Andrew Cohen, local legal pundit, given formal role on 60 Minutes

Andrew Cohen.

Remarkably, Cohen has maintained these relationships over the decade since, and his longevity has been rewarded by his naming as the first-ever legal analyst on the network's crown jewel, 60 Minutes.

Don't expect Cohen to pop up at the end of each episode in the old Andy Rooney slot, grousing about laws that bug him. He may be featured on the air now and again, offering commentary on the subject of a particular segment -- "but I think the foundation for the work will be behind the scenes, helping the producers and correspondents and executives sort through legal issues that come their way, even in stories that aren't necessarily law-related," Cohen says. "I'll be available for sound bites, but I don't think the position contemplates a major on-air role for me. Which is fine, because be able to contribute in any way is obviously an honor."

In the past, 60 Minutes has used legal experts as analysts and sources on a case-by-case basis, "and I think they're going to continue to do that when there's a story that warrants it," he continues. "If I'm not going to be doing it on something, I'll be helping them get the best person."

Cohen will continue to be based in Colorado, although "I'll probably be spending more time in New York and Washington, which will be fun. And I imagine that on big stories, I'll get to travel with producers and correspondents on-site. I see myself as an additional resource the show has."

In the meantime, Cohen will continue to work on a slew of side projects, including regular essays for The Atlantic. But he remains jazzed by the 60 Minutes opportunity. "It's a dream come true," he says. "I feel very fortunate."

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