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Robin L. Cohen

Posted On: Dec. 4, 2011 12:00 AM CST

Robin L. Cohen

Partner and Head of the Insurance Recovery Litigation Group
Kasowitz Benson
Torres & Friedman L.L.P.
New York
Age: 49

 

Robin Cohen has been at her current position for 18 months after serving as head of the insurance recovery group at Dickstein Shapiro L.L.P., where she was managing partner of the firm's New York office. An attorney since 1986, Ms. Cohen has spent much of the past several years collecting accolades. Chambers USA, which rates U.S. law firms, named Kasowitz's insurance recovery group the best in the nation this year. Chambers called Ms. Cohen “spectacular and confidence-inspiring” and said she “continues to build on her superb reputation in New York with a growing presence nationally.” The National Law Journal has also named her one of the “50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America.”

 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN ENTERING THIS FIELD?

I think that the best way to succeed in this field is to be proactive. Being someone who is tenacious and forceful, pushing the case forward. Make sure you have the confidence and that you are not afraid to go to trial. That's what you need to show the other side.

 

WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU'VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?

The case is more about winning in the end. You are going to have battles that you will lose (during) the case.

 

DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR EARLY IN YOUR CAREER?

Jerry Oshinsky, a main partner at Anderson Kill Olick & Oshinsky, was instrumental in shaping my career. He recognized very early what my talents were. Even though I was a second-year associate, he tapped into those talents and allowed me to argue in federal and state courts, doing those things that are usually reserved for partners.

 

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB, OUTSIDE OF YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I am pretty much in my dream job. I love what I do. I love being in court. I love arguing before smart judges.

 

OUTSIDE OF FAMILY AND COLLEAGUES, WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE MOST?

I admire Hillary Clinton. She dealt with a lot of adversity and she handled herself with grace. I admire her because she is a very smart attorney and savvy woman. She turned her adversity into success.

 

WHAT'S YOUR CAN'T-MISS TV SHOW?

I can't miss “Mad Men.” I love that show.

 

BEYOND WORK, WHAT ONE THING DO YOU WANT TO DO OR ACCOMPLISH IN LIFE?

I want to be an amazing mother and a supportive mother, and make sure my kids become not only successful but happy.

 

DO YOU USE SOCIAL MEDIA? IF NOT, WHY NOT?

Not really. The reason is I just really don't have the time. I have two kids and my job is really 24/7. When I have free time, I spend it with friends and family.

 

2011 Women to Watch Home