“I find it rewarding to help people who need improvement in their work situations,” says Arnold Shep Cohen, member of the firm Oxfeld Cohen. “And my overall goal as an employment lawyer is to help to improve the dignity of the workplace whenever possible.”
Cohen has been in practice for more than 35 years and concentrates his practice on private and public sector employment issues, employee benefits, and labor law. For the past 19 years, Cohen has been the host of a weekly radio show called “The World of Work” on WDVR-FM, and he teaches courses at the Rutgers School of Law on arbitration, labor negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution, and has been an adjunct law professor at the university for more than 30 years.
“My whole life revolves around work and work-related issues,” Cohen admits. “My father was a milkman and a member of the Teamsters Union, and I have always been attracted to helping workers make their lives better.”
In one of Cohen’s major cases, IFPTE, Local 195 v. The New Jersey Department of Corrections, he convinced the New Jersey Supreme Court that it should reverse a 140-year common law precedent on the theory of “no work no pay.”
“The decision opened up a whole new area of potential relief for public employees,” notes Cohen. “Prior to this decision, public employees did not have a common-law back-pay remedy when a public employer breached a contractual obligation. The supreme court found this to be an anachronism, and now if a public sector employee is improperly deprived of work, that worker can get pay as a remedy in a legal action. All public employers will now have second thoughts about violating the contractual rights of their employees because they can be hit with back-pay. It is a major victory for public employees statewide.”
Cohen is an officer on the board of trustees of the Botto House and the American Labor Museum, a fellow in the College of Labor and Employment lawyers, is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York, and has six reported decisions with the New Jersey Supreme Court. He is a recipient of the Good Corporate Citizenship Award by the United Negro College Fund and a recipient of the Aberdeen David Award by District 1199J for his contributions to the labor movement. Cohen is married with three children. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for employment law – individuals since 1995.
Insight
Arnold Shep Cohen, Newark "Lawyer of the Year" for Employment Law – Individuals 2017
"My overall goal as an employment lawyer is to help to improve the dignity of the workplace whenever possible."
Related Articles
What Does Workplace Harassment Look Like in 2021?
by Victoria E. Langley
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the U.S. workforce. But has it changed harassment on the job?
IN PARTNERSHIP
The Long, Short, Thick and Thin of It
by Avrohom Gefen
“Appearance discrimination” based on employees’ height and weight is the latest hot-button issue in employment law. Here’s a guide to avoid discrimination.
A Double Dose of Power
by Constance Endelicato
Women in the Legal and Medical Professions Can Work Together to Dismantle Gender Inequality
Racial Discrimination Suit Against NFL May End in Arbitration
by John Ettorre
A former Miami Dolphins head coach is up against the NLF in a discrimination case that is on a path to arbitration; the NFL remains focused on equality for their diverse coaching staff.
Hollywood Union Strike Threat is Playing Out Under Different Environment
by John Ettorre
Workers in Hollywood are threatening to strike if a deal with studios cannot be reached.
WATCH: A Landmark Win for LGBTQ Rights
by Best Lawyers
Two top employment attorneys join the CEO of Best Lawyers to discuss the landmark Supreme Court ruling protecting gay and transgender employees.
Leading the Evolution in Workplace Law
by Best Lawyers
Colin G.M. Gibson discusses workplace safety, issues such as raising the minimum wage, and job-protected leaves.
Q&A with Eduardo Kleinberg of Basham Ringe y Correa
by Best Lawyers
"Law Firm of the Year" interview with Eduardo Kleinberg of Basham Ringe y Correa.
The Fighter From New York
by Justin Smulison
Benedict Morelli discusses recent successes and high-profile casework.
Jamie Gorelick Gets It Right
by Meredith Hinshaw-Chaney
Jamie Gorelick on politics, justice, and the rule of law.
Accessorial Liability in the Fissured Workplace
by Rohen Cullen and Caroline O’Connor
The wilfully blind beware.
Trending Articles
The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.
Best Lawyers Expands Chilean 2024 Awards
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is pleased to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Chile™ and the inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Chile™, honoring the top lawyers and firms conferred on by their Chilean peers.
Best Lawyers Expands 2024 Brazilian Awards
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Brazil™ and the first edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Brazil™.
Announcing The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is excited to announce the landmark 15th edition of The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ for 2024, including the exclusive "Law Firm of the Year" awards.
The Best Lawyers in Mexico Celebrates a Milestone Year
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is excited to announce the 15th edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ and the second edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Mexico™ for 2024.
How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power
by Gregory Sirico
Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.
The Best Lawyers in Portugal™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
The 2024 awards for Portugal include the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Portugal™ and 2nd edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Portugal™.
Presenting The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2025
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is proud to present The Best Lawyers in Australia for 2025, marking the 17th consecutive year of Best Lawyers awards in Australia.
The Best Lawyers in Peru™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is excited to announce the landmark 10th edition of The Best Lawyers in Peru, the prestigious award recognizing the country's lop legal talent.
How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.
Presenting the 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide
by Best Lawyers
The 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide is now live and includes recognitions for all Best Lawyers family law awards. Read below and explore the legal guide.
The Best Lawyers in Colombia™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Colombia™ for 2024, which honors Colombia's most esteemed lawyers and law firms.
Announcing the 2024 Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico™
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is proud to announce the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico™, honoring the top lawyers and firms across the country for 2024.
Canada Makes First Foray Into AI Regulation
by Sara Collin
As Artificial Intelligence continues to rise in use and popularity, many countries are working to ensure proper regulation. Canada has just made its first foray into AI regulation.
