matters ranging from catastrophic personal injury and death — and business disputes involving allegations of breach of fiduciary duty and Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act statute violations.

In November 2014, Cohilas was elected chairman of the Dougherty County Commission. During his first term, the Albany/Dougherty community was devastated by two severe storms in January 2017 and by Hurricane Michael in October of 2018.

Throughout his career as chief assistant district attorney, Cohilas prosecuted crimes against women and children and serious violent felonies while supervising other attorneys. He also helped form the first rape and child abuse crisis center in Dougherty County, the Lily Pad Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Center, which has grown over the years into one of the most respected centers in the state of Georgia assisting with sexual abuse investigations.

Known for his time as co-chair of the annual King Day Celebration in Albany, Cohilas was awarded the “Dream Award” in 2013 for his contributions to the community. In 2017, former Gov. Nathan Deal appointed him to serve as a board member of the Georgia Public Defender Council, on which he continues to serve.

Cohilas holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in criminal justice from the University of Georgia, and a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law. He is married to Karen Cohilas. The couple has four children.