Occasionally something comes along that validates my work at Best Friends at the Bar in such a way that I am compelled to write about it. This is such an event. A young woman lawyer teaches us all an important lesson about how to be honorable when our profession is threatened.
Rachel Cohen, former Skadden associate, has been named 2025 Lawyer of the Year in the Above the Law annual competition. As you may recall, Ms. Cohen resigned from Skadden early in 2025 as a protest to the firm’s capitulation to President Trump’s Executive Order interfering with firm policy and practices.
This distinction is a great honor for any lawyer but particularly for a young lawyer. Ms. Cohen now finds herself in the company of past recipients including Supreme Court Justices and other very distinguished members of the Bar.
Not only has Rachel Cohen shined a light on the power of women lawyers, but she also has demonstrated that young lawyers should not be excluded from the wisdom discussions. Her actions demonstrate that it is not necessary to be a “seasoned” lawyer to understand the difference between right and wrong.
Rachel Cohen understood that difference very well. She was willing to risk what so many lawyers hold to be the dearest — money, position, power — to embrace a decision that rocked the profession and inspired others to follow.
This is truly a feel good moment. At a time when feeling good in our political and legal environment is such an unusual treat.
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