PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Cohen Kinne Valicenti Cook LLP announced that Jaan Rannik has joined the firm as a partner, effective January 1, 2026.

 

Rannik is an experienced civil and commercial litigator who handles a range of disputes, including contractual matters, business torts, real estate disputes, intellectual property issues, and construction litigation.  He has obtained more than $20 million in judgments and awards for his clients.

 

Prior to joining Cohen Kinne, Rannik practiced in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was a partner in the boutique commercial litigation firm Epting & Rannik.  Over the past decade, he has successfully tried cases in state and federal courts in South Carolina and handled arbitrations and appeals across the country.

 

"We feel incredibly fortunate to welcome Jaan to the firm," said Kevin Kinne, partner at Cohen Kinne. "Not only because Jaan is an outstanding attorney, but also because he is a wonderful person who will fit in well with our firm culture and in the community.  We are pleased our clients will have the opportunity to work with another first-class litigator and trial attorney."

 

Rannik brings with him an established client base and will also support Cohen Kinne existing clients in complex litigation and trial matters.

 

Before pursuing a legal career, Rannik was a performing classical guitarist.  He met his wife, Lydia Chernicoff, while attending music conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland.  Lydia grew up in the Berkshires, and the couple has long hoped to make the region their home. 

 

"It's a dream to be living and working in the Berkshires.  I'm thrilled to have joined such an outstanding group at Cohen Kinne, who are great human beings in addition to being great professionals, and look forward to our work together to serve our clients."