“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?
Changes in California Employment Law for 2025
by Laurie Villanueva
What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond
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
Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore
by Jennifer Verta
This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.
Revealing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria
by Jamilla Tabbara
These honors underscore the reach of the Best Lawyers network and its focus on top legal talent.
Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
by Jamilla Tabbara
The power of effective communication beyond the law.
The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In
by Jennifer Verta
Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.
The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value
by Jamilla Tabbara
Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.
Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing
by Jennifer Verta
How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.
Is Your Law Firm’s Website Driving Clients Away?
by Jamilla Tabbara
Identify key website issues that may be affecting client engagement and retention.
Medical Malpractice Reform Trends in Texas, Utah, Georgia and SC
by Bryan Driscoll
A fresh wave of medical malpractice reform is reshaping the law.
Why Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk Want to 'Delete All IP Law'
by Bryan Driscoll
This Isn’t Just a Debate Over How to Pay Creators. It’s a Direct Challenge to Legal Infrastructure.
Best Lawyers Launches CMO Advisory Board
by Jamilla Tabbara
Strategic counsel from legal marketing’s most experienced voices.
Changes in California Employment Law for 2025
by Laurie Villanueva
What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond
Common Law Firm Landing Page Problems to Address
by Jamilla Tabbara
Identify key issues on law firm landing pages to improve client engagement and conversion.
New Employment Law Recognizes Extraordinary Stress Is Everyday Reality for NY Lawyers
by Bryan Driscoll
