Is Cohen's consulting legal?

The legality of Michael Cohen's consulting work is complex. According to experts like Ben Shapiro, there are several aspects to consider:

1. Selling Access: Cohen leveraged his close association with Donald Trump to secure lucrative consulting deals with various corporations. While selling access is common in Washington, it could become illegal if Cohen promised specific government actions in return for payments or spent significant time speaking to government officials on behalf of clients without registering as a lobbyist 1.

2. FBI Investigation: Cohen's office was raided by the FBI under a crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege, indicating potential illegal conduct. The seized materials could include evidence of conspiracies against the government, further complicating his legal standing 2.

3. Campaign Expenditures: Cohen's involvement in payments to suppress damaging stories about Trump during the 2016 campaign could be considered campaign expenditures, leading to potential campaign finance violations. The ambiguity surrounding whether these payments qualify as campaign expenses adds to the legal uncertainty 3.

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     1

     Cohen's Lucrative Side Hustle

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     2

     Cohen's Legal Battle

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     3

     Campaign Expenditure Controversy

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In summary, while some of Cohen's actions may appear dubious, their legality is not always clear and hinges on specific details and interpretations of campaign finance law and lobbying regulations.