Harriet Newman Cohen Exemplifies the ‘Three Lives’ of Her Career

At 92, Harriet Newman Cohen remains a prominent figure in New York’s matrimonial courts. She skillfully navigates what she describes as the “three lives” of her career. Her upcoming memoir, Passion and Power: A Life in Three Worlds, set to release on February 5, 2026, details her professional journey and the evolution of marriage, divorce, and the legal landscape.

Early Life and Education

Cohen’s story began with a firm commitment to her education. She entered Barnard College at the young age of 16, earning a degree in Latin and a minor in music by 1952. Following this, she completed a master’s degree at Bryn Mawr College. Although she initially focused on her family life, raising four daughters, significant changes were on the horizon.

Pursuing a Legal Career

After her marriage ended, Cohen made the bold decision to pursue law at 38. Enrolling in Brooklyn Law School, she graduated with a J.D. with honors and contributed to the Law Review. At that time, divorce law was predominantly a male-dominated field, posing challenges for women like her.

Overcoming Gender Barriers

Cohen recalls the gender bias in the profession. Upon entering court, she was often mistaken for a client, while her male counterpart was recognized as the attorney. Her memoir sheds light on the struggles and triumphs faced by women in law during the 1970s.

Impact on Family Law

Cohen’s influence on family law in New York has been profound. She played a vital role in improving equitable distribution laws and child support standards. By the 1980s, she was considered one of New York’s leading matrimonial attorneys, dealing with high-profile cases that defined the industry.

• Notable Cases:
  • Case of a Lifetime: Inspired the HBO documentary series Nuclear Family, involving custody rights for lesbian parents.
  • Contentious Prenuptial Agreement: Revealed the true power dynamics behind the couple and their families.
  • Gray Areas of Marriage: Explored legal ambiguities faced by couples unsure of their marital status.

Continued Growth and Reflection

Despite her extensive career, Cohen still actively practices law and mentors emerging attorneys. She co-founded her current firm, Cohen Stine Kapoor LLP, during the pandemic, adapting to remote working environments seamlessly.

Personal Insights

Cohen shares personal reflections in her memoir, particularly about her first marriage’s dissolution after 21 years. Her second marriage to Dr. Arthur Feinberg renewed her belief in herself, and his passing inspired one of her book’s most poignant sections, titled Kaddish.

A Legacy of Resilience

Throughout her career, Cohen has represented a range of influential clients, remaining dedicated to their narratives. Her approach, blending strategic insight with empathy, allows her to connect deeply with clients. As she continues to work in her nineties, Cohen sees her age not as a hindrance but as an advantage, stating, “I live so many different lives every day.”

With Passion and Power, Cohen provides readers not only with a view into her remarkable life but also a testament to resilience and the ongoing transformations within the judicial landscape. Her experiences underscore that even at a later stage in life, it is possible to reinvent oneself and embrace new challenges.