Faye Riva Cohen

Faye Riva Cohen has practiced law for more than four decades, earning a reputation for fearless advocacy in complex legal disputes. She focuses on employment and labor law, civil rights and discrimination, estate planning and litigation, real estate matters, and family law. Known for taking on powerful opponents, she has led landmark cases that advanced legal protections for employees and individuals facing systemic injustice.

Faye earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver College of Law in 1972, where she served on the Denver Law Journal as a senior staff member. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota in 1969. Her academic distinction set the tone for her trailblazing legal career and commitment to excellence.

Since founding one of Philadelphia’s earliest woman-owned law firms, Faye has represented clients in civil rights, employment discrimination, and constitutional law. Her notable victories include one of the country’s first age discrimination cases, multimillion-dollar civil rights settlements, and precedent-setting employment litigation. She has also achieved success in estate disputes, disability claims, and Social Security overpayment defenses.

Faye Riva Cohen is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and before the U.S. Supreme Court, multiple U.S. District Courts, and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third and Federal Circuits. She serves on legal panels for Social Security and employment law, and is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association, among others.

A prolific writer and frequent lecturer, Faye has authored over 140 legal articles and founded the Tough Lawyer Lady blog. She is regularly featured in legal media and has been honored with numerous awards, including the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and multiple Pennsylvania Super Lawyer recognitions. Her commitment to justice and unwavering representation continues to impact clients and the legal community alike.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, Law Office of Faye Riva Cohen, P.C.
• Member, Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Information and Referral Service
• Member, Philadelphia Bar Association, Social Security Disability Committee
• Member, National Organization of Social Security Claim Representatives
• Member, National Employment Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• Pennsylvania

Education

• University of Denver College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Minnesota
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges