Gill Cochran

In Memory of Gill Cochran

Although Gill Cochran passed away after a long and distinguished career, his legacy remains at the heart of Cochran & Chhabra, LLC. Having retired from active practice in 2018, Gill entrusted the future of the firm to his longtime colleague and mentee, Mandeep Chhabra, ensuring that the principles, dedication, and advocacy that defined his career continue to guide our work today.

A Legacy of Excellence

Gill was widely respected as one of Maryland’s foremost trial attorneys. Over decades of practice, he helped shape significant case law and mentored countless lawyers, leaving an indelible mark on the legal profession. Most notably, in Brosan v. Cochran (307 Md. 662, 1986), he established the First and Fourth Amendment rights of an attorney to administer a breath test prior to a police-administered test—a landmark decision that continues to influence the practice of law.

Beyond his courtroom achievements, Gill received recognition as a Leading Attorney by What’s Up Magazine and contributed to the profession through writing and teaching. He co-authored Nuts & Bolts: The DUI/DWI Case in the Trial Reporter (2011), collaborating with Mandeep Chhabra to share trial tactics and practical insights with fellow attorneys.

A Life of Character and Compassion

Gill’s life experiences deeply shaped his practice. A Vietnam veteran who served as a rifle platoon leader, he carried with him the discipline and perspective gained in combat. A recovering alcoholic, Gill openly shared his journey, believing it gave him a greater understanding of his clients’ struggles and allowed him to connect with them on a human level.

Known for his humor and warmth, Gill was also an amateur magician. He often greeted clients with a magic trick—not just to ease their nerves, but as a reminder that both magic and trial work require thousands of repetitions to be done well. His philosophy of preparation and precision carried into every case he tried.

Active in the Community

Gill was an active member of the legal and local communities alike. He held memberships in the Maryland State Bar Association, the Anne Arundel County Bar Association, the Maryland Association for Justice, the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Outside the courtroom, Gill enjoyed life on the Chesapeake Bay. He and his wife, Eileen, along with their cat Dusty and dog Lilly, were fixtures in the Annapolis sailing community. Gill regularly sailed his Hershoff Sloop in the Annapolis Yacht Club Regatta Series, often with Lilly by his side.

His Enduring Legacy

Though he is no longer with us, Gill’s influence remains woven into the foundation of Cochran & Chhabra, LLC. His commitment to excellence, compassion for clients, and mentorship of younger attorneys continue to inspire how we practice law today. Under the leadership of Mandeep Chhabra, Gill’s legacy of zealous advocacy and personal integrity lives on in every case we handle.