Debbie Cohen

PRO

Debbie Cohen

also known as Deborah Cohen

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Northbrook, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Domestic Violence, Family ... +2 more

1363 Shermer Road, Suite 228, Northbrook, IL

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Debbie

Biography

For first-rate, personalized, tough but compassionate representation. Former Prosecutor with over 25 years of experience. Free consultation.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

Child Support/Custody | Divorce | Legal Separation | Orders of Protection | Spousal Maintenance | Post-Decree | Modification Orders | Litigation

50%
Child Custody 15%

15%
Domestic Violence 15%

15%
Family 15%

15%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2023 2022
...
+ 2

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 25 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2000

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Cohen Law

1363 Shermer Road, Suite 228, Northbrook, IL, 60062

cohenfamilylawyer.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Debbie online.

Debbie Cohen's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

49 Client Reviews

5 star (49)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Helen | November 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Divorce Attorney

After thoroughly researching possible divorce attorneys to engage, I chose Ms. Debbie Cohen. I found her to be extremely knowledgeable regarding the Illinois divorce laws and at the same time, kind and compassionate during one of the most difficult life events one can encounter. She was easily rela...table and not at all arrogant as I found some of the attorneys I consulted with. In addition, she has a wonderfully competent and attentive supporting staff. If you are in need of a family law attorney, I highly recommend setting up a free consultation with Ms. Cohen.

Posted by Juana | November 3, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Family Law

I have had the pleasure of being represented by the most amazing Family Law Attorney, Debbie Cohen. What began as a wrongful accusation by the other parent—an attempt to avoid responsibility for our children—caused me emotional distress and put my character in jeopardy. Thanks to Debbie’s dedicati...on, professionalism, and focus on the facts, the situation turned around completely. She fought to ensure that what is rightfully ours was secured and that the other parent was held accountable for the harm caused. I am pleased to say that justice was served—the other parent now has a warrant for his arrest for failure to pay child support and has been held in contempt of court. Although it was a stressful process, Debbie handled everything with care and confidence every step of the way. I would recommend her services over and over again.

Posted by Richard | October 6, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Debbie seems to impress everyone with her knowledge and professionalism.

Before starting to write my review for Debbie Cohen I looked at the reviews others had left previously. What is astounding is how others have already used the same words that I was going to use to describe her: Knowledgeable and Professional. I'll add another word: Intelligent. In my recent meeting w...ith Debbie she impressed me with her knowledge, professionalism and intelligence. She was very helpful to my situation and possibly even more importantly, her guidance and emotional intelligence was calming and reassuring in what can be a very stressful time.

Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Debbie helped me through one of my most difficult life events.

I worked with Debbie for a prolonged period of time on my case. Debbie was very responsive in all of our communications, both written and verbal. She would offer her suggestions on how we could move forward in the case, but was also open to ideas and ultimately to how I wanted to move forward while... discussing pros/cons. I appreciated that Debbie wanted to resolve the case as quickly as we could and she was aware of the financial implications for her client.

Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great job navigating a complex system

I hired Debbie for what should have been a relatively straightforward agreed order. While the court system itself was unnecessarily complicated Debbie did a good job navigating and being conscious of costs too.

See All Client Reviews

Debbie Cohen's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Debbie
Geoffrey R. Gist headshot
Geoffrey Gist

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I first met Deb during a civil litigation matter, wherein we represented the same client as both plaintiff and counter-defendant. I was immediately impressed by her direct, no-nonsense communication style, great sense of humor, and her relentless tenacity/creativity in formulating litigation and settlement strategies. Following the successful resolution of that matter, we developed a close professional and personal relationship. I have referred many criminal defense litigation matters to Deb over the years, and in each and every case without exception, Deb secured a victorious acquittal or pre-trial dismissal with prejudice. Each client thanked me profusely for Deb’s referral, and waxed on effusively about her compassion, commitment and performance. One client in particular told me how Deb’s dismissal of his felony charges changed his life – that he graduated from college and has a fulltime job with the State of Illinois."

Jorie Kendra Johnson headshot
Jorie Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Debbie is a passionate and zealous advocate for her clients, taking the time to do whatever research is needed on a case and utilizing her excellent litigation skills where appropriate. In sum, a fantastic attorney!"

Martin Samuel Lascola headshot
Martin Lascola

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Debbie is a fantastic lawyer. We started out together in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office handling various criminal prosecutions and gained immeasurable experience doing so. As a private attorney, she has the litigation skills and demeanor that makes her a very effective Defense Counsel. She is a fierce advocate for her client and achieves excellent results. I highly endorse her."

Catherine Rose McAteer headshot
Catherine McAteer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I’ve known Debbie Cohen for many years now as my fellow attorney. She has an enviable reputation in the legal community for professionalism, expertise, and compassion for her clients. I have always found her to be scrupulous and well-prepared. With her years of experience as a prosecutor and a private criminal defense attorney, you cannot go wrong with hiring her. I would also feel confident having her represent me in a family law matter, because I know how capable she is, but more importantly I know she has the life experience and empathy to understand what parties are going through during a divorce and or custody battle. As someone who has been through a protracted family law matter myself, I can speak to the importance of kindness and patience in an attorney representing you during a difficult time. Debbie Cohen is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend her."

Andy Sotiropoulos headshot
Andy Sotiropoulos

Unknown lawyer | Dec 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Phenomenal trial attorney. One of the toughest prosecutors I ever tried a case against. Razor sharp, great trial skills, unrelenting. I have gotten to know Debbie as a member of the defense bar as well and she is one of the most respected attorneys in the Chicagoland area amongst her peers and judges. Honest, trustworthy, dependable, kind and considerate. A consumate professional. I would have no qualms hiring Debbie if I ever needed representation. An absolute credit to the Illinois defense bar and a wonderful human being."

Paul F. Serkland headshot
Paul Serkland

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Deborah and I worked together as prosecutors in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. She is a hard working professional that fights for for her clients. I endorse this lawyer for any DUI or criminal defense matter."

Steven H. Fagan headshot
Steven Fagan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Deborah since law school, and butted heads with her when she worked for the Cook County State's Attorney. She is professional and thorough, and I'm pleased to recommend her work as an attorney."

Paul A O'Grady headshot
Paul O'Grady

Criminal defense lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked with Deborah at The Cook County State's Attorney's Office and know her to be an excellent trial attorney."

Tatiana Dominika Czaplicki headshot
Tatiana Czaplicki

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Cohen and I met while working at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. While we have both gone out separate ways from that position, continue to work together and rely on one another as a source of information and collaborative work within the law. Ms. Cohen is an experienced, ethical and conscientious attorney who fights with zeal for her clients and has a strong presence in the courtroom. Most notably, Ms. Cohen shows genuine interest in treating all clients, attorneys, and others with whom she has contact with, with respect and dignity. Something overlooked in our profession these days. I would not hesitate to refer a client to Ms. Cohen."

View All Endorsements
Jorie Kendra Johnson headshot
Jorie Johnson

Expungement lawyer

Alexander Benjamin Blum headshot
Alexander Blum

Criminal defense lawyer

Andy Sotiropoulos headshot
Andy Sotiropoulos

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven H. Fagan headshot
Steven Fagan

DUI and DWI lawyer

Paul A O'Grady headshot
Paul O'Grady

Government lawyer

Tatiana Dominika Czaplicki headshot
Tatiana Czaplicki

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

1999

Best Trial Advocate, William Daniel’s Competition

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Lawyer, Cohen Law

2013 - 2018

Investigator, Cook County Inspector General's Office

2009 - 2013

Assistant Special Prosecutor, Cook County Special Prosecutor

2007 - 2013

President, Cohen Law

2006 - 2007

Litigation Associate, Schain Burney Ross and Citron

2000 - 2004

Assistant State's Attorney, Cook County State's Attorney's Office

Associations

Chicago Bar Association

2020 - 2021

Chicago Bar Association, Domestic Relations

Board Member

2012 - 2013

Northwest Suburban Bar Association

Board Member

2012 - 2020

Forrest Powell Foundation

Board Member

2011 - 2013

Illinois Association of Criminal Defense

Board Member

2010 - 2013

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

2008 - 2013

Illinois State Bar Association

2007 - 2013

Women's Criminal Defense Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People vs. Minor

Deferred prosecution = Dismissal of All Charges

People v. A.T.

All charges dismissed against my client.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

University of Wisconsin, Madison

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution