Practice areas: Family Law; view more
Licensed in Illinois since: 2000
Education: Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026 Call today:
312-801-9407
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Free Consultation Cohen Law
1363 Shermer RdSuite 228
Northbrook, IL 60062 Visit website
Deborah Susan Cohen is a dedicated legal professional based in Chicago, focusing on family law matters, including prenuptial agreements, legal separation, divorce, domestic violence, child support, custody and spousal maintenance. Functioning as the attorney at law at Cohen Law LLC, based in Northbrook, Illinois, she focuses her practice primarily in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
With a solid foundation as a former Assistant State's Attorney and defense attorney, Ms. Cohen possesses a profound understanding of the legal system, having both prosecuted and defended numerous cases. Her background as an investigator for the Inspector General further honed her analytical abilities, investigating serious issues such as contract fraud and harassment.
Raised in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Ms. Cohen's academic journey began at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she concentrated on communication science and rhetorical studies. She later attended Chicago-Kent College of Law, where her remarkable skills earned her a spot on the elite trial team and the title of "Best Trial Advocate" at a competition in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ms. Cohen’s career at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office saw her handling a wide range of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to high-profile felonies. This experience was invaluable as she transitioned to private practice, initially focusing on criminal defense, then extending it to family law after witnessing the challenges faced by those close to her during their legal disputes in family matters.
Today, Ms. Cohen leverages her extensive legal background and empathetic nature to advocate fervently for her clients. She is particularly noted for her meticulous preparation, persuasive communication skills, and her innate ability to understand and connect with people. These qualities make her a formidable presence in the courtroom and a compassionate ally in negotiations.
Ms. Cohen is committed to ensuring fairness and due process, understanding the profound impact legal issues can have on individuals and families. She is a member in good standing with the Illinois State Bar and is admitted to practice law before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Practice areas
Family LawFocus areas
Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Father's Rights, Marital Property, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Name Change, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 100% Family Law
First Admitted: 2000, Illinois
Professional Webpage: https://cohenfamilylawyer.com/about/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Northwest Suburban Bar Association, 2024
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- Member in Good Standing, Illinois State Bar, 2026
- Chicago Bar Association, 2025
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Successfully defended Respondent in heavily contested Order of Protection matter, resulting in the Judge denying/dismissing the Petitioner's feigned request for an Order of Protection. , 2023
- Represented husband who desired to amicably resolve divorce with wife. Successfully settled the matter amicably within a few months. , 2024
- Represented wife in a contested divorce. Wife had been a stay-at-home mom when dad filed for divorce, moved in with his girlfriend, and demanded wife obtain immediate employment and sell and move out of the marital house. Settled matter with husband making guaranteed maintenance payments (non-modifiable for x amount of time) and child support payments to my client and obtaining an equitable share of the marital estate to my client. , 2024
- Represented Petitioner in an Order of Protection Matter, where her ex-boyfriend was stalking and harassing client. Successfully obtained a 2 year Order of Protection., 2023
- Represented client in child custody situation involving multiple jurisdictions falling under the UCCJEA. Successfully obtained a finding of Illinois jurisdiction for client and child. , 2022
Representative Clients
- Successfully represented a client where opposing party filed a relocation matter and move my client's eight (8) year old child to Florida. , 2023
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Certified Mediator, CCR, 2022
- Licensed Real Estate Broker, 2017
- Certified Inspector General Investigator, 2016
- Certified Cook County Arbitrator, 2007
- Northern District of Illinois, 2003
Pro bono / Community Service
- Dedicate at least 10% of time to Pro-Bono matters., 2023
Educational Background
- Graduated University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1996
These comments were made by fellow attorneys during the annual nomination process.
“Very Skilled attorney both in the courtroom and out. Exceptional at litigation and negotiation.”
“Attorney Cohen is an amazing family law attorney. She is a skilled litigator but has compassion for her clients.”
“An amazing compationate attorney specializing in Family Law”
“Exceptional matrimonial attorney. Even better human being. One of the finest litigators I’ve ever encountered. Ethically unrivaled.”
“I referred a family law matter to Debbie and she did an excellent job of handling. First Rate!”
“I have known Debbie since her days as an assistant states attorney in the fourth municipal district courthouse of cook county (maywood, Illinois) where I tried several cases against her as a criminal defense attorney. I can unequivocally state that Debbie was the most prepared, professional and competent of all states attorneys I encountered in the early to mid 2000's in that courtroom. Outstanding cross examiner, impeccable knowledge of the facts of each case, and the utmost professional in terms of demeanor and interaction with defense attorneys. As a private practitioner, she has transitioned into the matrimonial field and enjoys a stellar reputation amongst her peers. I do not hesitate to refer any matrimonial case that may come across my office and every client my office has referred has come away fully satisfied with her effort, performance and professionalism. I highly recommend this attorney as a Super Lawyer candidate. Absolutely outsatnding.”
Office location for Deborah Susan Cohen
1363 Shermer Rd
Suite 228
Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 312-801-9407
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026
