Sandy

Sandy Cohen (played by Peter Gallagher) – (Seasons 1 – 4): An idealistic public defender who takes in Ryan Atwood in the pilot episode, much to the dismay of his wife, Kirsten. As the seasons progress, he opens up his own private law firm and becomes the CEO of the Newport Group, before returning to the public defender's office. He is the husband of Kirsten, the father of Seth Cohen, and the legal guardian of Ryan Atwood. He is a philanthropist, and although living in upper class and a large house, is right-minded and frequently provides his two sons, and wife, with direction and advice. He has good strong relationships with his wife and sons, although occasionally having trouble, especially in season two. Sandy is a graduate of UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall law school. He is from the Bronx. By the end of the show, he is now a professor at Berkeley.